Home" What is an Employment 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) problems to certain certifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Many people refer to the card as a work authorization. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is referred to as Form I-766.

The EAD card contains a photo of the private authorized to work and might include 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 legitimate I-9 document for companies.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, a Work Authorization Card is only valid until it's expiration date. Depending on the person's migration status, USCIS normally problems cards for a two-year period or less. However, specific EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications might be instantly extended beyond the credibility date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are basically 2 various types of nonimmigrants who might be qualified to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to work in the United States based upon their migration status. Although they are currently licensed to work, they may need proof of that opportunity. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to ask for special consent to accept employment. Examples consist of modification of status applicants, DACA, asylum applicants, and particular students.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent locals (permit holders) do not require a Work Authorization Document. The permit is evidence of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be used with a specific employer do not require an EAD. Examples of nonimmigrants with this status consist of 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 might ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In many cases, the preliminary ask for work permission need to be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant needs to include the following products for a preliminary request:

- Form I-765

USCIS costs

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style pictures

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. To put it simply, candidates must send other specific supporting files depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain preliminary I-765 requests get sent with the main application.

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

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service likewise get personalized filing guidelines. The filing directions will be based on your particular circumstance and will describe precisely what documents to send out 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" choice. Generally, you must not submit for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest EAD expires.

Replacement

You may change your Employment Authorization Document if your most recent EAD is lost, taken or destroyed. File a brand-new Form I-765 and select the "replacement" choice. If you did not receive an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can submit an inquiry on non-delivery of a card.