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 a recognition card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) problems to particular certifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Many people describe the card as a work authorization. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is known as Form I-766.

The EAD card contains a photo of the individual licensed to work and may consist of the individual's finger print. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD generally has open-market employment permission, but 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 just legitimate up until it's expiration date. Depending on the individual's immigration status, USCIS generally concerns cards for a two-year duration or less. However, particular EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications may be immediately extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are essentially 2 different kinds of nonimmigrants who might be qualified to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to operate in the United States based on their immigration status. Although they are currently authorized to work, they may require proof of that advantage. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however require to ask for unique consent to accept work. Examples include change of status candidates, DACA, asylum seekers, and certain students.

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Permanent residents (permit holders) do not require a Work Authorization Document. The green card is evidence of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be used 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 may request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the initial demand for work authorization must be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

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

- Form I-765

USCIS charges

- 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 specific supporting documents depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, particular preliminary I-765 demands get sent with the primary application.

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

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

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Renewal

You may renew your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work authorization. File a brand-new Form I-765 and choose the "renewal" choice. Generally, you need to not apply for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your newest EAD ends.

Replacement

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