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 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 refer to the card as a work license. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is referred to as Form I-766.

The EAD card consists of a photo of the specific authorized to work and may consist of the individual's finger print. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD usually has open-market work permission, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 file for employers.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is only valid until it's expiration date. Depending upon the person's immigration status, USCIS normally concerns cards for a two-year period or less. However, particular EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications might be automatically extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are essentially two various kinds of nonimmigrants who might be eligible to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to work in the United States based upon their immigration status. Although they are currently authorized to work, they might need proof of that privilege. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however require to ask for unique consent to accept employment. Examples consist of change of status candidates, DACA, asylum hunters, and particular students.

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

Typically, a candidate must include the following items for an initial demand:

- Form I-765

USCIS costs

- 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 documents depending upon the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, particular initial I-765 requests get sent with the main application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can trigger expensive hold-ups or a denial.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service likewise receive customized filing directions. The filing instructions will be based on your particular situation and will explain precisely what files to send with Form I-765.

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Renewal

You may restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work permission. File a brand-new Form I-765 and pick the "renewal" alternative. Generally, you must not file for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most current EAD ends.

Replacement

You might replace your Employment Authorization Document if your latest EAD is lost, taken or ruined. File a brand-new Form I-765 and choose the "replacement" option. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS sent by mail, you can submit a questions on non-delivery of a card.