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) problems to particular qualifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Many individuals describe the card as a work license. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is understood as Form I-766.

The EAD card consists of a picture of the individual licensed to work and might consist of the individual's finger print. A foreign national who has an EAD usually has open-market employment authorization, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 file for employers.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, a Work Authorization Card is only valid until it's expiration date. Depending on the person's immigration status, USCIS normally issues cards for a two-year period or less. However, certain EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications may be immediately extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are fundamentally two various kinds of nonimmigrants who might be eligible to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to work in the United States based upon their immigration status. Although they are already authorized to work, they may need evidence of that advantage. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however require to request unique permission to accept work. Examples include adjustment of status candidates, DACA, asylum applicants, and specific trainees.

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Permanent locals (green card holders) do not require an Employment Authorization Document. The permit is proof of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be employed with a specific company do not need 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. Sometimes, the preliminary ask for work authorization should be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate should consist of the following products for a preliminary request:

- Form I-765

USCIS charges

- 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, applicants must send other particular supporting documents depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain initial I-765 demands get submitted with the main application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can trigger expensive delays or a rejection.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service likewise get personalized filing instructions. The filing guidelines will be based upon your specific scenario and will discuss precisely what documents to send out with Form I-765.

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Renewal

You might renew your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work authorization. File a new Form I-765 and pick the "renewal" choice. Generally, you must not apply for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your newest EAD expires.

Replacement

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