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

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

May 9, 2021

An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is an identification card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues to particular qualifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Lots of people describe the card as a work license. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is referred to as Form I-766.

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

EAD Validity Period

Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is just valid till it's expiration date. Depending on the person's immigration status, USCIS usually issues cards for a two-year period or less. However, certain EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories might be instantly extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are fundamentally 2 various kinds of nonimmigrants who might be qualified to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to work in the United States based upon their migration status. Although they are already licensed to work, they may need evidence of that opportunity. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to ask for unique authorization to accept work. Examples consist of adjustment of status applicants, DACA, asylum seekers, and particular students.

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Permanent homeowners (green card holders) do not need a Work Authorization Document. The green card is proof of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be employed with a particular company do not need 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 may ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In some cases, the initial ask for work authorization should be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate should consist of the following products for a preliminary demand:

- Form I-765

USCIS costs

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style photos

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. Simply put, candidates must submit other particular supporting documents depending upon the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific preliminary I-765 demands get submitted 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 get tailored filing instructions. The filing directions will be based on your particular situation and will describe exactly what documents to send with Form I-765.

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Renewal

You might renew your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work authorization. File a brand-new Form I-765 and pick the "renewal" option. Generally, you should not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most current EAD expires.

Replacement

You may replace your Employment Authorization Document if your newest EAD is lost, taken or destroyed. File a new Form I-765 and select the "replacement" choice. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can send a questions on non-delivery of a card.