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

What is an Employment 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) concerns to specific qualifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Lots of people describe the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.

The EAD card includes a photograph of the private authorized to work and might include the person's finger print. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD usually has open-market work permission, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 file for employers.

EAD Validity Period

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

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are essentially two various types of nonimmigrants who may be qualified to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to work in the United States based upon their immigration status. Although they are currently licensed to work, they may require evidence of that privilege. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to ask for special permission to accept work. Examples include modification of status candidates, DACA, asylum candidates, and specific trainees.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

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

Typically, an applicant ought to consist of the following items for an initial demand:

- Form I-765

USCIS fees

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style pictures

- Proof of eligibility


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

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can cause pricey delays or a rejection.

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

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Renewal

You may renew your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work permission. File a new Form I-765 and choose the "renewal" option. Generally, you need to not file for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most recent EAD expires.

Replacement

You may replace your Employment Authorization Document if your latest EAD is lost, taken or ruined. File a brand-new Form I-765 and choose the "replacement" option. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can send a questions on non-delivery of a card.