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) problems to particular certifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Many individuals refer to the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is known as Form I-766.

The EAD card includes a picture of the private licensed to work and might consist of the person's fingerprint. A foreign national who has an EAD normally has open-market work authorization, however there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 file for companies.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, a Work Authorization Card is just valid up until it's expiration date. Depending on the individual's immigration status, USCIS generally concerns cards for a two-year period or less. However, specific 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 fundamentally 2 different kinds of nonimmigrants who may be qualified to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to operate in the United States based upon their immigration status. Although they are currently authorized to work, they may need proof of that advantage. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but require to ask for unique authorization to accept employment. Examples consist of change of status applicants, DACA, asylum hunters, and certain students.

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Permanent locals (permit holders) do not need a Work 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 consist of 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. Sometimes, the preliminary ask for work authorization should be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant ought 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. Simply put, applicants must submit other specific supporting files depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain preliminary I-765 demands 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 get tailored filing guidelines. The filing directions will be based upon your particular situation and will explain exactly what files to send with Form I-765.

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Renewal

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

Replacement

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