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) concerns to specific 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 includes a photograph of the specific authorized to work and may consist of the person's finger print. A foreign national who has an EAD typically has open-market employment authorization, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 file for companies.

EAD Validity Period

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

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are essentially 2 various types of nonimmigrants who may be eligible to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to operate in the United States based on their migration status. Although they are currently licensed to work, they might require proof of that opportunity. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to ask for special authorization to accept work. Examples consist of adjustment of status applicants, DACA, asylum seekers, and certain trainees.

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Permanent homeowners (green card holders) do not need an Employment Authorization Document. The green card is proof of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be employed with a specific employer 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 eligible for an Employment Authorization Document may ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the preliminary demand for work permission need to be sent with the application for the underlying status.

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

- 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 should submit other particular supporting files depending on the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, particular initial I-765 requests get sent with the primary application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can cause pricey hold-ups or a denial.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also get personalized filing instructions. The filing instructions will be based on your particular circumstance and will explain precisely what files to send out with Form I-765.

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Renewal

You might renew your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work authorization. File a new Form I-765 and select the "renewal" choice. Generally, you ought to not apply for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest EAD expires.

Replacement

You may 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" choice. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can submit a query on non-delivery of a card.