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 an identification card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues to particular certifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Lots of people describe the card as a work authorization. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.

The EAD card contains a photo of the specific licensed to work and might consist of the individual's fingerprint. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD normally has open-market work authorization, 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 only valid up until it's expiration date. Depending on the individual's immigration status, USCIS generally problems cards for a two-year duration or less. However, certain EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories may be instantly extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are essentially two various kinds of nonimmigrants who may 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 already authorized to work, they may require evidence of that advantage. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however need to ask for special authorization to accept employment. Examples include change of status candidates, DACA, asylum applicants, and certain trainees.

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Permanent residents (permit holders) do not need an Employment Authorization Document. The permit is proof of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be used with a particular company 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 a Work Authorization Document might ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In many cases, the preliminary demand for work authorization should be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant needs to include 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. In other words, candidates must submit other particular supporting documents depending on the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific preliminary I-765 requests get sent with the main application.

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

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also receive personalized filing instructions. The filing directions will be based upon your particular scenario and will describe precisely what documents to send with Form I-765.

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Renewal

You might restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work permission. File a brand-new Form I-765 and select the "renewal" alternative. Generally, you must not apply for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest EAD ends.

Replacement

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