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

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

May 9, 2021

A Work Authorization Document (EAD) is an identification card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues to certain qualifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Many 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 picture of the specific licensed to work and might consist of the individual's fingerprint. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD typically has open-market work authorization, but 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 till it's expiration date. Depending on the individual's migration status, USCIS typically issues cards for a two-year duration 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 a Work Authorization Document

There are essentially 2 different types of nonimmigrants who might be qualified to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to operate in the United States based upon their immigration status. Although they are already licensed to work, they might need evidence of that advantage. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however need to ask for unique consent to accept work. Examples consist of modification of status candidates, DACA, asylum seekers, and specific students.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent citizens (green card holders) do not need an Employment Authorization Document. The permit is proof of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be used with a particular employer do not need an EAD. Examples of nonimmigrants with this status include 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 some cases, the preliminary ask for work permission should be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate ought to include the following products for a preliminary demand:

- Form I-765
USCIS fees
- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
- Two passport-style images
- Proof of eligibility
The list above is a generalization. Simply put, candidates should submit other particular supporting documents depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific preliminary I-765 demands get sent with the main application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can cause pricey hold-ups or a rejection.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service likewise receive customized filing instructions. The filing guidelines will be based on your specific situation and will discuss precisely what documents to send out 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 eligible for work permission. File a new Form I-765 and choose the "renewal" option. Generally, you should not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your newest EAD expires.

Replacement

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

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