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 an identification card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) concerns to specific qualifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Many individuals refer to the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.

The EAD card consists of a photograph of the individual licensed to work and may include the person'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 employers.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, a Work Authorization Card is only legitimate until it's expiration date. Depending upon the individual's migration status, USCIS typically problems cards for a two-year period or less. However, certain EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories may be instantly extended beyond the credibility date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are fundamentally 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 currently authorized to work, they may require proof of that advantage. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however need to ask for special permission to accept employment. Examples include adjustment of status applicants, DACA, asylum hunters, and specific trainees.

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

Typically, an applicant needs to consist of the following items for a preliminary request:

- Form I-765

USCIS fees

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style pictures

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. Simply put, candidates must send other particular supporting documents depending on the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific initial I-765 requests get sent with the main application.

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

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also get tailored filing directions. The filing directions will be based on your particular scenario and will explain 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 qualified for work permission. File a brand-new Form I-765 and pick the "renewal" alternative. Generally, you ought to not apply for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest EAD expires.

Replacement

You may replace your Employment Authorization Document if your latest EAD is lost, stolen or destroyed. File a brand-new Form I-765 and pick the "replacement" choice. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can submit a questions on non-delivery of a card.