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 particular certifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Many individuals describe the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.

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

EAD Validity Period

Generally, a Work Authorization Card is only legitimate up until it's expiration date. Depending on the person's migration status, USCIS generally concerns cards for a two-year duration or less. However, specific EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories might be automatically extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are basically two various kinds of nonimmigrants who may be qualified to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to operate in the United States based upon their migration status. Although they are already authorized to work, they might require proof of that benefit. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but require to request special permission to accept employment. Examples consist of modification of status candidates, DACA, asylum candidates, and specific students.

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Permanent residents (green card holders) do not need an Employment Authorization Document. The green card is proof of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be utilized with a particular employer do not require 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 eligible for a Work Authorization Document might ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the preliminary demand for work permission need to be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate ought to include the following products for an initial demand:

- 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. To put it simply, applicants should send other particular supporting files depending upon the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, particular preliminary I-765 requests get sent with the main application.

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

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

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Renewal

You might restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work authorization. File a new Form I-765 and pick the "renewal" option. Generally, you need to not file for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your newest EAD ends.

Replacement

You may change your Employment Authorization Document if your most current EAD is lost, taken or ruined. File a new Form I-765 and select the "replacement" choice. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can submit a query on non-delivery of a card.