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 particular qualifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Lots of people describe the card as a work authorization. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.

The EAD card includes a picture of the specific authorized to work and might include the individual's finger print. A foreign national who has an EAD usually has open-market employment permission, 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 legitimate up until it's expiration date. Depending on the individual's migration status, USCIS usually issues cards for a two-year duration or less. However, certain 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 2 various types of nonimmigrants who may be qualified to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to work in the United States based upon their migration status. Although they are already authorized to work, they may require proof of that privilege. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but require to request unique authorization to accept employment. Examples consist of change of status applicants, DACA, asylum seekers, and certain trainees.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent homeowners (green card holders) do not require a Work Authorization Document. The green card is proof of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be utilized with a particular employer do not require 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 may request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the initial ask for work authorization must be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate should consist of 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. To put it simply, candidates must submit 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 likewise receive personalized filing guidelines. The filing directions will be based on your specific scenario and will describe precisely what files to send out with Form I-765.

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

Renewal

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

Replacement

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