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 qualifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Many individuals refer to the card as a work license. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is understood as Form I-766.

The EAD card contains a photo of the specific authorized to work and may include the person's finger print. A foreign national who has an EAD generally has open-market employment permission, 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 individual's migration status, USCIS normally problems cards for a two-year duration or less. However, particular EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories might be automatically extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are fundamentally two various kinds of nonimmigrants who may be qualified to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to work in the United States based upon their migration status. Although they are already authorized to work, they might require evidence of that advantage. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but require to request unique authorization to accept employment. Examples consist of change of status candidates, DACA, asylum applicants, and specific students.

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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 permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed 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. In some cases, the initial demand for work permission must be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant must consist of the following items for a preliminary demand:

- Form I-765

USCIS costs

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style photos

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. To put it simply, candidates must send other specific supporting files depending upon the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, particular preliminary I-765 demands get sent with the main 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 get customized filing guidelines. The filing instructions will be based upon your specific circumstance and will discuss exactly what files 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 new Form I-765 and choose the "renewal" choice. Generally, you ought to not submit for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest EAD ends.

Replacement

You may replace your Employment Authorization Document if your latest EAD is lost, stolen or ruined. File a new Form I-765 and choose the "replacement" alternative. If you did not receive an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can send a questions on non-delivery of a card.