Home" What is an Employment 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) concerns to particular qualifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Lots of people refer to the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is referred to as Form I-766.

The EAD card includes a picture of the individual authorized to work and might consist of the person's fingerprint. A foreign national who has an EAD typically has open-market work authorization, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 file for employers.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, a Work Authorization Card is just valid up until it's expiration date. Depending on the individual's migration status, USCIS typically concerns cards for a two-year duration or less. However, certain EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories may be automatically extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are essentially two various types of nonimmigrants who may be eligible to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to operate in the United States based on their migration status. Although they are currently licensed to work, they may need proof of that advantage. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to request unique authorization to accept work. Examples consist of change of status applicants, DACA, asylum applicants, and certain students.

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Permanent homeowners (green card holders) do not require an Employment Authorization Document. The permit is evidence of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be utilized with a particular employer do not require 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 a Work Authorization Document may ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the preliminary ask for work authorization need to be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate ought 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 photos

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. Simply put, applicants should send other particular supporting documents depending on the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain initial I-765 requests get submitted with the main application.

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

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also get customized filing instructions. The filing directions will be based upon your particular scenario and will discuss exactly what documents to send with Form I-765.

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Renewal

You may restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work authorization. File a new Form I-765 and select the "renewal" alternative. Generally, you ought to not apply for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest EAD expires.

Replacement

You might replace your Employment Authorization Document if your newest EAD is lost, taken or ruined. File a new Form I-765 and pick the "replacement" alternative. If you did not receive an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can submit a questions on non-delivery of a card.