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 a recognition card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) concerns to particular certifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Many individuals refer to the card as a work authorization. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.

The EAD card includes a photo of the specific authorized to work and might consist of the individual's fingerprint. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD normally has open-market work permission, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 file for companies.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is just valid up until it's expiration date. Depending on the person's immigration status, USCIS typically problems cards for a two-year duration or less. However, certain EADs held by individuals 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 two different types of nonimmigrants who may be qualified to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to work in the United States based on their immigration status. Although they are currently authorized to work, they might require evidence of that advantage. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to request special approval to accept work. Examples consist of modification of status candidates, DACA, asylum hunters, and specific students.

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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 authorized to be employed with a particular employer 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 a Work Authorization Document might request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the initial ask for work authorization should be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate ought to consist of the following products for a preliminary 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. Simply put, candidates should send other specific supporting documents depending on the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain preliminary I-765 demands get submitted 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 also receive personalized filing instructions. The filing instructions will be based on your particular situation and will describe precisely what files to send with Form I-765.

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Renewal

You might renew your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work permission. File a brand-new Form I-765 and choose the "renewal" choice. Generally, you should not submit for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest EAD expires.

Replacement

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