Home" What is an Employment 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) concerns to particular certifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Many individuals refer to the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.

The EAD card contains a photo of the private licensed to work and might consist of the person's finger print. A foreign national who has an EAD usually has open-market employment permission, however there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 file for companies.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is only legitimate till it's expiration date. Depending upon the person's immigration status, USCIS typically problems cards for a two-year duration or less. However, particular EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories may be instantly extended beyond the credibility date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are essentially two different types of nonimmigrants who may be eligible to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to work in the United States based on their immigration status. Although they are already licensed to work, they might need proof of that advantage. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but require to ask for special approval to accept employment. Examples include modification of status candidates, DACA, asylum candidates, and specific students.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent locals (green card holders) do not require a Work Authorization Document. The green card is evidence of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be utilized with a particular 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 ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In many cases, the preliminary ask for work permission must be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate needs to include the following items for an initial demand:

- Form I-765

USCIS costs

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style images

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. Simply put, candidates need to submit other particular supporting documents depending upon the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain preliminary I-765 requests get submitted with the primary application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can trigger pricey hold-ups or a denial.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service likewise get personalized filing instructions. The filing instructions will be based upon your specific situation and will explain precisely what files to send with Form I-765.

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Renewal

You may restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work permission. File a brand-new Form I-765 and choose the "renewal" option. Generally, you should not submit for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest EAD ends.

Replacement

You might replace your Employment Authorization Document if your most current EAD is lost, taken or ruined. File a new Form I-765 and pick the "replacement" choice. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS sent by mail, you can send a query on non-delivery of a card.