Home" What is a Work 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) concerns to specific qualifying 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 understood as Form I-766.

The EAD card contains a photo of the individual licensed to work and might consist of the person's finger print. A foreign national who has an EAD typically has open-market work permission, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 document for companies.

EAD Validity Period

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

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are fundamentally 2 different kinds 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 currently authorized to work, they may require proof of that privilege. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but require to ask for special authorization to accept employment. Examples include adjustment of status candidates, DACA, asylum hunters, and particular trainees.

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Permanent locals (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 authorized to be used 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 qualified for a Work Authorization Document might ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In many cases, the initial ask for work authorization should be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant must include the following products for an initial demand:

- Form I-765

USCIS costs

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style pictures

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. Simply put, applicants should send other specific supporting files depending upon the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, particular preliminary I-765 demands get sent with the main 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 also receive individualized filing instructions. The filing instructions will be based on your specific circumstance and will explain exactly what documents 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 new Form I-765 and select the "renewal" option. Generally, you should not submit for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most recent EAD expires.

Replacement

You may change your Employment Authorization Document if your most recent EAD is lost, taken or ruined. File a brand-new Form I-765 and pick the "replacement" alternative. If you did not receive an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can send a questions on non-delivery of a card.