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

What is an Employment 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 certifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Many individuals describe the card as a work license. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.

The EAD card includes a photograph of the individual licensed to work and may consist of the person's fingerprint. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD usually has open-market employment authorization, however there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 document for employers.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, a Work Authorization Card is just legitimate until it's expiration date. Depending upon the person's immigration status, USCIS normally concerns cards for a two-year duration or less. However, particular 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 different types of nonimmigrants who might be qualified to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to work in the United States based on their immigration status. Although they are already authorized to work, they might require proof of that advantage. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however require to ask for unique authorization to accept work. Examples include change of status applicants, DACA, asylum candidates, and specific students.

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Permanent homeowners (permit holders) do not need an Employment Authorization Document. The permit is evidence of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be employed with a specific employer do not require 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 some cases, the preliminary ask for work permission must be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

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

- Form I-765

USCIS charges

- 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, candidates need to submit other particular supporting documents depending on the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific initial I-765 requests get sent with the main application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can trigger costly hold-ups or a rejection.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also receive tailored filing instructions. The filing guidelines will be based on your specific scenario 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 select the "renewal" option. Generally, you should not file for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest 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" alternative. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS sent by mail, you can send a query on non-delivery of a card.