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) concerns to certain certifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Many individuals refer to the card as a work license. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.

The EAD card contains a picture of the specific licensed to work and might consist of the person's finger print. A foreign national who has an EAD normally has open-market work permission, however there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 file for companies.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is just valid until it's expiration date. Depending on the person's immigration status, USCIS normally concerns cards for a two-year duration or less. However, specific EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications might be instantly extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are essentially 2 different kinds of nonimmigrants who may be eligible to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to operate in the United States based upon their immigration status. Although they are currently licensed to work, they may require proof of that advantage. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but require to request unique consent to accept employment. Examples include modification of status applicants, DACA, asylum candidates, and particular students.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent homeowners (green card holders) do not require a Work Authorization Document. The green card is proof of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be used with a particular employer do not require 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 a Work Authorization Document may request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In many cases, the initial request for work permission should be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant must include the following products for an initial demand:

- Form I-765
USCIS costs
- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
- Two passport-style pictures
- Proof of eligibility
The list above is a generalization. Simply put, applicants should send other specific supporting files depending upon the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain preliminary I-765 requests get submitted with the primary application.

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

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

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

Renewal

You may restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work authorization. File a new Form I-765 and choose the "renewal" alternative. Generally, you ought to not submit for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most current EAD expires.

Replacement

You may replace your Employment Authorization Document if your newest EAD is lost, stolen or ruined. File a brand-new Form I-765 and select the "replacement" choice. If you did not receive an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can submit an inquiry on non-delivery of a card.

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