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) concerns to certain qualifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Many individuals describe the card as a work authorization. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is known as Form I-766.

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

EAD Validity Period

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

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are essentially two different kinds of nonimmigrants who might be eligible to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to work in the United States based on their migration status. Although they are currently authorized to work, they might need proof of that opportunity. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but require to request unique approval to accept employment. Examples consist of modification of status candidates, DACA, asylum hunters, and particular students.

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Permanent homeowners (green card holders) do not require a Work Authorization Document. The permit is evidence of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be used with a particular employer do not require 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 might request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In some cases, the preliminary request for work authorization should be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate needs to consist of the following products for an initial request:

- Form I-765

USCIS charges

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style photos

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. To put it simply, candidates must send other particular supporting files depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific preliminary I-765 demands 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 personalized filing directions. The filing directions will be based upon your particular circumstance and will describe precisely what documents to send out with Form I-765.

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Renewal

You may restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work permission. File a brand-new Form I-765 and select the "renewal" option. Generally, you must not submit for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most current EAD expires.

Replacement

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