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) problems to particular qualifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Many individuals describe the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.

The EAD card contains a photograph of the individual licensed to work and might include the individual's fingerprint. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD generally has open-market work permission, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 file for employers.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, a Work Authorization Card is only valid up until it's expiration date. Depending upon the person's immigration status, USCIS typically problems cards for a two-year period or less. However, particular EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories may be immediately extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are fundamentally two various types of nonimmigrants who might be eligible to request 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 may need evidence of that opportunity. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but require to ask for special permission to accept employment. Examples consist of change of status applicants, DACA, asylum candidates, and particular trainees.

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Permanent residents (permit holders) do not require an Employment Authorization Document. The green card is evidence of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be used with a specific company do not need 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 an Employment Authorization Document may ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the initial ask for work permission need to be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate must consist of the following products for an initial request:

- Form I-765

USCIS costs

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style images

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. Simply put, applicants must submit other particular supporting files depending upon the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain initial I-765 requests get sent with the primary application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can trigger pricey hold-ups or a denial.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service likewise get tailored filing directions. The filing guidelines will be based on your particular circumstance and will explain precisely what documents to send out with Form I-765.

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Renewal

You may renew your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work authorization. File a new Form I-765 and choose the "renewal" option. Generally, you need to not file for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your newest EAD expires.

Replacement

You might replace your Employment Authorization Document if your newest EAD is lost, stolen or destroyed. File a new Form I-765 and choose the "replacement" choice. If you did not receive an EAD that USCIS sent by mail, you can submit a questions on non-delivery of a card.