Home" What is a Work 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 work in the United States. Many individuals describe the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is understood as Form I-766.

The EAD card contains a photograph of the private licensed to work and may consist of the person's finger print. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD generally 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 only legitimate up until it's expiration date. Depending on the individual's migration status, USCIS usually 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 immediately extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are fundamentally two various kinds of nonimmigrants who might be qualified to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to operate in the United States based on their immigration status. Although they are already authorized to work, they may require proof of that benefit. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to request unique consent to accept work. Examples consist of adjustment of status candidates, DACA, asylum candidates, and specific students.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent residents (permit 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 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 may ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In many cases, the preliminary ask for work authorization must be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate needs to include the following items for an initial demand:

- Form I-765

USCIS charges

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style images

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. Simply put, applicants must send other particular supporting files depending upon the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain preliminary I-765 demands get submitted with the main application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can cause costly hold-ups 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 circumstance and will describe precisely what files to send out with Form I-765.

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

Renewal

You might restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work permission. File a brand-new Form I-765 and pick the "renewal" choice. Generally, you need to not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most recent EAD ends.

Replacement

You may replace your Employment Authorization Document if your latest EAD is lost, stolen 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 an inquiry on non-delivery of a card.