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

What is an Employment 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 certain qualifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Lots of people refer to the card as a work authorization. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is known as Form I-766.

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

EAD Validity Period

Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is only legitimate until it's expiration date. Depending upon the individual's immigration status, USCIS generally issues cards for a two-year duration or less. However, specific EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications might be immediately extended beyond the credibility date on the card.

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are essentially 2 different kinds of nonimmigrants who may be eligible to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to operate in the United States based upon their immigration status. Although they are already licensed to work, they might need proof of that advantage. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to ask for special permission to accept employment. Examples include adjustment of status applicants, DACA, asylum hunters, and particular students.

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Permanent locals (permit holders) do not require a Work Authorization Document. The permit is evidence of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be utilized 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 ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the initial ask for work permission need to be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant must consist of the following items for an initial demand:

- 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. In other words, candidates need to send other specific supporting documents depending upon the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain preliminary I-765 demands get submitted with the primary application.

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

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

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Renewal

You might restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work authorization. File a new Form I-765 and choose the "renewal" alternative. Generally, you should not apply for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most current EAD expires.

Replacement

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