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 certain certifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Many individuals 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 picture of the private licensed to work and might consist of the person's finger print. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD normally has open-market work permission, 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 up until it's expiration date. Depending upon the individual's migration status, USCIS typically concerns cards for a two-year period or less. However, specific EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications may be instantly extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are fundamentally 2 various types 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 require proof of that benefit. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however require to ask for unique approval to accept employment. Examples include change of status applicants, DACA, asylum seekers, and specific trainees.

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Permanent homeowners (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 licensed 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 an Employment Authorization Document might request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In many cases, the preliminary ask for work permission should be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate must include the following items for a preliminary request:

- Form I-765

USCIS fees

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style photos

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. In other words, candidates must submit other particular supporting files depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific preliminary I-765 demands get submitted 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 individualized filing instructions. The filing instructions will be based upon your particular situation and will explain precisely what documents to send with Form I-765.

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Renewal

You might renew your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work permission. File a brand-new Form I-765 and select the "renewal" option. Generally, you ought to not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest EAD expires.

Replacement

You may replace your Employment Authorization Document if your most recent EAD is lost, stolen or damaged. File a brand-new Form I-765 and pick the "replacement" option. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS sent by mail, you can send a questions on non-delivery of a card.