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 certain qualifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Lots of people describe the card as a work license. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.

The EAD card consists of a photo of the specific authorized to work and might include the person's fingerprint. A foreign national who has an EAD normally has open-market employment permission, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 file for employers.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is only legitimate until it's expiration date. Depending on the individual's migration status, USCIS generally concerns cards for a two-year duration or less. However, certain EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications may be instantly extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are basically two various kinds of nonimmigrants who might be eligible to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to work in the United States based on their immigration status. Although they are already licensed to work, they may need evidence of that privilege. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however need to ask for unique consent to accept employment. Examples include change of status applicants, DACA, asylum seekers, and specific trainees.

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Permanent residents (permit holders) do not need a Work Authorization Document. The green card is evidence of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be employed with a particular company 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 eligible for an Employment Authorization Document may ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In many cases, the initial ask for work permission need to be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate ought to include the following products for a preliminary demand:

- Form I-765

USCIS costs

- 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 send other specific supporting documents depending on the certifying 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 get individualized filing instructions. The filing instructions will be based on your particular circumstance and will explain precisely what files to send with Form I-765.

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Renewal

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

Replacement

You may change your Employment Authorization Document if your newest EAD is lost, taken or destroyed. File a new Form I-765 and choose the "replacement" option. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS sent by mail, you can submit a questions on non-delivery of a card.