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) problems to particular qualifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Many individuals describe the card as a work license. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is known as Form I-766.

The EAD card consists of a picture of the specific licensed to work and may include the person's fingerprint. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD normally 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, an Employment Authorization Card is just legitimate till it's expiration date. Depending on the person's immigration status, USCIS usually problems cards for a two-year period or less. However, specific EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories may be immediately extended beyond the credibility date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are basically 2 different kinds of nonimmigrants who may 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 currently authorized to work, they may need evidence of that privilege. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to ask for special permission to accept work. Examples consist of adjustment of status candidates, DACA, asylum candidates, and particular students.

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Permanent residents (green card holders) do not need an Employment Authorization Document. The permit is proof of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be used with a particular company do not need an EAD. Examples of nonimmigrants with this status consist of H-1B and TN visa.

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How to Request an EAD

Foreign nationals who are qualified for an Employment Authorization Document may request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the initial ask for work authorization need to be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant should consist of the following items for a preliminary request:

- Form I-765

USCIS fees

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style photos

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. In other words, candidates should submit other specific supporting documents depending on the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain preliminary I-765 demands get submitted with the primary application.

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

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

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Renewal

You might restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work permission. File a new Form I-765 and pick the "renewal" alternative. Generally, you should not file for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most current EAD expires.

Replacement

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