Home" What is an Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766)?

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

May 9, 2021

A Work Authorization Document (EAD) is a recognition card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) concerns to certain certifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Lots of people describe the card as a work license. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is referred to as Form I-766.

The EAD card includes a photograph of the specific authorized to work and might consist of the individual's finger print. A foreign national who has an EAD generally has open-market work 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 up until it's expiration date. Depending on the individual's immigration status, USCIS generally problems cards for a two-year period or less. However, specific EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories might be immediately extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are fundamentally 2 various kinds of nonimmigrants who might be qualified to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to work in the United States based upon their migration status. Although they are already authorized to work, they may need proof of that privilege. 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 include change of status applicants, DACA, asylum hunters, and particular students.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

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

Typically, a candidate must consist of the following items for an initial request:

- Form I-765

USCIS charges

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style images

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. Simply put, applicants should submit other specific supporting documents depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, particular preliminary I-765 demands get submitted with the main application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can cause costly hold-ups or a rejection.

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

RECOMMENDED: How to Apply for a U.S. Work Permit

Renewal

You might restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work permission. File a brand-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 newest EAD ends.

Replacement

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