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

What is a Work 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 specific qualifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Lots of people refer to the card as a work license. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is understood as Form I-766.

The EAD card contains a picture of the private licensed to work and might include the individual's fingerprint. A foreign national who has an EAD generally has open-market work permission, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 file for companies.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, a Work Authorization Card is just legitimate up until it's expiration date. Depending on the individual's immigration status, USCIS usually issues cards for a two-year duration or less. However, certain EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications may be immediately extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are fundamentally two different kinds of nonimmigrants who might be qualified to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to operate in the United States based upon their immigration status. Although they are currently licensed to work, they might require proof of that benefit. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to ask for unique consent to accept work. Examples consist of modification of status applicants, DACA, asylum seekers, and certain students.

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

Typically, a candidate needs to include the following products for an initial request:

- 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 specific supporting documents depending upon the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, particular initial I-765 requests get submitted with the main application.

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

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also get customized filing guidelines. The filing guidelines will be based upon your particular situation and will describe exactly what files to send out 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 brand-new Form I-765 and select the "renewal" option. Generally, you must not apply for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest EAD ends.

Replacement

You may replace your Employment Authorization Document if your latest EAD is lost, taken or damaged. File a new Form I-765 and choose the "replacement" choice. If you did not receive an EAD that USCIS sent by mail, you can submit an inquiry on non-delivery of a card.