Home" What is an Employment 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 certain certifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Many individuals describe the card as a work authorization. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is known as Form I-766.

The EAD card consists of a picture of the individual licensed to work and might consist of the person's fingerprint. A foreign national who has an EAD normally has open-market employment 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 till it's expiration date. Depending upon the person's migration status, USCIS generally problems cards for a two-year period or less. However, particular EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications might be immediately extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are basically 2 different kinds of nonimmigrants who may be qualified to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to operate in the United States based on their immigration status. Although they are currently licensed to work, they may need evidence of that opportunity. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but require to request special permission to accept work. Examples include change of status candidates, DACA, asylum candidates, and particular students.

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Permanent homeowners (green card holders) do not require an Employment Authorization Document. The permit is evidence of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be utilized with a specific company do not need 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 eligible for an Employment Authorization Document might ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In some cases, the preliminary request for work permission must be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant should include the following items for a preliminary demand:

- Form I-765

USCIS costs

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style pictures

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. To put it simply, applicants should submit other specific supporting files depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain initial I-765 demands get submitted with the primary application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can trigger costly delays or a denial.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service likewise get customized filing directions. The filing directions will be based upon your specific circumstance and will describe precisely what files 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 authorization. File a brand-new Form I-765 and choose the "renewal" option. Generally, you ought to not submit for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most current EAD expires.

Replacement

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