Home" What is a Work 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 particular certifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Many individuals describe the card as a work license. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is understood as Form I-766.

The EAD card consists of a picture of the individual licensed to work and might include the individual's finger print. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD generally has open-market work permission, however there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 file for employers.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is only valid up until it's expiration date. Depending on the individual's immigration status, USCIS usually 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 an Employment Authorization Document

There are fundamentally two different kinds 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 authorized to work, they might need proof of that privilege. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but require to request unique authorization to accept work. Examples consist of modification of status candidates, DACA, asylum candidates, and specific students.

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Permanent residents (permit holders) do not need an Employment Authorization Document. The green card is evidence of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be employed 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 eligible for a Work Authorization Document might request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the initial ask for work permission 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 fees

- 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 specific supporting documents depending upon the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain initial I-765 requests get submitted with the main application.

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

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also get customized filing directions. The filing guidelines will be based upon your particular scenario and will describe precisely what documents to send out with Form I-765.

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Renewal

You may restore 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 need to not file for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest EAD ends.

Replacement

You may change your Employment Authorization Document if your latest EAD is lost, taken or destroyed. File a new Form I-765 and pick the "replacement" choice. If you did not receive an EAD that USCIS sent by mail, you can send a questions on non-delivery of a card.