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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 individuals describe the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is referred to as Form I-766.

The EAD card contains a photograph of the specific authorized to work and may consist of the person's fingerprint. A foreign national who has an EAD normally has open-market employment authorization, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 file for employers.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, a Work Authorization Card is just legitimate till it's expiration date. Depending on the individual's immigration status, USCIS generally problems cards for a two-year period or less. However, specific EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications might be automatically extended beyond the credibility date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are fundamentally 2 different kinds of nonimmigrants who may be qualified to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to work in the United States based on their immigration status. Although they are currently licensed to work, they may require evidence of that opportunity. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to ask for special consent to accept work. Examples include modification of status candidates, DACA, asylum seekers, and particular trainees.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent citizens (green card holders) do not need an Employment Authorization Document. The green card is proof 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 qualified for a Work Authorization Document may ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In some cases, the initial demand for work authorization must be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant should consist of the following items for an initial request:

- Form I-765

USCIS charges

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style pictures

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. In other words, candidates should submit other particular supporting files depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain preliminary I-765 requests get sent with the main application.

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

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service likewise receive individualized filing instructions. The filing directions will be based on your specific scenario and will describe exactly what files to send out with Form I-765.

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

Renewal

You might restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work authorization. File a new Form I-765 and pick the "renewal" alternative. Generally, you ought to not apply for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your newest EAD expires.

Replacement

You may change your Employment Authorization Document if your most current EAD is lost, taken or ruined. File a new Form I-765 and pick the "replacement" choice. 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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