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 work in the United States. Many individuals describe the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is referred to as Form I-766.

The EAD card contains a photograph of the private authorized to work and may consist of the individual's fingerprint. A foreign national who has an EAD normally has open-market work permission, but 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 up until it's expiration date. Depending on the person's immigration status, USCIS generally concerns cards for a two-year period or less. However, specific EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications might be automatically extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are essentially two various types of nonimmigrants who may be qualified to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to work in the United States based upon their immigration status. Although they are already licensed to work, they may need proof of that privilege. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but require to ask for unique permission to accept employment. Examples include change of status candidates, DACA, asylum applicants, and certain students.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent residents (permit holders) do not require an Employment Authorization Document. The permit is proof of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be utilized with a particular employer 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 eligible for an Employment Authorization Document might request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the preliminary ask for work authorization must be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate needs to include the following items for an initial request:

- 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, candidates need to send other specific supporting files depending on the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain initial I-765 requests get sent 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 likewise get personalized filing instructions. The filing guidelines will be based on your specific scenario and will describe precisely what files 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 brand-new Form I-765 and choose the "renewal" alternative. Generally, you should not apply for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most current 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" option. If you did not receive an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can send an inquiry on non-delivery of a card.