Home" What is a Work Authorization Document (Form I-766)?

What is a Work 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) problems 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 called Form I-766.

The EAD card includes a photo of the specific authorized to work and may include the person's fingerprint. A foreign national who has an EAD typically has open-market work authorization, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 document for companies.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is just legitimate till it's expiration date. Depending upon the individual's migration status, USCIS generally problems cards for a two-year period or less. However, particular EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories may be automatically extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are fundamentally two different types of nonimmigrants who may be eligible to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to operate in the United States based upon their immigration status. Although they are already authorized to work, they might require evidence of that opportunity. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however require to request special permission to accept employment. Examples consist of modification of status applicants, DACA, asylum applicants, and specific students.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent locals (green card holders) do not require a Work Authorization Document. The green card is evidence 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 consist of H-1B and TN visa.

RECOMMENDED: U.S. Work Visa Types for Foreign Nationals

How to Request an EAD

Foreign nationals who are eligible for an Employment Authorization Document may request 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, a candidate needs to consist of the following products for an initial request:

- Form I-765

USCIS charges

- 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 send other particular supporting files depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain preliminary 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 personalized filing instructions. The filing instructions will be based on your specific scenario and will describe precisely what files to send out with Form I-765.

RECOMMENDED: How to Apply for a U.S. Work Permit

Renewal

You may renew your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work permission. File a new Form I-765 and choose the "renewal" alternative. Generally, you need to not apply for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your newest EAD ends.

Replacement

You may replace your Employment Authorization Document if your most current EAD is lost, taken or ruined. File a new Form I-765 and select the "replacement" choice. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can send a query on non-delivery of a card.