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

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

May 9, 2021

An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is a recognition card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) problems to certain qualifying foreign nationals to operate 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 contains a photograph of the specific licensed to work and might include the person's fingerprint. 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, a Work Authorization Card is just legitimate up until it's expiration date. Depending upon the person's immigration status, USCIS usually concerns 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 immediately extended beyond the credibility date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are fundamentally 2 various kinds of nonimmigrants who may be qualified to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to operate in the United States based upon their immigration status. Although they are currently authorized to work, they might need evidence of that advantage. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however require to request unique permission to accept employment. Examples include adjustment of status applicants, DACA, asylum candidates, and particular trainees.

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Permanent residents (permit holders) do not need a Work Authorization Document. The green card is proof of the cardholder's status and work permission. 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.

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How to Request an EAD

Foreign nationals who are eligible for a Work Authorization Document may ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the initial ask for work permission need to be submitted 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 images

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. To put it simply, candidates should send other particular supporting files depending upon the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain preliminary I-765 requests get submitted with the main application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can trigger costly delays or a rejection.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also get customized filing guidelines. The filing instructions will be based on your particular situation and will describe exactly what documents to send out with Form I-765.

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Renewal

You might renew your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work permission. File a brand-new Form I-765 and pick the "renewal" alternative. Generally, you should not apply for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest EAD ends.

Replacement

You might replace your Employment Authorization Document if your most recent 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 mailed, you can submit a questions on non-delivery of a card.