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) problems to specific qualifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Lots of people refer to the card as a work license. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.

The EAD card consists of a photograph of the specific authorized to work and may consist of the person's fingerprint. A foreign national who has an EAD typically 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 valid till it's expiration date. Depending on the person's migration status, USCIS typically concerns cards for a two-year period or less. However, particular 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 different kinds of nonimmigrants who may be eligible to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to operate in the United States based on their migration status. Although they are already licensed to work, they might require evidence of that advantage. 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 modification of status applicants, DACA, asylum seekers, and specific trainees.

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Permanent residents (permit holders) do not need a Work Authorization Document. The green card is proof of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be employed with a particular employer 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 many cases, the preliminary demand for work permission need to be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

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

- Form I-765

USCIS costs

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style images

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. Simply put, applicants must submit other particular supporting documents depending on the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific preliminary I-765 demands get sent with the primary application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can cause expensive hold-ups or a rejection.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also receive customized filing directions. The filing instructions will be based upon your particular scenario and will discuss precisely what documents to send out with Form I-765.

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Renewal

You may restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work authorization. File a brand-new Form I-765 and select the "renewal" choice. Generally, you need to not apply for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your newest EAD ends.

Replacement

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