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

What is a Work 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 specific certifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Many people describe the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is referred to as Form I-766.

The EAD card consists of a picture of the private licensed to work and might include the person's finger print. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD usually has open-market employment authorization, 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 just legitimate until it's expiration date. Depending upon the person's immigration status, USCIS typically issues 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 validity 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 operate in the United States based on their migration status. Although they are currently licensed to work, they might need proof of that advantage. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however need to ask for unique approval to accept work. Examples consist of modification of status candidates, DACA, asylum candidates, and specific trainees.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent homeowners (permit holders) do not need a Work 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 need 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 eligible for an Employment Authorization Document might ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the preliminary ask for work permission must be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant must include the following items for a preliminary request:

- Form I-765

USCIS fees

- 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 send other particular supporting files depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain preliminary I-765 demands get submitted with the main application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can trigger pricey hold-ups or a rejection.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also get customized filing instructions. The filing instructions will be based on your specific situation and will explain exactly what documents to send with Form I-765.

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

Renewal

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

Replacement

You might replace your Employment Authorization Document if your most recent EAD is lost, stolen or destroyed. 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 an inquiry on non-delivery of a card.