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 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 refer to the card as a work license. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is understood as Form I-766.

The EAD card consists of a picture of the individual licensed to work and may consist of the individual's fingerprint. A foreign national who has an EAD normally has open-market employment authorization, however there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 document for employers.

EAD Validity Period

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

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are fundamentally two various kinds of nonimmigrants who may be qualified to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to operate in the United States based on their migration status. Although they are currently licensed to work, they might require proof of that advantage. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however need to request special approval to accept employment. Examples consist of modification of status applicants, DACA, asylum seekers, and particular trainees.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent homeowners (green card holders) do not require an Employment Authorization Document. The green card is evidence of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be employed 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. Sometimes, the preliminary request for work authorization need to be sent with the application for the underlying status.

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

- Form I-765

USCIS fees

- 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 should submit other specific supporting files depending on the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain initial I-765 demands get sent with the main application.

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

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service likewise receive tailored filing guidelines. The filing instructions will be based upon your particular circumstance and will discuss exactly what documents to send out with Form I-765.

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Renewal

You might renew 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 should not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most current EAD expires.

Replacement

You might change your Employment Authorization Document if your most recent EAD is lost, stolen or damaged. File a brand-new Form I-765 and pick the "replacement" choice. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can submit an inquiry on non-delivery of a card.