The C08 code is a specific category found on an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It signifies that the individual holding the EAD has a pending application for asylum in the United States.
Understanding the C08 Code
When an individual applies for asylum, they may also be eligible to apply for an Employment Authorization Document, commonly known as a work permit. The C08 category is assigned to this EAD to indicate the specific basis for its issuance: a pending asylum claim.
Key aspects of the C08 code include:
- Employment Authorization: It allows the individual to legally work in the United States while their asylum application is under review.
- Pending Asylum Application: The core meaning of the C08 code is that the individual has submitted Form I-589, Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal, and USCIS is currently processing it.
Key Documents Related to C08 Status
Individuals granted an EAD with a C08 category will have interacted with specific USCIS forms and notices:
- Form I-589, Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal: This is the fundamental application submitted by an individual seeking asylum in the United States. It outlines their claim for protection. You can find more information about this form on the official USCIS website for Form I-589.
- Form I-797C, Notice of Action: Upon submitting Form I-589, USCIS issues a Form I-797C, which is a Notice of Action. This document confirms that USCIS has received the individual's application for asylum and withholding of removal. It serves as official proof that the application process has begun.
Who Receives a C08 EAD?
Individuals who have applied for asylum and are awaiting a decision on their application may be eligible for an EAD with a C08 category. This authorization is crucial as it allows them to maintain financial stability and integrate into society while their complex asylum claims are being processed, which can often take a significant amount of time.
In summary, the C08 code is a vital indicator on an Employment Authorization Document, confirming that the holder has a pending asylum application with USCIS.
