Home" What is a Work 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 qualifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Many individuals refer to the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.

The EAD card includes a photo of the individual licensed to work and might consist of 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 document for employers.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, a Work Authorization Card is only valid till it's expiration date. Depending on the person's immigration 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 credibility date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are fundamentally 2 different kinds of nonimmigrants who may be eligible to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to operate in the United States based on their immigration status. Although they are already authorized to work, they may require proof of that opportunity. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however require to request unique consent to accept work. Examples include change of status candidates, DACA, asylum seekers, and particular students.

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Permanent locals (green card holders) do not need a Work Authorization Document. The permit is evidence of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be utilized with a particular employer do not require 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. Sometimes, the preliminary demand for work permission should be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant ought to include the following items for an initial demand:

- Form I-765

USCIS charges

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style photos

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. Simply put, candidates should send other specific supporting files depending upon the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, particular preliminary I-765 requests get sent with the main application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can cause pricey hold-ups or a rejection.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also receive individualized filing directions. The filing guidelines will be based on your particular scenario and will describe precisely what files to send with Form I-765.

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Renewal

You may restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work permission. File a new Form I-765 and pick the "renewal" option. Generally, you ought to not apply for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most current EAD ends.

Replacement

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