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

What is an Employment 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 particular qualifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Many individuals 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 photograph of the individual authorized to work and may include the person's finger print. A foreign national who has an EAD usually 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 just valid till it's expiration date. Depending on the person's immigration status, USCIS usually concerns cards for a two-year period or less. However, certain EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications may be instantly extended beyond the credibility date on the card.

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are fundamentally two different kinds of nonimmigrants who may be eligible to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to operate in the United States based upon their immigration status. Although they are currently licensed to work, they may require evidence of that advantage. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but require to request unique consent to accept employment. Examples include modification of status candidates, DACA, asylum seekers, and specific students.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent homeowners (permit holders) do not require a Work Authorization Document. The permit is evidence of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be employed with a particular company do not need an EAD. Examples of nonimmigrants with this status consist of 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 ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In many cases, the initial ask for work permission must be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant ought to include the following items for an initial 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. To put it simply, candidates need to submit other specific supporting documents depending upon 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 hold-ups or a rejection.

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

RECOMMENDED: How to Apply for a U.S. Work Permit

Renewal

You might restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work permission. File a new Form I-765 and pick the "renewal" option. Generally, you should not apply for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest EAD expires.

Replacement

You may change your Employment Authorization Document if your latest EAD is lost, stolen or destroyed. File a new Form I-765 and choose the "replacement" choice. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS sent by mail, you can submit an inquiry on non-delivery of a card.