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

by Silas Hargraves (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) concerns to particular certifying 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 picture of the specific licensed to work and may consist of the person's fingerprint. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD typically has open-market employment authorization, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 document for companies.


EAD Validity Period


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


Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document


There are basically 2 different types of nonimmigrants who might be qualified to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to operate in the United States based on their immigration status. Although they are currently licensed to work, they might need evidence of that benefit. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to ask for unique permission to accept work. Examples consist of adjustment of status candidates, DACA, asylum seekers, and specific 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 include H-1B and TN visa.

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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 ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the preliminary request for work authorization should be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

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

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- Form I-765

USCIS fees

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style pictures

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. Simply put, applicants need to submit other particular supporting files depending on the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific preliminary I-765 requests get submitted with the main application.


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


Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service likewise receive tailored filing directions. The filing guidelines will be based upon your particular scenario and will describe precisely what documents to send out with Form I-765.


RECOMMENDED: How to Make an application for a U.S. Work Permit


Renewal

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You might restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work permission. File a brand-new Form I-765 and choose the "renewal" alternative. Generally, you ought to not apply for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest EAD ends.

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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 select the "replacement" alternative. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS sent by mail, you can submit a questions on non-delivery of a card.

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