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 particular qualifying 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 referred to as Form I-766.

The EAD card includes a picture of the specific authorized to work and might include 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 legitimate I-9 file for companies.

EAD Validity Period

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

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are basically 2 various types of nonimmigrants who may be eligible to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to work in the United States based upon their immigration status. Although they are currently authorized to work, they might need evidence of that advantage. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to request unique approval to accept work. Examples consist of modification of status applicants, DACA, asylum applicants, and particular students.

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Permanent citizens (permit holders) do not require an Employment Authorization Document. The green card 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 a Work Authorization Document may request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In many cases, the initial ask for work permission should be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate should consist of the following items for a preliminary demand:

- Form I-765

USCIS charges

- 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 particular supporting files depending upon the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain preliminary I-765 requests get sent with the primary application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can trigger expensive delays or a rejection.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service likewise get individualized filing instructions. The filing instructions will be based on your particular scenario and will describe exactly what documents to send out with Form I-765.

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Renewal

You might renew your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work authorization. File a new Form I-765 and pick the "renewal" choice. Generally, you should not apply for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest EAD expires.

Replacement

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