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

What is an Employment 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 particular qualifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Many individuals describe the card as a work license. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is understood as Form I-766.

The EAD card consists of a picture of the private authorized to work and may consist of the individual's fingerprint. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD typically has open-market employment permission, however there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 file for companies.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, a Work Authorization Card is just legitimate till it's expiration date. Depending upon the individual's immigration status, USCIS normally issues cards for a two-year duration or less. However, particular EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories may be automatically extended beyond the credibility date on the card.

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are fundamentally two various kinds of nonimmigrants who might 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 evidence of that opportunity. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to ask for unique approval to accept employment. Examples consist of modification of status applicants, DACA, asylum applicants, and specific students.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent homeowners (permit holders) do not need a Work Authorization Document. The permit is proof of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be employed with a specific 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 eligible for a Work Authorization Document might ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In many cases, the initial request for work permission need to be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate must consist of the following products for a preliminary request:

- Form I-765

USCIS fees

- 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 send other particular supporting documents depending on the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain preliminary I-765 demands get sent with the main application.

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

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service likewise receive tailored filing instructions. The filing instructions will be based upon your specific circumstance and will explain exactly 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 eligible for work authorization. File a brand-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 current EAD expires.

Replacement

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