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

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

May 9, 2021

A Work Authorization Document (EAD) is a recognition card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues to certain certifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Many individuals describe the card as a work license. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is understood as Form I-766.

The EAD card includes a picture of the individual authorized to work and may consist of the individual's finger print. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD usually has open-market employment permission, however 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 legitimate up until it's expiration date. Depending on the individual's migration status, USCIS generally issues cards for a two-year duration or less. However, particular EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories might be automatically extended beyond the credibility date on the card.

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are basically two various kinds of nonimmigrants who might be eligible to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to operate in the United States based on their migration status. Although they are currently licensed to work, they may need proof of that benefit. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however need to ask for special authorization to accept work. Examples include modification of status candidates, DACA, asylum candidates, and particular students.

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Permanent residents (permit holders) do not require an Employment Authorization Document. The green card is proof of the cardholder's status and work permission. 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 eligible for an Employment Authorization Document might ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the initial demand for work authorization must be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant needs to include the following items for an initial 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. In other words, applicants need to send other particular supporting documents depending upon the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, particular initial I-765 requests get submitted with the primary 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 receive personalized filing directions. The filing directions will be based on your specific scenario and will explain precisely what documents to send out with Form I-765.

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Renewal

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

Replacement

You may change your Employment Authorization Document if your most current EAD is lost, stolen or damaged. File a brand-new Form I-765 and select the "replacement" alternative. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS sent by mail, you can send a query on non-delivery of a card.