Home" What is an Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766)?

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

The EAD card contains a picture of the private licensed to work and may consist of the individual's fingerprint. A foreign national who has an EAD generally has open-market work authorization, however there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 document for employers.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is only legitimate up until it's expiration date. Depending upon the individual's migration status, USCIS generally issues cards for a two-year period or less. However, particular EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories might be immediately extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are basically two various kinds of nonimmigrants who may be eligible to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to operate in the United States based on their migration status. Although they are currently licensed to work, they may require evidence of that benefit. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but require to request special permission to accept work. Examples include modification of status candidates, DACA, asylum applicants, and certain students.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent residents (permit holders) do not need a Work Authorization Document. The green card is evidence of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be utilized with a particular employer do not need 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 qualified for a Work Authorization Document may ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the initial demand for work permission need to be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant needs to consist of the following products for an initial 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. Simply put, applicants should send other particular supporting files depending on the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific initial I-765 demands get submitted with the main application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can trigger expensive hold-ups or a denial.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service likewise receive individualized filing directions. The filing directions will be based upon your specific scenario and will describe precisely what documents to send with Form I-765.

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

Renewal

You may restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work authorization. File a new Form I-765 and select the "renewal" choice. Generally, you ought to not file for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest EAD expires.

Replacement

You may replace your Employment Authorization Document if your most current EAD is lost, stolen or destroyed. File a brand-new Form I-765 and select the "replacement" choice. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can submit an inquiry on non-delivery of a card.