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) problems to particular qualifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Many individuals describe the card as a work license. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is referred to as Form I-766.

The EAD card contains a photograph of the specific licensed to work and may include the person's fingerprint. A foreign national who has an EAD typically 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 just valid till it's expiration date. Depending on the individual's migration status, USCIS usually problems cards for a two-year period or less. However, specific EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories may be instantly extended beyond the credibility date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are fundamentally 2 different kinds of nonimmigrants who might be qualified to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to operate in the United States based upon their migration status. Although they are currently authorized to work, they may require evidence of that benefit. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to ask for special consent to accept employment. Examples include adjustment of status applicants, DACA, asylum hunters, and specific students.

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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 licensed to be utilized with a specific 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 qualified for an Employment Authorization Document may ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the preliminary ask for work permission should be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate needs to include the following items 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. To put it simply, candidates should submit other particular supporting files depending on the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific preliminary I-765 demands get submitted with the primary application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can trigger pricey delays or a denial.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service likewise receive individualized filing guidelines. The filing guidelines will be based on your specific circumstance and will describe precisely what files to send out with Form I-765.

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Renewal

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

Replacement

You may change your Employment Authorization Document if your latest EAD is lost, stolen or damaged. File a brand-new Form I-765 and pick the "replacement" option. If you did not receive an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can submit a questions on non-delivery of a card.