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

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

May 9, 2021

An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is a recognition card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) concerns to specific qualifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Many individuals refer to the card as a work license. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is understood as Form I-766.

The EAD card includes a photo of the specific licensed to work and might consist of the individual's finger print. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD normally has open-market employment 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 just valid until it's expiration date. Depending on the individual's immigration status, USCIS usually problems cards for a two-year duration or less. However, certain 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 fundamentally 2 different types of nonimmigrants who might be eligible to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to work in the United States based on their migration status. Although they are currently licensed to work, they might require evidence of that opportunity. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but require to request unique authorization to accept employment. Examples include adjustment of status candidates, DACA, asylum hunters, and specific students.

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Permanent homeowners (permit holders) do not need an Employment Authorization Document. The permit is proof of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be utilized with a specific employer do not require an EAD. Examples of nonimmigrants with this status include 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. In many cases, the initial request for work authorization should be sent with the application for the underlying status.

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

- Form I-765

USCIS charges

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style photos

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. Simply put, candidates must send other specific supporting documents depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, particular initial I-765 demands get submitted with the main application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can cause pricey delays or a rejection.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also receive individualized filing instructions. The filing directions will be based on your specific circumstance and will describe exactly what files to send out with Form I-765.

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Renewal

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

Replacement

You might change your Employment Authorization Document if your most recent EAD is lost, taken or destroyed. File a new Form I-765 and pick the "replacement" alternative. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS sent by mail, you can send a query on non-delivery of a card.