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 specific 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 might include the person's finger print. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD generally has open-market employment permission, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 file for employers.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is just valid up until it's expiration date. Depending on the individual's migration status, USCIS normally problems cards for a two-year period or less. However, specific EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories might be automatically extended beyond the credibility date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are basically 2 different kinds of nonimmigrants who might be qualified to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to work in the United States based upon their immigration status. Although they are currently licensed 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 request unique consent to accept employment. Examples consist of modification of status applicants, DACA, asylum hunters, and certain trainees.

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Permanent residents (green card holders) do not require a Work Authorization Document. The permit is proof of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be utilized with a specific employer 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 might ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In many cases, the preliminary demand for work permission should be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate should 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. In other words, applicants must send other particular supporting documents depending upon the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific preliminary I-765 demands get submitted with the main application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can trigger costly hold-ups or a denial.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service likewise receive individualized filing guidelines. The filing guidelines will be based upon your specific situation and will describe precisely what files to send with Form I-765.

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Renewal

You may renew your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work permission. File a new Form I-765 and choose the "renewal" alternative. Generally, you ought to not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your newest EAD ends.

Replacement

You might change your Employment Authorization Document if your most current EAD is lost, stolen or damaged. File a new Form I-765 and pick the "replacement" choice. If you did not receive an EAD that USCIS sent by mail, you can submit a query on non-delivery of a card.