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

What is an Employment 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) issues to certain qualifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Many individuals refer to the card as a work authorization. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.

The EAD card contains a picture of the specific authorized to work and might include the person's finger print. A foreign national who has an EAD usually has open-market work permission, however there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 document for employers.

EAD Validity Period

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

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are essentially 2 various types of nonimmigrants who may be qualified to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to operate in the United States based upon their migration status. Although they are currently licensed to work, they might require evidence of that opportunity. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to request special approval to accept employment. Examples include change of status candidates, DACA, asylum applicants, and particular trainees.

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Permanent homeowners (green card holders) do not require a Work Authorization Document. The green card is evidence of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be employed with a particular employer do not need 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 a Work Authorization Document might ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the initial demand for work permission should be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate needs to include the following products for an initial demand:

- Form I-765

USCIS charges

- 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 send other particular supporting files depending on the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain initial I-765 requests get submitted with the main application.

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

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also receive customized filing instructions. The filing instructions will be based upon your particular circumstance 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 eligible for work authorization. File a new Form I-765 and pick the "renewal" alternative. Generally, you need to not apply for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most recent EAD ends.

Replacement

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