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

What is an Employment 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 certain qualifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Many people refer to the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is understood as Form I-766.

The EAD card contains a picture of the specific licensed to work and may consist of the person's finger print. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD usually has open-market work authorization, but 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 legitimate up until it's expiration date. Depending on the individual's immigration status, USCIS generally problems cards for a two-year period or less. However, certain EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications may be automatically extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are basically 2 different types of nonimmigrants who may be qualified to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to operate in the United States based upon their immigration status. Although they are already licensed to work, they may require proof of that advantage. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to request special authorization to accept work. Examples include adjustment of status applicants, DACA, asylum hunters, and certain trainees.

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Permanent homeowners (green card holders) do not require an Employment Authorization Document. The green card is proof of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be employed with a particular employer do not need 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 qualified for an Employment Authorization Document might request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In some cases, the preliminary ask for work permission should be sent with the application for the underlying status.

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

- Form I-765

USCIS fees

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style images

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. Simply put, candidates must submit other specific supporting documents depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, particular preliminary I-765 requests get sent with the primary application.

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

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

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Renewal

You might renew 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 should not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your newest EAD expires.

Replacement

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