Home" What is a Work Authorization Document (Form I-766)?

What is an Employment 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. Lots of people describe the card as a work authorization. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is understood as Form I-766.

The EAD card includes a photo of the specific authorized to work and may include the individual's finger print. A foreign national who has an EAD generally has open-market employment permission, but 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 only legitimate up until it's expiration date. Depending upon the person's migration status, USCIS normally problems cards for a two-year period or less. However, certain EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories might be automatically extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are essentially 2 different types of nonimmigrants who might be eligible to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to operate in the United States based upon their immigration status. Although they are currently licensed to work, they may require evidence of that opportunity. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to ask for special permission to accept work. Examples consist of change of status applicants, DACA, asylum seekers, and specific students.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent citizens (green card holders) do not require 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 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 eligible for an Employment Authorization Document may ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In some cases, the preliminary ask for work permission should be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate should include the following products for an initial request:

- Form I-765
USCIS costs
- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
- Two passport-style images
- Proof of eligibility
The list above is a generalization. In other words, applicants should send other particular supporting files depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific initial I-765 requests get sent with the main application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can trigger expensive hold-ups or a rejection.

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

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

Renewal

You may restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work authorization. File a new Form I-765 and select the "renewal" alternative. Generally, you should not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your newest EAD ends.

Replacement

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

employment