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

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

May 9, 2021

A Work Authorization Document (EAD) is a recognition card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) problems to specific qualifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Many people refer to the card as a work authorization. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is referred to as Form I-766.

The EAD card includes a picture of the individual licensed to work and might include the individual's fingerprint. A foreign national who has an EAD usually has open-market employment permission, but 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 just legitimate till it's expiration date. Depending on the individual's immigration status, USCIS typically issues cards for a two-year period or less. However, specific EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories may be immediately extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are basically 2 different kinds of nonimmigrants who may be qualified to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to work in the United States based upon their immigration status. Although they are currently authorized to work, they may require evidence of that advantage. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but require to request special authorization to accept work. Examples consist of change of status candidates, DACA, asylum seekers, and particular students.

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Permanent residents (permit holders) do not require an Employment Authorization Document. The green card is evidence of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be utilized with a specific 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 eligible for a Work Authorization Document may request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In some cases, the preliminary ask for work authorization should be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant needs to include the following items for a preliminary request:

- Form I-765

USCIS fees

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style pictures

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. Simply put, candidates should send other specific supporting documents depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific preliminary I-765 requests get sent with the primary application.

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

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also get personalized filing instructions. The filing guidelines will be based on your specific circumstance and will describe precisely what documents to send with Form I-765.

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Renewal

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

Replacement

You may replace your Employment Authorization Document if your most recent EAD is lost, taken or damaged. File a brand-new Form I-765 and pick the "replacement" alternative. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can send a questions on non-delivery of a card.