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

The EAD card consists of a photo of the individual authorized to work and may include the individual's finger print. A foreign national who has an EAD generally has open-market employment permission, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 document for companies.

EAD Validity Period

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

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are basically 2 various kinds of nonimmigrants who might be eligible to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to work in the United States based on their immigration status. Although they are currently authorized to work, they might need proof of that advantage. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however need to ask for special permission to accept employment. Examples consist of change of status applicants, DACA, asylum candidates, and particular trainees.

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Permanent residents (permit holders) do not require 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 specific 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 might request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In some cases, the initial demand for work permission should be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate needs to consist of the following items for a preliminary demand:

- 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. To put it simply, candidates should submit other particular supporting files depending upon the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, particular preliminary I-765 requests get sent with the main application.

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

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also get customized filing guidelines. The filing directions will be based upon your particular circumstance and will explain precisely what files 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 pick the "renewal" alternative. Generally, you ought to not apply for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your newest EAD expires.

Replacement

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