Home" What is a Work Authorization Document (Form I-766)?

What is an Employment 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 certain qualifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Many people refer to the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is referred to as Form I-766.

The EAD card includes a photograph of the individual licensed to work and may consist of the individual's fingerprint. A foreign national who has an EAD normally has open-market work authorization, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 document for employers.

EAD Validity Period

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

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are fundamentally two various kinds of nonimmigrants who might be eligible to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to operate in the United States based on their migration status. Although they are already licensed to work, they may require proof of that opportunity. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however need to request special consent to accept employment. Examples consist of change of status applicants, DACA, asylum candidates, and specific students.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent locals (permit holders) do not need an Employment Authorization Document. The permit is evidence of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be employed with a particular company do not require an EAD. Examples of nonimmigrants with this status include H-1B and TN visa.

RECOMMENDED: U.S. Work Visa Types for Foreign Nationals

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 many cases, the preliminary ask for work permission need to be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant ought to include the following products for an initial request:

- Form I-765

USCIS costs

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style photos

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. Simply put, applicants need to submit other particular supporting documents depending upon the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, particular initial I-765 demands get sent with the primary application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can cause pricey delays or a rejection.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service likewise receive individualized filing instructions. The filing directions will be based on your specific situation and will discuss exactly what documents to send with Form I-765.

RECOMMENDED: How to Apply for a U.S. Work Permit

Renewal

You might renew your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work permission. File a new Form I-765 and choose the "renewal" alternative. Generally, you need to not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest EAD ends.

Replacement

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