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

The EAD card includes a picture of the individual authorized to work and may consist of the person's finger print. A foreign national who has an EAD generally has open-market work authorization, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 document for employers.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is only legitimate till it's expiration date. Depending on the person's migration status, USCIS usually issues 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 basically 2 various kinds of nonimmigrants who might be qualified to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to operate in the United States based upon their migration status. Although they are already licensed to work, they may require proof of that advantage. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but require to ask for unique authorization to accept work. Examples consist of adjustment of status candidates, DACA, asylum candidates, and certain trainees.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent locals (green card holders) do not need an Employment Authorization Document. The green card is proof 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.

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

How to Request an EAD

Foreign nationals who are qualified for an Employment Authorization Document might ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In some cases, the initial ask for work permission must be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant must consist of the following items for an initial 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, candidates need to send other specific supporting files depending upon the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific preliminary I-765 demands get submitted with the primary application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can cause pricey delays or a rejection.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service likewise receive customized filing directions. The filing directions will be based upon your particular circumstance and will describe precisely what documents to send with Form I-765.

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

Renewal

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

Replacement

You might replace your Employment Authorization Document if your newest EAD is lost, taken or destroyed. File a new Form I-765 and select 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.