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) problems to certain qualifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Many people refer to the card as a work authorization. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is understood as Form I-766.

The EAD card contains a photograph of the specific authorized to work and may include the individual's finger print. A foreign national who has an EAD usually has open-market work 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 only valid until it's expiration date. Depending upon the individual's migration status, USCIS normally issues cards for a two-year period or less. However, certain EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories might be automatically extended beyond the credibility date on the card.

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are essentially two different kinds of nonimmigrants who may be eligible to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to work in the United States based on their migration status. Although they are currently authorized to work, they might need evidence of that opportunity. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however require to ask for special permission to accept employment. Examples include change of status applicants, DACA, asylum candidates, and particular students.

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

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

- Form I-765

USCIS charges

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style photos

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. Simply put, applicants should send other specific supporting files depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, particular preliminary I-765 requests get sent with the primary application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can cause costly hold-ups or a denial.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service likewise get customized filing guidelines. The filing guidelines will be based on your specific scenario and will describe precisely what documents 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 new Form I-765 and pick the "renewal" alternative. Generally, you ought to not file for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your newest EAD ends.

Replacement

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