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

What is a Work 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 describe the card as a work authorization. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.

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

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are essentially 2 different kinds of nonimmigrants who might be qualified to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to work in the United States based upon their migration status. Although they are already authorized to work, they may need evidence of that benefit. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but require to ask for special authorization to accept employment. Examples include adjustment of status applicants, DACA, asylum candidates, and specific students.

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Permanent residents (permit 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 used with a specific 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 qualified for an Employment Authorization Document may ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the initial request for work permission need to be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate must consist of the following items for a preliminary request:

- 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. In other words, applicants should submit other specific supporting files depending on the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain initial I-765 requests get sent 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 tailored filing directions. The filing directions will be based on your particular circumstance and will describe exactly what documents to send with Form I-765.

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Renewal

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

Replacement

You might change your Employment Authorization Document if your most current EAD is lost, taken or destroyed. File a new Form I-765 and choose the "replacement" choice. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS sent by mail, you can send an inquiry on non-delivery of a card.