Home" What is an Employment 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) concerns to specific qualifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Lots of 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 photo of the private licensed to work and might consist of the individual's finger print. A foreign national who has an EAD usually has open-market employment permission, however 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 only legitimate up until it's expiration date. Depending on the individual's immigration status, USCIS normally concerns cards for a two-year duration or less. However, specific EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories may be immediately extended beyond the credibility date on the card.

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are basically two various kinds of nonimmigrants who might be eligible to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to operate in the United States based upon their migration status. Although they are currently licensed to work, they might require evidence of that opportunity. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but require to ask for special approval to accept work. Examples consist of change of status applicants, DACA, asylum candidates, and certain students.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

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

Typically, an applicant should consist of the following products 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. In other words, candidates need to send other particular supporting documents depending upon the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, particular 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 likewise receive tailored filing instructions. The filing guidelines will be based on your specific scenario and will explain precisely what files to send with Form I-765.

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

Renewal

You might renew your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work permission. File a brand-new Form I-765 and choose the "renewal" option. Generally, you need to not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your newest EAD ends.

Replacement

You may change your Employment Authorization Document if your latest EAD is lost, taken or destroyed. File a new Form I-765 and select the "replacement" option. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can send a questions on non-delivery of a card.