Home" What is a Work 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) concerns to certain qualifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Many individuals refer to the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.

The EAD card consists of a photograph of the individual authorized to work and may include the individual's fingerprint. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD usually has open-market employment authorization, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 document for employers.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is just valid until it's expiration date. Depending on the person's migration status, USCIS usually concerns cards for a two-year period or less. However, particular EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories may be instantly extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are fundamentally two different kinds of nonimmigrants who might 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 require evidence of that privilege. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however require to ask for special consent to accept employment. Examples include adjustment of status candidates, DACA, asylum hunters, and particular trainees.

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Permanent residents (permit holders) do not require an Employment Authorization Document. The green card is evidence of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be utilized with a particular 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 qualified for a Work Authorization Document may request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In many cases, the preliminary request for work permission need to be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant must consist of 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. In other words, candidates should send other particular supporting files 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 expensive hold-ups or a rejection.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also get tailored filing directions. The filing directions will be based upon your particular situation and will discuss precisely what files to send with Form I-765.

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Renewal

You may renew 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 must not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest EAD ends.

Replacement

You may replace your Employment Authorization Document if your newest EAD is lost, taken or destroyed. File a new Form I-765 and pick the "replacement" alternative. If you did not receive an EAD that USCIS sent by mail, you can submit a questions on non-delivery of a card.