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 operate in the United States. Lots of 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 consists of a picture of the private licensed to work and may consist of the individual's finger print. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD usually 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, an Employment Authorization Card is only legitimate until it's expiration date. Depending upon the individual's immigration status, USCIS normally concerns cards for a two-year duration or less. However, particular EADs held by people 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 fundamentally 2 different types of nonimmigrants who may be eligible to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to work in the United States based upon their immigration status. Although they are already authorized to work, they might require evidence of that benefit. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to request unique consent to accept work. Examples include modification of status candidates, DACA, asylum candidates, and specific students.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent homeowners (green card holders) do not need a Work Authorization Document. The green card is evidence of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be used with a specific company do not need an EAD. Examples of nonimmigrants with this status consist of H-1B and TN visa.

RECOMMENDED: U.S. Work Visa Types for Foreign Nationals

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. In some cases, the initial ask for work authorization should be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant ought to consist of the following products 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. In other words, candidates must send other specific supporting files depending upon the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, particular initial I-765 demands get submitted with the main application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can cause costly hold-ups or a denial.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service likewise receive tailored filing guidelines. The filing directions will be based upon your particular situation and will describe exactly what files to send with Form I-765.

RECOMMENDED: How to Make an application for a U.S. Work Permit

Renewal

You may renew your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work authorization. File a new Form I-765 and pick the "renewal" alternative. Generally, you ought to not file for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most recent EAD expires.

Replacement

You may change your Employment Authorization Document if your latest EAD is lost, taken or ruined. File a brand-new Form I-765 and choose the "replacement" option. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS sent by mail, you can submit a query on non-delivery of a card.