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

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

May 9, 2021

An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is a recognition card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) concerns to certain qualifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Lots of people refer to the card as a work license. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.

The EAD card includes a photo of the individual licensed to work and may include the person's finger print. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD usually has open-market work permission, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 document for employers.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, a Work Authorization Card is just legitimate until it's expiration date. Depending upon the person's immigration status, USCIS typically issues cards for a two-year period or less. However, certain EADs held by individuals 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 fundamentally two different types of nonimmigrants who may be eligible to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to operate in the United States based upon their migration status. Although they are already licensed to work, they might need proof of that opportunity. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to ask for unique permission to accept work. Examples include adjustment of status candidates, DACA, asylum hunters, and particular students.

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Permanent residents (permit holders) do not require a Work Authorization Document. The green card is proof of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be utilized with a specific 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 eligible for a Work Authorization Document may request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the initial ask for work authorization must be sent with the application for the underlying status.

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

- Form I-765

USCIS fees

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style photos

- Proof of eligibility


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

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can trigger pricey delays or a denial.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also get tailored filing instructions. The filing directions will be based upon your specific circumstance and will discuss precisely 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" alternative. Generally, you ought to not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest EAD ends.

Replacement

You might change your Employment Authorization Document if your most recent EAD is lost, taken or ruined. File a new Form I-765 and choose the "replacement" alternative. If you did not receive an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can submit an inquiry on non-delivery of a card.