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

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

May 9, 2021

An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is a recognition card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues to certain certifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Many people describe the card as a work license. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is referred to as Form I-766.

The EAD card contains a picture of the private licensed to work and might include the person's fingerprint. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD typically has open-market employment permission, however there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 file for employers.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is only valid until it's expiration date. Depending upon the person's migration status, USCIS generally problems cards for a two-year period or less. However, particular 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 fundamentally 2 different kinds of nonimmigrants who might be qualified to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to operate in the United States based on their migration status. Although they are already authorized to work, they might require evidence of that opportunity. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to ask for special permission to accept work. Examples include adjustment of status candidates, DACA, asylum applicants, and specific trainees.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent locals (green card holders) do not require a Work Authorization Document. The green card is proof of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be employed with a specific employer do not need an EAD. Examples of nonimmigrants with this status consist of H-1B and TN visa.

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How to Request an EAD

Foreign nationals who are qualified for a Work Authorization Document might request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the preliminary request for work authorization need to be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate must include the following products for a preliminary request:

- Form I-765
USCIS charges
- 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, applicants should send other particular 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 cause costly hold-ups or a denial.

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

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

Renewal

You may renew your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work permission. File a new Form I-765 and select the "renewal" choice. Generally, you must not file for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest EAD expires.

Replacement

You might change your Employment Authorization Document if your most current EAD is lost, taken or damaged. File a new Form I-765 and pick the "replacement" alternative. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can send a query on non-delivery of a card.

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