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

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

May 9, 2021

A Work Authorization Document (EAD) is a recognition card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) concerns to specific qualifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Many people describe the card as a work authorization. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is understood as Form I-766.

The EAD card includes a photo of the individual authorized to work and may include the individual's fingerprint. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD normally has open-market employment authorization, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 file for employers.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, a Work Authorization Card is just valid until it's expiration date. Depending upon the person's migration status, USCIS usually concerns cards for a two-year duration or less. However, certain EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications may be immediately extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are fundamentally two various types of nonimmigrants who may be eligible to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to operate in the United States based on their migration status. Although they are currently licensed to work, they might need evidence of that advantage. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however require to ask for special authorization to accept work. Examples include modification of status applicants, DACA, asylum candidates, and specific 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 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 an Employment Authorization Document might request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In some cases, the preliminary demand for work authorization must be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant needs to consist of the following items for an initial request:

- Form I-765

USCIS fees

- 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 must send other specific supporting documents depending upon the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, particular initial I-765 demands get sent with the main application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can trigger costly delays or a rejection.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also receive personalized filing instructions. The filing guidelines will be based on your particular situation and will describe exactly what documents to send out with Form I-765.

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Renewal

You may renew your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work authorization. File a new Form I-765 and select the "renewal" option. Generally, you must not submit for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most recent EAD expires.

Replacement

You may replace your Employment Authorization Document if your most recent EAD is lost, stolen or ruined. File a new Form I-765 and choose the "replacement" option. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can submit a questions on non-delivery of a card.