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 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 refer to the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is understood as Form I-766.

The EAD card consists of a photo of the specific licensed to work and may include the person's finger print. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD generally has open-market work authorization, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 document for companies.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is just legitimate until it's expiration date. Depending upon the person's migration status, USCIS typically problems cards for a two-year period or less. However, certain EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications might be immediately extended beyond the credibility date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are fundamentally two various types of nonimmigrants who might be qualified 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 might require evidence of that benefit. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however require to ask for special permission to accept work. Examples include change of status candidates, DACA, asylum candidates, and certain trainees.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent citizens (permit holders) do not require an Employment Authorization Document. The permit is evidence of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be employed with a particular company do not require an EAD. Examples of nonimmigrants with this status include H-1B and TN visa.

RECOMMENDED: U.S. Work Visa Types for Foreign Nationals

How to Request an EAD

Foreign nationals who are qualified for an Employment Authorization Document may request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the preliminary ask for work authorization must be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

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

- Form I-765

USCIS costs

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style photos

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. To put it simply, applicants need to send other specific supporting documents depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, particular preliminary I-765 requests get sent with the primary application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can trigger expensive hold-ups or a denial.

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

RECOMMENDED: How to Obtain a U.S. Work Permit

Renewal

You might restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work authorization. File a brand-new Form I-765 and pick the "renewal" alternative. Generally, you must not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your newest EAD expires.

Replacement

You might replace your Employment Authorization Document if your most current EAD is lost, taken or ruined. File a brand-new Form I-765 and pick the "replacement" option. If you did not receive an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can send an inquiry on non-delivery of a card.