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 a recognition card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues to specific certifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Many people refer to the card as a work license. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is understood as Form I-766.

The EAD card consists of a picture of the private licensed to work and might consist of the individual's finger print. A foreign national who has an EAD normally has open-market employment permission, however there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 document for employers.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, a Work Authorization Card is only legitimate till it's expiration date. Depending on the person's migration status, USCIS generally concerns cards for a two-year period or less. However, certain EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications may be instantly extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are basically 2 different kinds of nonimmigrants who may be qualified to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to operate in the United States based upon their migration status. Although they are already licensed to work, they might require evidence of that opportunity. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but require to request unique consent to accept employment. Examples consist of modification of status applicants, DACA, asylum applicants, and particular students.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent homeowners (permit holders) do not need a Work Authorization Document. The green card is evidence of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be used 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. Sometimes, the initial ask for work authorization must be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant must consist of the following products for a preliminary 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 should submit other particular supporting files depending upon the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, particular initial I-765 demands get sent with the primary application.

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

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service likewise get personalized filing instructions. The filing instructions will be based on your specific scenario and will discuss exactly what documents 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 authorization. File a new Form I-765 and choose the "renewal" option. Generally, you need to not apply for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most recent EAD expires.

Replacement

You might change your Employment Authorization Document if your latest EAD is lost, taken or damaged. File a brand-new Form I-765 and select the "replacement" choice. If you did not receive an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can submit a questions on non-delivery of a card.