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 certifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Lots of people describe the card as a work authorization. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is known as Form I-766.

The EAD card contains a photograph of the specific licensed to work and may include the person's finger print. A foreign national who has an EAD typically has open-market employment authorization, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 document for companies.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, a Work Authorization Card is just legitimate till it's expiration date. Depending on the person's immigration status, USCIS usually problems cards for a two-year period or less. However, certain EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories may be immediately extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are essentially two different types of nonimmigrants who may be qualified to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to work in the United States based on their migration status. Although they are already licensed to work, they may need evidence of that benefit. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however need to request unique authorization to accept work. Examples consist of adjustment of status candidates, DACA, asylum hunters, and certain trainees.

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Permanent residents (green card holders) do not require an Employment Authorization Document. The permit is proof 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 include H-1B and TN visa.

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How to Request an EAD

Foreign nationals who are eligible for an Employment Authorization Document may request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In many cases, the preliminary request for work permission must be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant must include the following items for a preliminary 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. To put it simply, applicants must send 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 cause costly hold-ups or a denial.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service likewise get tailored filing guidelines. The filing guidelines will be based upon your particular scenario and will discuss 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 eligible for work permission. File a brand-new Form I-765 and select the "renewal" choice. Generally, you need to not file for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest EAD expires.

Replacement

You might replace your Employment Authorization Document if your latest EAD is lost, taken or destroyed. File a new Form I-765 and pick the "replacement" choice. If you did not receive an EAD that USCIS sent by mail, you can send a query on non-delivery of a card.