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

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

EAD Validity Period

Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is only legitimate up until it's expiration date. Depending on the individual's migration status, USCIS normally problems cards for a two-year duration or less. However, specific 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 basically 2 various types of nonimmigrants who may be qualified to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to work in the United States based upon their migration status. Although they are currently authorized to work, they might need proof of that benefit. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but require to ask for special permission to accept employment. Examples consist of modification of status candidates, DACA, asylum hunters, and specific trainees.

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Permanent residents (green card holders) do not require a Work Authorization Document. The permit is proof of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized 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 might request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the preliminary demand for work permission need to be sent with the application for the underlying status.

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

- Form I-765

USCIS charges

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style pictures

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. Simply put, applicants must submit other particular supporting documents depending upon the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, particular initial I-765 requests get sent with the primary application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can trigger pricey delays or a denial.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also receive personalized filing instructions. The filing directions will be based on your particular situation and will explain 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 permission. File a brand-new Form I-765 and pick the "renewal" option. Generally, you must not file for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your newest EAD expires.

Replacement

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