Home" What is an Employment 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 operate in the United States. Lots of people describe the card as a work authorization. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.

The EAD card includes a picture of the individual licensed to work and might consist of the person's fingerprint. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD generally 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 only valid until it's expiration date. Depending on the individual's immigration status, USCIS usually issues 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 automatically extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are fundamentally 2 various types of nonimmigrants who might be qualified to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to work in the United States based upon their immigration status. Although they are already authorized to work, they may need evidence of that benefit. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however require to request special permission to accept work. Examples include adjustment of status applicants, DACA, asylum hunters, and specific students.

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Permanent locals (permit holders) do not require an Employment Authorization Document. The permit is proof of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be employed with a specific employer 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 eligible for a Work Authorization Document may request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the preliminary ask for work authorization must be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant ought to include the following items for a preliminary demand:

- Form I-765

USCIS costs

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style images

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. In other words, applicants must send other specific supporting files depending on the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain preliminary 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 also receive customized filing directions. The filing directions will be based upon your particular scenario and will describe precisely what documents to send with Form I-765.

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Renewal

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

Replacement

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