Home" What is a Work 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) issues to certain qualifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Lots of people refer to the card as a work authorization. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is referred to as Form I-766.

The EAD card includes a picture of the specific licensed to work and might consist of the person's finger print. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD normally has open-market employment permission, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 document for companies.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is only legitimate till it's expiration date. Depending on the individual's immigration status, USCIS usually problems cards for a two-year period or less. However, specific EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories might be automatically extended beyond the credibility date on the card.

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are fundamentally two various types of nonimmigrants who might be qualified to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to operate in the United States based on their immigration status. Although they are already licensed to work, they may require evidence of that benefit. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to ask for unique permission to accept employment. Examples consist of change of status candidates, DACA, asylum seekers, and particular trainees.

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Permanent homeowners (permit holders) do not require an Employment Authorization Document. The green card is proof of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be used with a particular company do not require 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 many cases, the initial demand for work permission should be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant ought to consist of the following products for an initial request:

- Form I-765

USCIS charges

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style photos

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. To put it simply, candidates need to send other particular supporting files depending upon the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain initial I-765 requests get submitted with the primary application.

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

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also receive personalized filing guidelines. The filing guidelines will be based on your specific circumstance and will describe exactly what documents to send 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 choose the "renewal" option. Generally, you ought to not apply for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest EAD ends.

Replacement

You may change your Employment Authorization Document if your latest EAD is lost, taken or ruined. File a new Form I-765 and choose the "replacement" alternative. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can send an inquiry on non-delivery of a card.