Home" What is a Work 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) concerns to particular qualifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Lots of people refer to the card as a work authorization. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.

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

EAD Validity Period

Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is only legitimate till it's expiration date. Depending on the person's migration status, USCIS usually concerns cards for a two-year duration or less. However, specific EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories may be immediately extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are essentially 2 different types of nonimmigrants who might be eligible to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to operate in the United States based on their immigration status. Although they are currently licensed to work, they might need proof of that opportunity. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however require to ask for special permission to accept work. Examples include adjustment of status candidates, DACA, asylum applicants, and certain students.

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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 utilized with a specific company 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 qualified for an Employment Authorization Document might request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In many cases, the initial ask for work authorization should be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate needs to consist of the following items for an initial demand:

- 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 specific supporting documents depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain preliminary I-765 requests get sent with the primary application.

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

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service likewise receive personalized filing guidelines. The filing guidelines will be based on your specific situation and will describe precisely what documents to send out with Form I-765.

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Renewal

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

Replacement

You might replace your Employment Authorization Document if your most recent EAD is lost, stolen or destroyed. File a new Form I-765 and select the "replacement" choice. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can send a questions on non-delivery of a card.