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 an identification card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) concerns to specific qualifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Many individuals refer to the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.

The EAD card includes a photograph of the specific licensed to work and might include the individual's fingerprint. A foreign national who has an EAD usually has open-market employment permission, however there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 file for employers.

EAD Validity Period

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

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are fundamentally 2 different kinds of nonimmigrants who may be qualified to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to work in the United States based on their immigration status. Although they are currently licensed to work, they might require proof of that opportunity. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however need to ask for unique authorization to accept employment. Examples consist of modification of status applicants, DACA, asylum applicants, and certain students.

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Permanent locals (green card holders) do not need an Employment Authorization Document. The permit is evidence of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be utilized with a specific company 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 many cases, the initial ask for work authorization need to be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate must include the following items for a preliminary demand:

- Form I-765

USCIS costs

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style pictures

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. Simply put, applicants need to submit other particular supporting documents depending upon the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain initial I-765 requests get sent with the main application.

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

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also get customized filing directions. The filing instructions will be based upon your particular circumstance and will discuss exactly what files to send out with Form I-765.

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Renewal

You may renew your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work permission. File a brand-new Form I-765 and select the "renewal" option. Generally, you ought to not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest EAD ends.

Replacement

You might replace your Employment Authorization Document if your latest EAD is lost, taken or destroyed. File a new Form I-765 and pick the "replacement" alternative. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can send a query on non-delivery of a card.