Home" What is an Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766)?

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

May 9, 2021

A Work Authorization Document (EAD) is an identification card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) concerns to specific certifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Lots of people describe the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.

The EAD card includes a photo of the specific authorized to work and may include the person's finger print. A foreign national who has an EAD normally has open-market work permission, however there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 document for companies.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, a Work Authorization Card is only valid until it's expiration date. Depending on the person's immigration status, USCIS generally problems cards for a two-year duration or less. However, specific EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories might be automatically extended beyond the validity 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 upon their immigration status. Although they are currently licensed to work, they might need proof of that benefit. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however require to request unique authorization to accept employment. Examples consist of modification of status candidates, DACA, asylum seekers, and specific students.

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Permanent citizens (permit holders) do not need an Employment Authorization Document. The green card is proof of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be utilized with a specific employer do not need 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 ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the initial ask for work authorization must be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant needs to consist of the following products for an initial request:

- Form I-765

USCIS charges

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style images

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. Simply put, applicants should submit other specific supporting documents depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, particular preliminary I-765 demands get sent with the main 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 likewise receive individualized filing instructions. The filing instructions will be based upon your particular circumstance and will discuss exactly what documents to send out with Form I-765.

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Renewal

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

Replacement

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