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 an identification card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) problems to specific qualifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Lots of people refer to the card as a work authorization. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is referred to as Form I-766.

The EAD card consists of a picture of the specific authorized to work and might include the person's fingerprint. A foreign national who has an EAD usually has open-market employment authorization, but 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 just valid up until it's expiration date. Depending on the person's migration status, USCIS usually problems cards for a two-year period or less. However, specific EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications might be instantly extended beyond the credibility date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are basically two different types of nonimmigrants who might be qualified 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 licensed to work, they might require evidence of that benefit. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however need to request special authorization to accept employment. Examples include modification of status candidates, DACA, asylum candidates, and specific trainees.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent citizens (permit holders) do not require an Employment Authorization Document. The permit is evidence of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed 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 qualified for an Employment Authorization Document may request 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 needs to consist of the following products for an initial demand:

- Form I-765

USCIS charges

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style images

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. Simply put, applicants must send other specific supporting files depending on the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain initial I-765 demands get sent with the primary application.

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

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service likewise get individualized filing directions. The filing instructions will be based upon your particular scenario 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 pick the "renewal" option. Generally, you must not apply for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your newest EAD expires.

Replacement

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