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

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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 particular certifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Many people describe the card as a work license. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.

The EAD card contains a photograph of the specific licensed to work and may include the individual's fingerprint. A foreign national who has an EAD generally has open-market employment permission, however there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 document for companies.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is just valid till it's expiration date. Depending upon the individual's migration status, USCIS generally problems cards for a two-year period or less. However, specific EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories might be instantly extended beyond the credibility date on the card.

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are fundamentally two various kinds of nonimmigrants who may be eligible to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to work in the United States based on their immigration status. Although they are currently authorized to work, they might require evidence of that privilege. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however need to request special permission to accept employment. Examples consist of change of status candidates, DACA, asylum applicants, and certain trainees.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent citizens (permit holders) do not need a Work Authorization Document. The green card is evidence of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be used with a particular company do not need an EAD. Examples of nonimmigrants with this status consist of H-1B and TN visa.

RECOMMENDED: U.S. Work Visa Types for Foreign Nationals

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 some cases, the initial request for work permission need to be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate ought to consist of the following items for an initial demand:

- 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. To put it simply, applicants must submit other particular supporting documents depending upon the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain initial I-765 demands get sent with the primary application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can cause expensive delays or a rejection.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also receive customized filing instructions. The filing instructions will be based upon your particular scenario and will explain precisely what documents to send with Form I-765.

RECOMMENDED: How to Apply for a U.S. Work Permit

Renewal

You may restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work permission. File a new Form I-765 and choose the "renewal" choice. Generally, you should not apply for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest EAD expires.

Replacement

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

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