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) issues to certain certifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Many individuals refer to the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.

The EAD card includes a photograph of the private authorized to work and might consist of the person's fingerprint. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD generally has open-market employment authorization, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 document for employers.

EAD Validity Period

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

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are essentially two various kinds of nonimmigrants who may be qualified to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to work in the United States based on their immigration status. Although they are currently licensed to work, they might need evidence of that opportunity. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however need to request special permission to accept work. Examples consist of change of status applicants, DACA, asylum applicants, and specific students.

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Permanent homeowners (green card holders) do not need an Employment Authorization Document. The green card is proof of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized 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 a Work Authorization Document may ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the initial ask for work permission must be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant needs to consist of the following products for a preliminary demand:

- Form I-765

USCIS charges

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style images

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. Simply put, candidates need to send other particular supporting documents depending upon the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific initial I-765 demands get submitted 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 also receive customized filing directions. The filing directions will be based upon your particular scenario and will explain precisely what documents to send out 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 select the "renewal" choice. Generally, you must not apply for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most recent EAD expires.

Replacement

You might replace your Employment Authorization Document if your newest EAD is lost, stolen or destroyed. File a brand-new Form I-765 and choose the "replacement" alternative. If you did not receive an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can submit a query on non-delivery of a card.