Home" What is a Work 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 certain certifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Many individuals describe the card as a work license. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is known as Form I-766.

The EAD card includes a picture of the specific authorized to work and might consist of the person's finger print. A foreign national who has an EAD normally has open-market employment authorization, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 document for companies.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is only legitimate till it's expiration date. Depending upon the individual's immigration status, USCIS normally problems cards for a two-year duration or less. However, certain EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications might 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 may be eligible to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to work in the United States based upon their immigration status. Although they are currently licensed to work, they may require evidence of that privilege. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however require to ask for unique permission to accept employment. Examples consist of adjustment of status applicants, DACA, asylum applicants, and particular trainees.

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Permanent citizens (permit holders) do not need an Employment Authorization Document. The permit is proof of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be used with a particular company 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 eligible for an Employment Authorization Document may ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In many cases, the preliminary ask for work authorization should be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate should include the following products for an initial demand:

- Form I-765

USCIS costs

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style photos

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. Simply put, candidates should submit other particular supporting documents depending on 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 expensive hold-ups or a rejection.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also receive tailored filing instructions. The filing directions will be based upon your particular scenario and will explain exactly what files to send with Form I-765.

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Renewal

You might renew your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work permission. File a brand-new Form I-765 and choose the "renewal" choice. Generally, you should not submit for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest EAD ends.

Replacement

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