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 specific 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 known as Form I-766.

The EAD card consists of a photo of the specific licensed to work and may include the person's finger print. A foreign national who has an EAD typically has open-market work authorization, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 document for employers.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is only valid till it's expiration date. Depending upon the individual's immigration status, USCIS generally problems 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 instantly extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are fundamentally two different types of nonimmigrants who may be eligible to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to work in the United States based upon their immigration status. Although they are currently authorized to work, they may need evidence of that advantage. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however require to request special consent to accept employment. Examples consist of change of status applicants, DACA, asylum hunters, and specific students.

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

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How to Request an EAD

Foreign nationals who are qualified for an Employment Authorization Document might request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In many cases, the preliminary request for work authorization must be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant needs to consist of the following products for a preliminary 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 must send other specific supporting files depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific preliminary I-765 demands get submitted with the main application.

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

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also receive personalized filing guidelines. The filing guidelines will be based on your specific circumstance and will describe precisely what files to send out with Form I-765.

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Renewal

You might restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work authorization. File a brand-new Form I-765 and select the "renewal" choice. Generally, you need to not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most current EAD expires.

Replacement

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

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