Home" What is an Employment 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) concerns to specific certifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Lots of people describe the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is referred to as Form I-766.

The EAD card contains a photograph of the specific authorized to work and might consist of the individual's fingerprint. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD generally has open-market employment permission, however there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 file for companies.

EAD Validity Period

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

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are fundamentally 2 various types of nonimmigrants who may be eligible to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to operate in the United States based upon their migration status. Although they are already authorized to work, they might require proof of that benefit. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however need to request special authorization to accept employment. Examples consist of change of status candidates, DACA, asylum candidates, and particular students.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent citizens (green card holders) do not need an Employment Authorization Document. The green card is proof of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be employed with a specific employer do not require 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 qualified for an Employment Authorization Document may request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In some cases, the preliminary ask for work permission must be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant needs to include the following products for a preliminary request:

- Form I-765

USCIS fees

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style images

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. In other words, applicants must submit other specific supporting files depending upon the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain initial I-765 requests get sent with the main 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 receive customized filing guidelines. The filing directions will be based on your particular situation and will describe exactly what files to send out 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 new Form I-765 and pick the "renewal" choice. Generally, you should not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most recent EAD expires.

Replacement

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