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

What is a Work 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 qualifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Many individuals refer to the card as a work license. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is known as Form I-766.

The EAD card contains a photo of the individual authorized to work and may consist of the individual's finger print. A foreign national who has an EAD normally 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 valid up until it's expiration date. Depending upon the individual's immigration status, USCIS typically problems cards for a two-year duration or less. However, particular EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications might be instantly extended beyond the credibility date on the card.

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are basically 2 different kinds of nonimmigrants who may 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 already authorized to work, they may require proof of that opportunity. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however need to ask for unique consent to accept work. Examples include modification of status applicants, DACA, asylum seekers, and specific trainees.

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Permanent homeowners (green card holders) do not need an Employment Authorization Document. The permit is proof of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be utilized with a particular 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 an Employment Authorization Document might ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In many cases, the preliminary ask for work permission should be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant needs to include the following items for a preliminary request:

- Form I-765

USCIS fees

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style photos

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. Simply put, applicants need to submit other specific supporting documents depending on the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain preliminary I-765 requests get sent with the primary application.

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

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also get tailored filing instructions. The filing directions will be based on your particular situation and will discuss precisely what documents to send with Form I-765.

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Renewal

You might restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work permission. File a new Form I-765 and pick 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 most current EAD is lost, taken or damaged. File a new Form I-765 and pick the "replacement" alternative. If you did not receive an EAD that USCIS sent by mail, you can submit a query on non-delivery of a card.