Home" What is a Work Authorization Document (Form I-766)?

What is an Employment 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) issues to specific qualifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Many individuals 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 photograph of the specific licensed to work and might consist of the person's fingerprint. A foreign national 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, a Work Authorization Card is just legitimate up until it's expiration date. Depending upon the individual's immigration status, USCIS usually problems cards for a two-year duration or less. However, particular EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications may be immediately extended beyond the credibility date on the card.

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are fundamentally 2 various types of nonimmigrants who might be eligible to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to work in the United States based on their migration status. Although they are already licensed to work, they might require proof of that benefit. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but require to ask for special approval to accept employment. Examples include change of status candidates, DACA, asylum candidates, and specific trainees.

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Permanent homeowners (green card holders) do not need an Employment Authorization Document. The permit is evidence of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be employed with a particular company 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 qualified for a Work Authorization Document might request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In many cases, the preliminary request for work authorization must be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

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

- 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, candidates should send other particular supporting documents depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain initial 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 guidelines will be based upon your specific scenario and will describe precisely what files to send out with Form I-765.

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Renewal

You might restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work authorization. File a new Form I-765 and choose the "renewal" alternative. Generally, you need to not file for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your newest EAD expires.

Replacement

You might replace your Employment Authorization Document if your most recent EAD is lost, taken or damaged. File a brand-new Form I-765 and choose the "replacement" choice. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS sent by mail, you can submit a questions on non-delivery of a card.