Home" What is an Employment 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 certain qualifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Many individuals refer to the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is referred to as Form I-766.

The EAD card contains a picture of the private authorized to work and may consist of the person's finger print. A foreign national who has an EAD generally has open-market employment authorization, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 file for employers.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, a Work Authorization Card is just valid till it's expiration date. Depending on the individual's migration status, USCIS generally concerns cards for a two-year duration or less. However, particular EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications may be immediately extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are fundamentally two 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 immigration status. Although they are already licensed to work, they might require evidence of that benefit. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however require to ask for special consent to accept employment. Examples consist of modification of status candidates, DACA, asylum hunters, and particular trainees.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent locals (green card holders) do not require a Work Authorization Document. The permit is proof of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be employed with a particular 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 request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In many cases, the preliminary ask for work permission must be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant needs to consist of the following products for a preliminary request:

- 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. In other words, candidates should send other specific supporting documents depending upon the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain initial I-765 demands get submitted with the main 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 likewise get tailored filing directions. The filing instructions will be based on your specific situation and will explain precisely what files to send with Form I-765.

RECOMMENDED: How to Apply for a U.S. Work Permit

Renewal

You might restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work authorization. File a brand-new Form I-765 and select the "renewal" alternative. Generally, you should not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest EAD expires.

Replacement

You might replace your Employment Authorization Document if your newest EAD is lost, stolen or damaged. File a brand-new Form I-765 and choose the "replacement" alternative. If you did not receive an EAD that USCIS sent by mail, you can send a query on non-delivery of a card.