Home" What is a Work Authorization Document (Form I-766)?

What is an Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766)?

May 9, 2021

A Work Authorization Document (EAD) is an identification card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) problems to specific certifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Lots of people describe the card as a work authorization. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is referred to as Form I-766.

The EAD card contains a picture of the private authorized to work and may include the person's fingerprint. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD usually has open-market employment permission, however there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 document for employers.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, a Work Authorization Card is just legitimate till it's expiration date. Depending on the person's migration status, USCIS typically issues cards for a two-year duration or less. However, specific EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories might be instantly extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are fundamentally two different types of nonimmigrants who might be eligible to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to operate in the United States based on their immigration status. Although they are already licensed to work, they might require proof of that opportunity. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however require to request special authorization to accept work. Examples consist of change of status candidates, DACA, asylum seekers, and particular students.

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Permanent residents (permit holders) do not need a Work Authorization Document. The permit is proof of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be employed with a specific company do not require an EAD. Examples of nonimmigrants with this status include H-1B and TN visa.

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How to Request an EAD

Foreign nationals who are qualified for a Work Authorization Document might request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In many cases, the initial ask for work permission should be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate ought to consist of the following items for an initial demand:

- Form I-765

USCIS fees

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style pictures

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. Simply put, applicants should submit other specific supporting documents depending upon the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain preliminary I-765 requests get submitted with the primary application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can cause pricey delays or a denial.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also receive personalized filing instructions. The filing guidelines will be based upon your specific situation and will describe exactly what files to send out with Form I-765.

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Renewal

You may renew your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work authorization. File a new Form I-765 and select the "renewal" choice. Generally, you ought to not submit for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your newest EAD ends.

Replacement

You might replace your Employment Authorization Document if your most recent EAD is lost, taken or damaged. File a new Form I-765 and choose the "replacement" option. If you did not receive an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can send an inquiry on non-delivery of a card.