Home" What is a Work Authorization Document (Form I-766)?

What is a Work Authorization Document (Form I-766)?

May 9, 2021

A Work Authorization Document (EAD) is a recognition card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) problems to certain certifying foreign nationals to work 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 contains a picture of the private licensed to work and may consist of the individual's finger print. A foreign national who has an EAD typically has open-market employment permission, however there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 document for companies.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, a Work Authorization Card is only legitimate till it's expiration date. Depending upon the person's migration status, USCIS generally concerns cards for a two-year period or less. However, particular EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications might be instantly extended beyond the credibility date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are fundamentally two various kinds of nonimmigrants who might be qualified to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to operate in the United States based on their migration status. Although they are currently authorized to work, they might require evidence of that privilege. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to ask for special approval to accept employment. Examples include change of status candidates, DACA, asylum hunters, and certain trainees.

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Permanent locals (green card 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 used 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 need to be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant ought to consist of the following items for a preliminary request:

- Form I-765

USCIS fees

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style photos

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. In other words, applicants should submit other specific supporting files depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific preliminary I-765 requests get sent with the primary application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can cause costly delays or a denial.

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

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Renewal

You may renew your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work authorization. File a new Form I-765 and choose the "renewal" alternative. Generally, you should not submit for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest EAD ends.

Replacement

You might change your Employment Authorization Document if your latest EAD is lost, stolen or damaged. File a brand-new Form I-765 and pick the "replacement" alternative. If you did not receive an EAD that USCIS sent by mail, you can send an inquiry on non-delivery of a card.