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) problems to particular 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 referred to as Form I-766.

The EAD card contains a photo of the individual authorized to work and might consist of the individual's finger print. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD typically has open-market employment permission, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 document for employers.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, a Work Authorization Card is only legitimate up until it's expiration date. Depending upon the person's immigration status, USCIS typically problems 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 immediately extended beyond the validity 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 upon their immigration status. Although they are currently licensed to work, they may require evidence of that advantage. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however need to ask for unique consent to accept work. Examples consist of change of status candidates, DACA, asylum seekers, and specific trainees.

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Permanent residents (green card holders) do not require an Employment Authorization Document. The permit is proof of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be used with a specific company do not need an EAD. Examples of nonimmigrants with this status consist of H-1B and TN visa.

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How to Request an EAD

Foreign nationals who are qualified for an Employment Authorization Document might ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In many cases, the preliminary ask for work authorization need to be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant must include the following products for an initial request:

- Form I-765

USCIS costs

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style images

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. Simply put, applicants must send other particular supporting files depending on the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, particular preliminary I-765 requests get submitted with the main application.

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

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also receive personalized filing instructions. The filing directions will be based upon your specific scenario and will discuss precisely what documents to send out with Form I-765.

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Renewal

You might restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work permission. File a new Form I-765 and select the "renewal" choice. Generally, you ought to not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most current EAD ends.

Replacement

You might change your Employment Authorization Document if your latest 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 send a query on non-delivery of a card.