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

What is a Work 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) issues to specific qualifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Many individuals refer to the card as a work authorization. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is referred to as Form I-766.

The EAD card consists of a photograph of the individual authorized to work and may consist of the person's fingerprint. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD usually has open-market employment permission, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 document for employers.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, a Work Authorization Card is just legitimate up until it's expiration date. Depending on the individual's immigration status, USCIS generally 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 instantly extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are basically two various types of nonimmigrants who might be qualified to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to operate in the United States based on their immigration status. Although they are already licensed to work, they may require proof of that advantage. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but require to ask for special consent to accept work. Examples include adjustment of status applicants, DACA, asylum seekers, and particular students.

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Permanent citizens (green card holders) do not require a Work Authorization Document. The green card is proof of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be employed 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 eligible for an Employment Authorization Document may request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In some cases, the initial ask for work authorization need to be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant must include the following products for an initial demand:

- 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. Simply put, applicants must send other particular supporting files depending on the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain initial I-765 requests get sent with the main application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can trigger expensive hold-ups or a denial.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also receive tailored filing guidelines. The filing guidelines will be based on your particular scenario and will describe exactly what files 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 permission. File a new Form I-765 and choose the "renewal" option. Generally, you need to not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest EAD expires.

Replacement

You may change your Employment Authorization Document if your newest EAD is lost, stolen or ruined. File a new Form I-765 and pick the "replacement" choice. If you did not receive an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can send an inquiry on non-delivery of a card.