Home" What is an Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766)?

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

May 9, 2021

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

The EAD card includes a picture of the private licensed to work and might consist of the individual's finger print. A foreign national who has an EAD typically has open-market work permission, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 document for companies.

EAD Validity Period

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

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are basically 2 various types of nonimmigrants who might be eligible to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to work in the United States based on their migration status. Although they are currently authorized to work, they might need evidence of that benefit. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to ask for special authorization to accept employment. Examples include adjustment of status applicants, DACA, asylum hunters, and specific students.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent residents (green card holders) do not need an Employment Authorization Document. The green card is proof of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be utilized with a particular 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 an Employment Authorization Document might ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In many cases, the preliminary demand for work permission need to be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate needs to include the following products 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, candidates need to submit other particular supporting documents depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, particular preliminary I-765 demands get submitted with the main application.

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

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service likewise get individualized filing guidelines. The filing instructions will be based on your specific scenario and will describe exactly what documents to send with Form I-765.

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Renewal

You may renew your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work permission. File a new Form I-765 and pick the "renewal" option. Generally, you should not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most recent EAD ends.

Replacement

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