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

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

May 9, 2021

An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is a recognition card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) problems to particular qualifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Lots of people refer to the card as a work license. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is understood as Form I-766.

The EAD card consists of a picture of the individual authorized to work and might include the individual's finger print. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD normally has open-market employment authorization, however 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 individual's immigration status, USCIS normally concerns cards for a two-year period or less. However, particular EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications may be automatically extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are essentially 2 different kinds of nonimmigrants who might be qualified to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to work in the United States based upon their migration status. Although they are currently authorized to work, they might need evidence of that privilege. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but require to ask for special approval to accept employment. Examples include adjustment of status applicants, DACA, asylum hunters, and particular students.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent homeowners (green card holders) do not require a Work Authorization Document. The permit is proof of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be used with a particular company do not require 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 might ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the preliminary request for work authorization should be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate must include the following products for an initial request:

- 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. Simply put, candidates need to submit other specific supporting documents depending upon the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, particular preliminary I-765 requests get submitted with the main application.

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

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

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

Renewal

You might renew your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work authorization. File a brand-new Form I-765 and select the "renewal" choice. Generally, you ought to not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest EAD ends.

Replacement

You might change your Employment Authorization Document if your most current EAD is lost, stolen or destroyed. File a new Form I-765 and select the "replacement" choice. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS sent by mail, you can send a query on non-delivery of a card.