Home" What is an Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766)?

What is an Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766)?

May 9, 2021

An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is a recognition card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) problems to certain qualifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Many people describe the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is referred to as Form I-766.

The EAD card contains a photograph of the specific authorized to work and may include the individual's fingerprint. A foreign national who has an EAD usually has open-market employment authorization, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 file for companies.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is only legitimate till it's expiration date. Depending on the person'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 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 ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to work in the United States based upon their migration status. Although they are currently authorized to work, they may need evidence of that opportunity. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however need to ask for special consent to accept work. Examples consist of adjustment of status candidates, DACA, asylum applicants, and particular students.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent residents (permit holders) do not need an Employment Authorization Document. The green card 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 qualified for a Work Authorization Document might request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In some cases, the initial ask for work authorization must be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant should consist of the following items for a preliminary demand:

- Form I-765

USCIS costs

- 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 should send other particular supporting documents depending upon the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific initial I-765 demands get submitted with the primary application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can trigger pricey hold-ups or a denial.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service likewise receive personalized filing directions. The filing guidelines will be based upon your specific scenario and will describe precisely what files to send out with Form I-765.

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Renewal

You might restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work permission. File a brand-new Form I-765 and select the "renewal" alternative. Generally, you should not submit for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most recent EAD ends.

Replacement

You might change your Employment Authorization Document if your most recent EAD is lost, taken or destroyed. File a new Form I-765 and select the "replacement" alternative. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can send a questions on non-delivery of a card.