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

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

May 9, 2021

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

The EAD card contains a picture of the individual authorized to work and might include the person's finger print. A foreign national who has an EAD normally has open-market employment authorization, however there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 file for employers.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, a Work Authorization Card is just valid till it's expiration date. Depending on the person's immigration status, USCIS generally issues 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 automatically extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are fundamentally two various types of nonimmigrants who might be qualified to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to operate in the United States based upon their immigration status. Although they are already authorized to work, they might need proof of that opportunity. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to ask for unique permission to accept employment. Examples include adjustment of status applicants, DACA, asylum applicants, and certain trainees.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent residents (green card holders) do not require a Work Authorization Document. The permit is proof of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be employed with a specific 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 qualified for an Employment Authorization Document may ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In some cases, the initial request for work authorization need to be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate ought to consist of the following items for an initial demand:

- Form I-765

USCIS charges

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style pictures

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. In other words, candidates need to send other particular supporting documents depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific preliminary I-765 requests get sent 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 likewise receive tailored filing instructions. The filing directions will be based on your specific circumstance and will explain precisely what documents to send with Form I-765.

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Renewal

You might restore 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 must not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most recent EAD ends.

Replacement

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