Home" What is a Work Authorization Document (Form I-766)?

What is an Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766)?

May 9, 2021

A Work Authorization Document (EAD) is an identification card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) concerns to particular qualifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Lots of people describe the card as a work authorization. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.

The EAD card contains a photo of the individual authorized to work and may include 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 document for employers.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is just legitimate till it's expiration date. Depending on the person's immigration status, USCIS normally problems cards for a two-year period or less. However, particular 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 an Employment Authorization Document

There are fundamentally two different kinds of nonimmigrants who may be qualified to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to operate in the United States based on their immigration status. Although they are already licensed to work, they might need evidence of that opportunity. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however require to request special approval to accept work. Examples include change of status applicants, DACA, asylum applicants, and certain students.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent locals (green card holders) do not need a Work Authorization Document. The green card is evidence 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 consist of 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. In some cases, the initial ask for work authorization should be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate must include the following products for an initial demand:

- 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. To put it simply, candidates should submit other specific supporting documents depending upon the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain initial I-765 requests get sent with the main application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can cause pricey delays or a denial.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service likewise get tailored filing guidelines. The filing directions will be based on your specific circumstance and will discuss precisely what files 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 permission. File a brand-new Form I-765 and pick the "renewal" choice. Generally, you should not submit for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most current EAD ends.

Replacement

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