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 an identification card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) concerns to certain certifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Many people refer to the card as a work authorization. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.

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

EAD Validity Period

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

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are essentially 2 various kinds of nonimmigrants who might be eligible to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to work in the United States based upon their immigration status. Although they are already authorized to work, they may require evidence of that benefit. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but require to ask for unique authorization to accept employment. Examples consist of modification of status applicants, DACA, asylum applicants, and particular students.

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Permanent homeowners (permit holders) do not need an Employment Authorization Document. The permit is proof of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be employed 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 qualified for an Employment Authorization Document might ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In many cases, the initial ask for work authorization must be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant must include the following products for a preliminary request:

- 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, applicants need to send other specific supporting files depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific initial I-765 requests get sent with the main application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can trigger costly delays or a rejection.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also get customized filing directions. The filing directions will be based on your particular scenario and will describe precisely what documents 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 brand-new Form I-765 and select the "renewal" alternative. Generally, you ought to not file for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your newest EAD expires.

Replacement

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