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) problems to certain certifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Lots of people refer to the card as a work license. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is referred to as Form I-766.

The EAD card includes a photo of the individual authorized to work and may include the person's finger print. A foreign national who has an EAD typically has open-market employment permission, however there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 file for companies.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is just legitimate till it's expiration date. Depending on the person's immigration status, USCIS generally problems cards for a two-year period or less. However, particular EADs held by people 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 basically 2 various kinds of nonimmigrants who may be eligible to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to operate in the United States based upon their immigration status. Although they are already authorized to work, they may need proof of that opportunity. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to request special authorization to accept employment. Examples consist of change of status applicants, DACA, asylum seekers, and specific trainees.

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Permanent residents (permit holders) do not require an Employment Authorization Document. The permit is evidence of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be employed with a particular employer 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 qualified for a Work Authorization Document may ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In some cases, the initial demand for work permission must be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate needs to include the following products for a preliminary demand:

- 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. In other words, candidates should send other specific supporting files depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain preliminary I-765 requests get sent with the main application.

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

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also get tailored filing directions. The filing guidelines will be based upon your particular scenario and will explain 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 authorization. File a brand-new Form I-765 and pick the "renewal" option. Generally, you must not apply for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your newest EAD expires.

Replacement

You may replace your Employment Authorization Document if your most recent EAD is lost, taken or damaged. File a new Form I-765 and pick the "replacement" alternative. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can submit a query on non-delivery of a card.