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

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

May 9, 2021

An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is an identification card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues to specific certifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Lots of people describe the card as a work license. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is referred to as Form I-766.

The EAD card consists of a picture of the specific authorized to work and might include the individual's finger print. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD normally has open-market work permission, however 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 just valid until it's expiration date. Depending on the individual's migration status, USCIS generally issues cards for a two-year duration or less. However, certain EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications might be instantly 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 licensed to work in the United States based on their immigration status. Although they are currently authorized 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 request unique approval to accept work. Examples include change of status applicants, DACA, asylum hunters, and certain trainees.

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Permanent citizens (green card holders) do not need an Employment Authorization Document. The green card is evidence of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be utilized with a particular employer do not need 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 sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant should consist of the following products for an initial demand:

- Form I-765

USCIS fees

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style images

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. Simply put, applicants should send other specific supporting documents depending upon the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain initial I-765 requests get submitted with the primary application.

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

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also receive personalized filing guidelines. The filing directions will be based on your particular circumstance and will explain exactly 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 new Form I-765 and select the "renewal" alternative. Generally, you should not apply for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest EAD expires.

Replacement

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