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

What is a Work 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) concerns to certain qualifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Many individuals describe the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is understood as Form I-766.

The EAD card consists of a picture of the private licensed to work and may consist of the individual's finger print. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD usually has open-market work permission, however 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 valid until it's expiration date. Depending on the person's immigration status, USCIS usually problems cards for a two-year period or less. However, particular EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories might be immediately extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are basically two different types of nonimmigrants who might be eligible to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to operate in the United States based on their immigration status. Although they are already licensed to work, they may need evidence of that opportunity. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however require to request unique approval to accept work. Examples include modification of status candidates, DACA, asylum candidates, and certain students.

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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 licensed to be utilized with a particular 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 some cases, the preliminary ask for work authorization should be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

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

- Form I-765

USCIS fees

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style photos

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. In other words, applicants need to submit other particular supporting documents depending upon the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific preliminary I-765 demands get submitted with the main application.

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

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also receive individualized filing instructions. The filing guidelines will be based on your specific scenario and will describe precisely what documents to send 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 choose the "renewal" option. Generally, you must not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most current EAD ends.

Replacement

You may change your Employment Authorization Document if your most current EAD is lost, stolen or ruined. File a brand-new Form I-765 and choose 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.