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) problems to particular certifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Many individuals describe the card as a work authorization. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is referred to as Form I-766.

The EAD card contains a picture of the specific authorized to work and might include the individual's finger print. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD typically has open-market employment permission, however there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 file for companies.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, a Work Authorization Card is only valid till it's expiration date. Depending on the person's migration status, USCIS typically problems cards for a two-year duration or less. However, certain EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories might be immediately extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are essentially 2 different kinds of nonimmigrants who might be eligible to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to operate in the United States based on their immigration status. Although they are already authorized to work, they may need proof of that opportunity. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however require to ask for special consent to accept work. Examples include modification of status applicants, DACA, asylum applicants, and specific trainees.

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Permanent residents (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 authorized 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 a Work Authorization Document may ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In some cases, the preliminary ask for work permission must be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate should consist of the following products 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. To put it simply, applicants must submit other specific supporting documents depending on the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, particular preliminary I-765 requests get submitted with the primary application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can cause pricey hold-ups or a denial.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also receive customized filing guidelines. The filing guidelines will be based upon your specific circumstance and will describe precisely what documents to send with Form I-765.

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Renewal

You might restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work permission. File a brand-new Form I-765 and select the "renewal" option. Generally, you should not apply for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most current EAD ends.

Replacement

You might replace your Employment Authorization Document if your most current EAD is lost, stolen or destroyed. File a brand-new Form I-765 and pick 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.