Home" What is a Work Authorization Document (Form I-766)?

What is an Employment 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 people refer to the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.

The EAD card contains a picture of the specific licensed to work and might include the individual's fingerprint. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD typically 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 legitimate till it's expiration date. Depending upon the person's immigration status, USCIS usually issues cards for a two-year period or less. However, certain EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications might be immediately extended beyond the credibility date on the card.

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are basically two different types of nonimmigrants who might be qualified to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to work in the United States based on their immigration status. Although they are currently authorized to work, they might require proof of that privilege. 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 adjustment of status applicants, DACA, asylum hunters, and certain students.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent citizens (permit holders) do not need an Employment Authorization Document. The permit is evidence of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be utilized with a specific company do not require an EAD. Examples of nonimmigrants with this status include H-1B and TN visa.

RECOMMENDED: U.S. Work Visa Types for Foreign Nationals

How to Request an EAD

Foreign nationals who are eligible for an Employment Authorization Document may request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In many cases, the preliminary demand for work permission must be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate needs to consist of the following products for a preliminary demand:

- Form I-765

USCIS costs

- 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 particular supporting documents depending upon the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain initial I-765 requests get submitted with the main application.

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

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service likewise receive customized filing directions. The filing instructions will be based on your particular circumstance and will describe precisely what files to send with Form I-765.

RECOMMENDED: How to Look for 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 pick the "renewal" option. Generally, you must not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most current EAD expires.

Replacement

You might change your Employment Authorization Document if your latest EAD is lost, stolen or ruined. File a brand-new Form I-765 and select the "replacement" choice. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can submit an inquiry on non-delivery of a card.