Home" What is a Work 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) problems to specific certifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Many individuals describe the card as a work authorization. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is understood as Form I-766.

The EAD card includes a photograph of the specific authorized to work and may include the person's fingerprint. A foreign national who has an EAD usually has open-market work authorization, 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 individual's immigration status, USCIS typically issues cards for a two-year duration or less. However, specific EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories may be automatically extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are fundamentally 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 on their migration status. Although they are already licensed to work, they might need evidence of that opportunity. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to ask for special consent to accept employment. Examples include adjustment of status applicants, DACA, asylum hunters, and certain trainees.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent homeowners (permit holders) do not require an Employment Authorization Document. The permit is proof of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be employed with a specific company do not require 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 may ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In many cases, the preliminary demand for work permission need to be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

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

- Form I-765
USCIS costs
- 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, candidates need to submit other specific supporting files depending on the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain initial I-765 demands get sent with the main application.

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

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service likewise receive individualized filing guidelines. The filing instructions will be based upon your particular circumstance and will describe precisely what files to send out with Form I-765.

RECOMMENDED: How to Obtain a U.S. Work Permit

Renewal

You might restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work permission. File a brand-new Form I-765 and select the "renewal" choice. Generally, you must not submit for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your newest EAD expires.

Replacement

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

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