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 an identification card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues to certain certifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Many people describe the card as a work license. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.

The EAD card includes a picture of the specific licensed to work and may include the individual's finger print. A foreign national who has an EAD generally has open-market employment permission, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 file for companies.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is just valid till it's expiration date. Depending upon the person's migration status, USCIS generally concerns cards for a two-year period or less. However, specific EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications may be immediately extended beyond the credibility date on the card.

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are basically 2 various kinds of nonimmigrants who may be qualified to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to operate in the United States based upon their migration status. Although they are already authorized to work, they may need evidence of that privilege. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but require to ask for unique permission to accept employment. Examples consist of adjustment of status candidates, DACA, asylum candidates, and particular students.

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Permanent citizens (green card holders) do not need an Employment Authorization Document. The permit is proof of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be used with a particular company do not need 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 an Employment Authorization Document might ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the preliminary ask for work permission should be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant must include the following products 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, candidates need to send other particular supporting files depending on the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, particular preliminary I-765 requests get sent with the main application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can cause costly hold-ups or a denial.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also receive individualized filing instructions. The filing directions will be based upon your specific circumstance and will explain precisely what files to send out with Form I-765.

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Renewal

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

Replacement

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