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

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

May 9, 2021

An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is an identification card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) concerns to particular certifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Lots of people refer to the card as a work authorization. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is understood as Form I-766.

The EAD card contains a photo of the private authorized to work and might include the individual's finger print. A foreign national who has an EAD usually has open-market employment authorization, 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 until it's expiration date. Depending upon the person's immigration status, USCIS usually problems cards for a two-year duration or less. However, certain EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications may be automatically extended beyond the credibility date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are fundamentally two various kinds of nonimmigrants who may be eligible to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to work in the United States based on their immigration status. Although they are already licensed to work, they might require proof of that privilege. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however require to ask for unique consent to accept employment. Examples include change of status applicants, DACA, asylum applicants, and certain students.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent citizens (permit holders) do not need a Work Authorization Document. The permit is evidence of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be used with a specific company do not need 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 an Employment Authorization Document might request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In many cases, the initial ask for work authorization should be sent with the application for the underlying status.

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

- Form I-765

USCIS costs

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style pictures

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. Simply put, applicants must send other specific supporting documents depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain preliminary I-765 demands get sent with the main application.

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

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service likewise receive personalized filing directions. The filing instructions will be based on your particular scenario and will explain exactly what files to send with Form I-765.

RECOMMENDED: How to Get a U.S. Work Permit

Renewal

You may renew your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work permission. File a brand-new Form I-765 and select the "renewal" choice. Generally, you ought to not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most recent EAD expires.

Replacement

You may change your Employment Authorization Document if your newest EAD is lost, stolen or ruined. File a new Form I-765 and select the "replacement" alternative. If you did not receive an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can send a query on non-delivery of a card.