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 a recognition card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues to specific certifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Lots of people refer to the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.

The EAD card includes a photo of the individual authorized to work and might consist of the person's finger print. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD generally has open-market work permission, however there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 document for companies.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, a Work Authorization Card is only legitimate till it's expiration date. Depending on the person's immigration status, USCIS typically issues cards for a two-year period or less. However, specific EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories may be automatically extended beyond the credibility date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are basically 2 different kinds of nonimmigrants who might be qualified to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to operate in the United States based upon their immigration status. Although they are already licensed to work, they might require evidence of that advantage. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however require to ask for special consent to accept employment. Examples consist of change of status applicants, DACA, asylum seekers, 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 licensed to be used with a particular employer do not need 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 eligible for an Employment Authorization Document might request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In some cases, the preliminary ask for work authorization need to be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate must include the following items for an initial demand:

- Form I-765

USCIS charges

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style pictures

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. Simply put, applicants should send 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 also get customized filing directions. The filing instructions will be based on your particular scenario and will describe precisely what files to send with Form I-765.

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Renewal

You may restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work permission. File a new Form I-765 and select the "renewal" choice. Generally, you must not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your newest EAD ends.

Replacement

You might replace your Employment Authorization Document if your latest EAD is lost, taken or destroyed. File a brand-new Form I-765 and pick the "replacement" option. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can send an inquiry on non-delivery of a card.