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 a recognition card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues to specific certifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Many individuals describe the card as a work license. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is referred to as Form I-766.

The EAD card contains a picture of the specific licensed to work and might consist of the person's finger print. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD generally has open-market work 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 individual's migration status, USCIS typically issues cards for a two-year duration or less. However, particular EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications might be instantly extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are fundamentally two various types of nonimmigrants who might be eligible to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to operate in the United States based on their immigration status. Although they are currently licensed to work, they may require evidence of that opportunity. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but require to request unique approval to accept employment. Examples consist of adjustment of status applicants, DACA, asylum applicants, and certain trainees.

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Permanent citizens (green card holders) do not need a Work Authorization Document. The permit is proof of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be used with a specific company 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 might request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In many cases, the preliminary demand for work permission should be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate must include the following items for an initial request:

- Form I-765

USCIS costs

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style pictures

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. To put it simply, applicants should send other specific supporting documents depending upon the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific initial I-765 requests get sent with the primary 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 guidelines will be based on your specific scenario and will explain precisely 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 eligible for work authorization. File a new Form I-765 and select the "renewal" alternative. Generally, you need to not file for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest EAD ends.

Replacement

You may replace your Employment Authorization Document if your latest EAD is lost, stolen or damaged. File a brand-new Form I-765 and select the "replacement" choice. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can submit a query on non-delivery of a card.