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

What is a Work 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) issues to particular qualifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Lots of people refer to the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is referred to as Form I-766.

The EAD card includes a photograph of the individual licensed to work and might include the individual's finger print. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD generally has open-market work authorization, however there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 file for employers.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, a Work Authorization Card is only valid up until it's expiration date. Depending upon the individual's immigration status, USCIS generally 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 automatically extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are fundamentally two various types of nonimmigrants who might be qualified to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to work in the United States based upon their migration status. Although they are currently authorized to work, they might need evidence of that opportunity. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however require to ask for special authorization to accept employment. Examples include adjustment of status candidates, DACA, asylum candidates, and specific students.

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Permanent homeowners (green card 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 utilized with a specific company 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 qualified for an Employment Authorization Document may request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In some cases, the initial request for work authorization must be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

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

- 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, candidates should 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 delays or a denial.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also receive customized filing guidelines. The filing guidelines will be based upon your particular scenario and will describe precisely what files to send with Form I-765.

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Renewal

You may 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 need to not file for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest EAD expires.

Replacement

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