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 a recognition card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) concerns to specific 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 called Form I-766.

The EAD card includes a photo of the individual licensed to work and may consist of the person's finger print. A foreign national who has an EAD typically has open-market employment authorization, 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 up until it's expiration date. Depending on the person's immigration status, USCIS typically problems 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 a Work Authorization Document

There are essentially 2 different types of nonimmigrants who might be qualified to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to work in the United States based upon their migration status. Although they are already licensed to work, they might require evidence of that privilege. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however require to ask for unique authorization to accept work. Examples include change of status applicants, DACA, asylum candidates, and particular students.

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Permanent locals (permit holders) do not require an Employment Authorization Document. The green card is evidence of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized 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 a Work Authorization Document might request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the preliminary ask for work permission must be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant must include the following products for an initial demand:

- Form I-765

USCIS charges

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style photos

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. Simply put, candidates should submit other particular supporting files depending on the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain initial I-765 demands get submitted with the primary application.

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

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also receive tailored filing directions. The filing directions will be based on your particular scenario and will describe exactly what files to send with Form I-765.

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Renewal

You might restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work permission. File a brand-new Form I-765 and select the "renewal" option. Generally, you ought to not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your newest EAD expires.

Replacement

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