Home" What is an Employment 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) concerns to specific qualifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Lots of people describe 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 specific licensed to work and may consist of the person's finger print. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD typically has open-market employment authorization, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 file for employers.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is just valid till it's expiration date. Depending on the person's migration status, USCIS normally concerns cards for a two-year period or less. However, certain EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications might be immediately extended beyond the credibility date on the card.

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are fundamentally two various kinds of nonimmigrants who might be eligible to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to operate in the United States based on their migration status. Although they are already licensed to work, they may need evidence of that benefit. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but require to request unique permission to accept work. Examples consist of change of status candidates, DACA, asylum hunters, and specific trainees.

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Permanent citizens (green card holders) do not require a Work Authorization Document. The green card is proof of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be employed with a specific 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 a Work Authorization Document might request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In some cases, the preliminary demand for work permission need to be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate must consist of the following items for an initial 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, applicants need to send other specific supporting files depending upon the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain preliminary I-765 demands get sent with the primary application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can cause costly delays 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 describe precisely what documents to send with Form I-765.

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Renewal

You may restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work permission. File a brand-new Form I-765 and select the "renewal" alternative. Generally, you need to not file for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most current EAD expires.

Replacement

You may replace your Employment Authorization Document if your newest 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.