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

What is an Employment 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) problems to certain qualifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Many people refer to the card as a work license. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is referred to as Form I-766.

The EAD card consists of a picture of the private licensed to work and may consist of the individual's finger print. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD generally has open-market work authorization, however there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 file for companies.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is just valid up until it's expiration date. Depending on the individual's migration status, USCIS usually issues cards for a two-year period or less. However, particular EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications might be immediately extended beyond the credibility date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are essentially 2 various kinds of nonimmigrants who might be eligible to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to work in the United States based upon their migration status. Although they are currently licensed to work, they may require evidence of that opportunity. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to ask for special authorization to accept work. Examples consist of modification of status candidates, DACA, asylum seekers, and specific trainees.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent homeowners (permit holders) do not need an Employment Authorization Document. The green card is evidence of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be utilized with a specific company do not require an EAD. Examples of nonimmigrants with this status include H-1B and TN visa.

RECOMMENDED: U.S. Work Visa Types for Foreign Nationals

How to Request an EAD

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

Typically, a candidate should consist of the following products for a preliminary demand:

- Form I-765

USCIS costs

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style photos

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. In other words, applicants should send other specific supporting files depending upon the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, particular preliminary I-765 requests get sent with the primary application.

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

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also receive individualized filing guidelines. The filing guidelines will be based on your particular scenario and will describe exactly what documents to send with Form I-765.

RECOMMENDED: How to Look for a U.S. Work Permit

Renewal

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

Replacement

You may change your Employment Authorization Document if your latest EAD is lost, stolen or damaged. File a new Form I-765 and pick the "replacement" option. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS sent by mail, you can submit a questions on non-delivery of a card.