Home" What is a Work 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) issues to certain certifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Many individuals describe the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is known as Form I-766.

The EAD card includes a photograph of the private licensed to work and may include 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 file for employers.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is only legitimate up until it's expiration date. Depending upon the person's migration status, USCIS normally concerns cards for a two-year duration or less. However, certain EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications might be immediately extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are fundamentally two different types of nonimmigrants who may be eligible to ask for 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 may need proof of that opportunity. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but require to ask for special authorization to accept work. Examples consist of modification of status candidates, DACA, asylum hunters, and specific students.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent residents (green card holders) do not require a Work Authorization Document. The green card is evidence of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be used with a particular company 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 eligible for an Employment Authorization Document might request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In some cases, the initial demand for work permission should be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate must consist of the following products for a preliminary demand:

- Form I-765

USCIS costs

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style pictures

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. To put it simply, applicants must send other particular supporting files depending upon the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific preliminary 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 get tailored filing directions. The filing guidelines will be based upon your specific situation and will describe precisely what documents to send with Form I-765.

RECOMMENDED: How to Apply for 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 pick the "renewal" option. Generally, you ought to not apply for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most current EAD ends.

Replacement

You may replace your Employment Authorization Document if your newest EAD is lost, stolen or ruined. File a new Form I-765 and pick the "replacement" choice. If you did not receive an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can send a query on non-delivery of a card.