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 an identification card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues to certain 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 referred to as Form I-766.

The EAD card contains a picture of the individual authorized to work and might consist of the individual's finger print. A foreign national who has an EAD generally has open-market employment permission, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 file for companies.

EAD Validity Period

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

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are fundamentally 2 various kinds of nonimmigrants who may be qualified to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to work in the United States based upon their migration status. Although they are currently licensed to work, they might need evidence of that advantage. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to ask for unique approval to accept work. Examples consist of change of status candidates, DACA, asylum candidates, and particular students.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent citizens (green card 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 utilized with a specific 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 request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the initial ask for work authorization should be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate must consist of the following items for an initial demand:

- Form I-765

USCIS fees

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style images

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. To put it simply, candidates should submit other specific supporting documents depending on the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific preliminary I-765 demands get submitted with the primary application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can trigger pricey 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 upon your specific situation and will discuss exactly what documents to send out 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 choose the "renewal" choice. Generally, you need to not apply for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your newest EAD ends.

Replacement

You may change your Employment Authorization Document if your latest 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 submit a questions on non-delivery of a card.