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 certain qualifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Lots of people describe the card as a work license. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.

The EAD card includes a photo of the individual licensed to work and may include the individual's fingerprint. A foreign national who has an EAD normally has open-market work authorization, however there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 document for employers.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, a Work Authorization Card is just valid up until it's expiration date. Depending on the individual's migration status, USCIS usually problems cards for a two-year duration or less. However, particular EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories may be immediately extended beyond the credibility date on the card.

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are fundamentally 2 various types of nonimmigrants who might be eligible to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to work in the United States based on their migration status. Although they are already licensed to work, they may require evidence of that privilege. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however need to ask for special permission to accept work. Examples consist of modification of status candidates, DACA, asylum seekers, and specific students.

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Permanent homeowners (permit holders) do not require a Work Authorization Document. The permit is evidence of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be utilized with a particular 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 request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In some cases, the initial ask for work permission must be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant must consist of the following products for a preliminary 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, applicants should send other specific supporting documents depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific preliminary I-765 requests get submitted with the primary application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can cause pricey hold-ups or a denial.

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

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Renewal

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

Replacement

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