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 a recognition card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) problems to particular qualifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Lots of people refer to the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is understood as 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 national who has an EAD typically has open-market work authorization, 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 legitimate up until it's expiration date. Depending on the individual's migration status, USCIS usually problems cards for a two-year duration or less. However, specific EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications might be automatically extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are basically two various kinds of nonimmigrants who might be eligible to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to operate in the United States based on their migration status. Although they are currently licensed to work, they may require evidence of that opportunity. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however require to request unique permission to accept work. Examples consist of change of status applicants, DACA, asylum hunters, and certain trainees.

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Permanent homeowners (permit holders) do not need a Work Authorization Document. The green card is evidence of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed 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 qualified for a Work Authorization Document may request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the preliminary 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 charges

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style pictures

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. To put it simply, applicants need to submit other specific supporting files depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific initial I-765 requests get sent with the primary application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can trigger costly delays or a rejection.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also receive tailored filing instructions. The filing guidelines will be based upon your specific circumstance and will discuss precisely what documents to send with Form I-765.

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Renewal

You may renew your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work authorization. File a new Form I-765 and select the "renewal" alternative. Generally, you need to not submit for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most recent EAD expires.

Replacement

You may change your Employment Authorization Document if your most recent EAD is lost, taken or destroyed. File a new Form I-765 and pick 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.