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

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are essentially two various kinds of nonimmigrants who might be eligible to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to operate in the United States based on their immigration status. Although they are currently authorized to work, they might need evidence of that advantage. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but require to ask for special permission to accept work. Examples consist of change of status applicants, DACA, asylum seekers, and certain students.

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Permanent residents (permit holders) do not need an Employment Authorization Document. The green card is evidence of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be used 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 eligible for a Work Authorization Document might request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In some cases, the preliminary ask for work authorization should be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate needs to include the following products for a preliminary request:

- 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 must submit other particular supporting files depending upon the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific preliminary I-765 requests get sent 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 also receive tailored filing instructions. The filing directions will be based on your particular situation and will describe exactly what documents 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 brand-new Form I-765 and select the "renewal" choice. Generally, you ought to not submit for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your newest EAD expires.

Replacement

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