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 an identification card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) problems to certain qualifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Many individuals describe the card as a work authorization. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.

The EAD card consists of a picture of the private authorized to work and might include the individual's fingerprint. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD usually has open-market employment permission, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 document for companies.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is just valid till it's expiration date. Depending upon the person's immigration status, USCIS normally concerns cards for a two-year duration or less. However, particular EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications may be immediately extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are fundamentally 2 different types of nonimmigrants who might be eligible to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to operate in the United States based upon their immigration status. Although they are currently licensed to work, they may need evidence of that benefit. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to ask for unique authorization to accept employment. Examples include change of status applicants, DACA, asylum seekers, and certain students.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent citizens (green card holders) do not require an Employment Authorization Document. The green card is proof of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be utilized with a specific employer 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 qualified for a Work Authorization Document might ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In some cases, the preliminary ask for work permission should be sent with the application for the underlying status.

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

- Form I-765

USCIS fees

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style photos

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. In other words, candidates should submit other particular supporting documents depending upon the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, particular preliminary I-765 demands get sent with the main application.

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

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service likewise receive personalized filing instructions. The filing instructions will be based on your particular situation and will discuss precisely what documents to send out with Form I-765.

RECOMMENDED: How to Request a U.S. Work Permit

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" alternative. Generally, you must not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest EAD ends.

Replacement

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