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 a recognition card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues to particular qualifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Many individuals refer to the card as a work authorization. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is referred to as Form I-766.

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

EAD Validity Period

Generally, a Work Authorization Card is only legitimate until it's expiration date. Depending upon the person's immigration status, USCIS usually concerns cards for a two-year period or less. However, specific EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications might be automatically extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are essentially 2 various types of nonimmigrants who may be eligible to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to work in the United States based upon their migration status. Although they are currently licensed to work, they may need evidence of that benefit. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but require to ask for special consent to accept work. Examples consist of change of status applicants, DACA, asylum applicants, and particular trainees.

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

Typically, an applicant must include the following items for an initial request:

- Form I-765

USCIS fees

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style images

- Proof of eligibility


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

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can cause costly delays or a rejection.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also receive tailored filing instructions. The filing directions will be based upon your particular circumstance and will describe precisely what documents to send with Form I-765.

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Renewal

You may restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work authorization. File a brand-new Form I-765 and choose the "renewal" option. Generally, you should not apply for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your newest EAD ends.

Replacement

You might change your Employment Authorization Document if your newest EAD is lost, stolen or damaged. File a new Form I-765 and choose the "replacement" alternative. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can send an inquiry on non-delivery of a card.