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

What is an Employment 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) concerns to particular certifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Many individuals describe the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is known as Form I-766.

The EAD card contains a photograph of the private licensed to work and might include the person's fingerprint. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD generally has open-market work permission, however there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 document for companies.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is just legitimate till it's expiration date. Depending on the person's immigration status, USCIS generally problems cards for a two-year duration or less. However, specific EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories may be instantly extended beyond the credibility date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are fundamentally 2 various kinds of nonimmigrants who may be qualified to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to work in the United States based upon their immigration status. Although they are already licensed to work, they might need proof of that privilege. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however require to ask for special approval to accept employment. Examples consist of change of status applicants, DACA, asylum candidates, and specific students.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent citizens (green card holders) do not need a Work Authorization Document. The green card is evidence of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be utilized with a particular company 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 ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In many cases, the preliminary request for work permission must be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate needs to consist of the following items for a preliminary demand:

- Form I-765

USCIS fees

- 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, applicants should submit other particular supporting files depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, particular preliminary I-765 demands get submitted 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 likewise get tailored filing instructions. The filing guidelines will be based upon your specific situation and will discuss precisely what documents to send with Form I-765.

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Renewal

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

Replacement

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