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. Many people describe the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is known as Form I-766.

The EAD card consists of a photograph of the specific licensed to work and might include the person's fingerprint. A foreign national who has an EAD usually has open-market work permission, however there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 file for companies.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is only legitimate till it's expiration date. Depending on the person's migration status, USCIS typically concerns cards for a two-year period or less. However, certain EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories may be instantly extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are essentially two various types of nonimmigrants who might be qualified to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to work in the United States based on their migration status. Although they are already licensed to work, they might need evidence of that advantage. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but require to request unique permission to accept work. Examples include change of status candidates, DACA, asylum seekers, and certain trainees.

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Permanent homeowners (green card holders) do not need a Work Authorization Document. The permit is evidence of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be utilized with a specific employer 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 eligible for a Work Authorization Document may request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In some cases, the initial request for work authorization should be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate must 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 pictures

- Proof of eligibility


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

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can cause expensive hold-ups or a denial.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also get tailored filing directions. The filing instructions will be based upon your specific scenario and will explain 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 eligible for work permission. File a brand-new Form I-765 and select the "renewal" alternative. Generally, you must not submit for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest EAD expires.

Replacement

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