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

What is an Employment 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) issues to particular qualifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Lots of people refer to the card as a work license. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.

The EAD card consists of a picture of the individual authorized to work and may consist of the individual's fingerprint. A foreign national who has an EAD typically has open-market employment authorization, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 document for companies.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, a Work Authorization Card is just legitimate till it's expiration date. Depending upon the person's immigration status, USCIS generally concerns cards for a two-year period or less. However, certain EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories might be immediately extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are fundamentally 2 various types of nonimmigrants who may be qualified to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to operate in the United States based upon their migration status. Although they are already licensed to work, they may require evidence of that benefit. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to ask for unique approval to accept employment. Examples include adjustment of status applicants, DACA, asylum candidates, and certain trainees.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

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

RECOMMENDED: U.S. Work Visa Types for Foreign Nationals

How to Request an EAD

Foreign nationals who are eligible for an Employment Authorization Document may request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the initial request for work permission need to be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant should include the following products for a preliminary demand:

- Form I-765

USCIS costs

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style pictures

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. In other words, candidates must submit other particular supporting documents depending upon the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific initial I-765 demands get submitted with the primary application.

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

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service likewise receive personalized filing guidelines. The filing instructions will be based upon your specific situation and will describe precisely what files to send with Form I-765.

RECOMMENDED: How to Get a U.S. Work Permit

Renewal

You might restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work authorization. File a new Form I-765 and select the "renewal" alternative. Generally, you need to not submit for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest EAD ends.

Replacement

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