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 an identification card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) concerns to particular qualifying foreign nationals to operate 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 includes a photo of the specific licensed to work and may include the person's finger print. A foreign national who has an EAD normally has open-market employment authorization, however there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 document for companies.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, a Work Authorization Card is only legitimate until it's expiration date. Depending upon the individual's immigration status, USCIS generally 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 automatically extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are basically two different types of nonimmigrants who may be eligible to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to operate in the United States based upon their immigration status. Although they are currently authorized to work, they might need evidence of that advantage. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but require to ask for unique approval to accept employment. Examples consist of adjustment of status candidates, DACA, asylum seekers, and particular trainees.

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Permanent locals (green card holders) do not require a Work Authorization Document. The permit is evidence of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be employed with a particular employer do not need 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 may request 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, an applicant must include the following products for a preliminary demand:

- Form I-765

USCIS costs

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style images

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. In other words, candidates should send other particular supporting documents depending upon the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain initial I-765 requests get sent with the primary application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can cause expensive delays or a rejection.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also get personalized filing instructions. The filing guidelines will be based upon your particular scenario and will discuss precisely what documents to send with Form I-765.

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Renewal

You may restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work authorization. File a brand-new Form I-765 and choose the "renewal" option. Generally, you must not submit for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest EAD expires.

Replacement

You might change 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" option. If you did not receive an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can submit a query on non-delivery of a card.