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 an identification card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues to certain certifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Many individuals describe the card as a work authorization. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is referred to as Form I-766.

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

EAD Validity Period

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

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are basically two different kinds of nonimmigrants who might be eligible 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 need proof of that benefit. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but require to request special consent to accept employment. Examples consist of change of status candidates, DACA, asylum hunters, and particular trainees.

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Permanent homeowners (permit holders) do not need a Work Authorization Document. The green card is proof of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be used 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 might ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In some cases, the preliminary ask for work authorization should be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant needs to consist of the following products for an initial demand:

- Form I-765

USCIS charges

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style images

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. Simply put, candidates should submit other specific supporting files depending upon the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain preliminary I-765 requests get sent with the main application.

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

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also get customized filing guidelines. The filing guidelines will be based on your particular situation and will describe exactly what documents to send with Form I-765.

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Renewal

You might renew your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work authorization. File a brand-new Form I-765 and pick the "renewal" option. 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 most recent EAD is lost, stolen or destroyed. File a brand-new Form I-765 and select 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.