Home" What is an Employment 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 certain certifying 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 called Form I-766.

The EAD card consists of a photograph of the specific authorized to work and might include the person's finger print. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD normally has open-market employment permission, however there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 document for companies.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, a Work Authorization Card is just legitimate till it's expiration date. Depending on the individual's migration status, USCIS generally problems cards for a two-year period or less. However, specific EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications may be automatically extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are essentially two various types 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 proof of that opportunity. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to request unique authorization to accept work. Examples include change of status applicants, DACA, asylum candidates, and specific students.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent residents (green card holders) do not need an Employment Authorization Document. The green card is proof of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized 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 eligible for an Employment Authorization Document might request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In many cases, the initial request for work permission must be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant ought to consist of the following items for an initial request:

- 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. Simply put, applicants should submit other specific supporting files depending upon the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, particular initial I-765 requests get sent with the primary application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can trigger pricey hold-ups or a denial.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service likewise get personalized filing guidelines. The filing guidelines will be based upon your specific situation and will describe exactly what documents to send with Form I-765.

RECOMMENDED: How to Look for 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" option. Generally, you must not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest EAD ends.

Replacement

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

employment

employment