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) concerns to certain certifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Lots of 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 photograph of the specific authorized to work and may include the individual's finger print. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD normally has open-market work permission, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 file for companies.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, a Work Authorization Card is only legitimate until it's expiration date. Depending upon the person's migration status, USCIS usually issues cards for a two-year duration or less. However, certain EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories might be automatically extended beyond the credibility date on the card.

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are fundamentally 2 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 already authorized to work, they may need evidence of that opportunity. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however require to request special approval to accept employment. Examples consist of change of status applicants, DACA, asylum seekers, and particular trainees.

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Permanent residents (permit holders) do not require a Work Authorization Document. The permit is evidence of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be employed with a specific employer do not need 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 qualified for an Employment Authorization Document might ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the preliminary ask for work permission must be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant needs to include the following products for an initial 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. Simply put, candidates need to send other particular supporting files depending upon the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain initial I-765 demands get sent with the primary application.

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

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also get customized filing directions. The filing directions will be based on your particular circumstance and will explain precisely what documents to send with Form I-765.

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Renewal

You might restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work authorization. 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 most current EAD expires.

Replacement

You may replace your Employment Authorization Document if your newest EAD is lost, stolen or destroyed. File a brand-new Form I-765 and select the "replacement" option. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS sent by mail, you can submit an inquiry on non-delivery of a card.