Home" What is a Work 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 certifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Lots of people refer to the card as a work license. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is referred to as Form I-766.

The EAD card contains a photo of the private authorized to work and might consist of the person's fingerprint. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD usually has open-market employment authorization, however there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 file for companies.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, a Work Authorization Card is just valid until it's expiration date. Depending upon the person's immigration status, USCIS usually issues cards for a two-year period or less. However, particular EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories might be automatically extended beyond the credibility date on the card.

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are fundamentally two various kinds of nonimmigrants who may be eligible to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to work in the United States based on their immigration status. Although they are already licensed to work, they might need proof of that benefit. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however need to ask for special authorization to accept work. Examples include adjustment of status candidates, DACA, asylum hunters, and specific students.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent locals (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 specific company 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 an Employment Authorization Document may ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the preliminary ask for work permission must be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant needs to consist of the following items 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 should submit other specific supporting files depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific initial I-765 requests get sent with the main 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 get personalized filing instructions. The filing directions will be based upon your particular scenario and will discuss precisely what files to send out with Form I-765.

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

Renewal

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

Replacement

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