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

What is an Employment 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) problems to specific qualifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Many individuals describe the card as a work authorization. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.

The EAD card consists of a photo of the specific authorized to work and might consist of the person's fingerprint. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD generally has open-market employment authorization, however there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 file for employers.

EAD Validity Period

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

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are fundamentally 2 various kinds of nonimmigrants who might be eligible to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to operate in the United States based on their immigration status. Although they are currently licensed to work, they might require proof of that opportunity. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to request special approval to accept work. Examples include modification of status applicants, DACA, asylum hunters, and certain students.

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Permanent locals (permit holders) do not need a Work Authorization Document. The permit is evidence of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be utilized with a specific company 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 eligible for a Work Authorization Document may ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In some cases, the preliminary request for work authorization should be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate must consist of the following products for an initial request:

- Form I-765

USCIS costs

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style photos

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. In other words, applicants should submit other particular supporting files depending on the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain initial I-765 requests get sent with the primary application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can trigger costly delays or a rejection.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also receive tailored filing directions. The filing instructions will be based upon your specific scenario and will describe exactly what documents to send out with Form I-765.

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Renewal

You may restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work permission. File a brand-new Form I-765 and pick the "renewal" choice. Generally, you ought to not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your newest EAD expires.

Replacement

You may change your Employment Authorization Document if your most recent EAD is lost, stolen or destroyed. 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 send an inquiry on non-delivery of a card.