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

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

May 9, 2021

A Work Authorization Document (EAD) is an identification card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) problems to specific certifying 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 referred to as Form I-766.

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

EAD Validity Period

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

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are fundamentally 2 various types of nonimmigrants who might be qualified to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to work in the United States based on their migration status. Although they are already licensed to work, they might need evidence of that privilege. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to request unique authorization to accept work. Examples include modification of status applicants, DACA, asylum applicants, and particular students.

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Permanent locals (permit holders) do not require an Employment Authorization Document. The permit is evidence of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized 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 ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, 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 a preliminary demand:

- 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. To put it simply, candidates need to send other particular supporting documents depending upon the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific initial I-765 requests get sent with the main application.

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

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service likewise get tailored filing guidelines. The filing instructions will be based upon your specific scenario and will explain precisely what files to send out with Form I-765.

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Renewal

You may renew your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work authorization. File a new Form I-765 and choose the "renewal" alternative. Generally, you ought to not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your newest EAD expires.

Replacement

You might change 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 get an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can submit a questions on non-delivery of a card.