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 a recognition card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues to particular 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 consists of a photograph of the private licensed to work and might include the person's finger print. A foreign national who has an EAD normally has open-market employment permission, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 document for companies.
EAD Validity Period
Generally, a Work Authorization Card is just legitimate up until it's expiration date. Depending upon the individual's immigration status, USCIS generally issues cards for a two-year duration or less. However, certain EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications may be immediately extended beyond the credibility date on the card.
Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document
There are fundamentally 2 various types of nonimmigrants who might be qualified to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to work in the United States based upon their immigration status. Although they are already authorized to work, they might require proof of that benefit. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to ask for unique consent to accept employment. Examples include adjustment of status applicants, DACA, asylum applicants, and certain trainees.
RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD
Permanent homeowners (green card holders) do not need an Employment Authorization Document. The green card is evidence of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be used with a specific company 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 an Employment Authorization Document might request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the initial ask for work permission should be sent with the application for the underlying status.
Typically, an applicant must consist of the following items for an initial request:
- Form I-765
USCIS fees
- 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 need to submit other specific supporting documents depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific initial I-765 requests get submitted with the main application.
Mistakes on your Form I-765 can cause costly hold-ups or a rejection.
Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also get personalized filing guidelines. The filing directions will be based on your particular scenario and will describe exactly what files to send with Form I-765.
RECOMMENDED: How to Apply for a U.S. Work Permit
Renewal
You might restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work authorization. File a new Form I-765 and choose the "renewal" option. Generally, you must not file for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your newest EAD ends.
Replacement
You might replace your Employment Authorization Document if your latest EAD is lost, taken or damaged. File a new Form I-765 and pick the "replacement" option. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS sent by mail, you can send an inquiry on non-delivery of a card.
What is an Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766)?
by Verla Carnarvon (2025-02-10)
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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 a recognition card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues to particular 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 consists of a photograph of the private licensed to work and might include the person's finger print. A foreign national who has an EAD normally has open-market employment permission, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 document for companies.
EAD Validity Period
Generally, a Work Authorization Card is just legitimate up until it's expiration date. Depending upon the individual's immigration status, USCIS generally issues cards for a two-year duration or less. However, certain EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications may be immediately extended beyond the credibility date on the card.
Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document
There are fundamentally 2 various types of nonimmigrants who might be qualified to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to work in the United States based upon their immigration status. Although they are already authorized to work, they might require proof of that benefit. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to ask for unique consent to accept employment. Examples include adjustment of status applicants, DACA, asylum applicants, and certain trainees.
RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD
Permanent homeowners (green card holders) do not need an Employment Authorization Document. The green card is evidence of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be used with a specific company 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 an Employment Authorization Document might request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the initial ask for work permission should be sent with the application for the underlying status.
Typically, an applicant must consist of the following items for an initial request:
- Form I-765
USCIS fees
- 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 need to submit other specific supporting documents depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific initial I-765 requests get submitted with the main application.
Mistakes on your Form I-765 can cause costly hold-ups or a rejection.
Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also get personalized filing guidelines. The filing directions will be based on your particular scenario and will describe exactly what files to send with Form I-765.
RECOMMENDED: How to Apply for a U.S. Work Permit
Renewal
You might restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work authorization. File a new Form I-765 and choose the "renewal" option. Generally, you must not file for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your newest EAD ends.
Replacement
You might replace your Employment Authorization Document if your latest EAD is lost, taken or damaged. File a new Form I-765 and pick the "replacement" option. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS sent by mail, you can send an inquiry on non-delivery of a card.
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