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 specific certifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Many individuals refer to the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is understood as Form I-766.
The EAD card includes a picture of the individual authorized to work and might consist of the individual's finger print. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD typically has open-market employment authorization, however there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 file for employers.
EAD Validity Period
Generally, a Work Authorization Card is just valid until it's expiration date. Depending on the person's migration status, USCIS generally 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 credibility 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 licensed to work in the United States based upon their migration status. Although they are currently licensed to work, they may need evidence of that opportunity. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to request special permission to accept employment. Examples consist of modification of status applicants, DACA, asylum candidates, and certain trainees.
RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD
Permanent locals (permit holders) do not require an Employment Authorization Document. The permit is evidence of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be used with a specific employer do not require 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 an Employment Authorization Document may ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the preliminary ask for work authorization must be submitted with the application for the underlying status.
Typically, an applicant must consist of 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. To put it simply, candidates must send other specific supporting files depending on the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific preliminary I-765 requests get submitted with the primary application.
Mistakes on your Form I-765 can trigger pricey hold-ups or a denial.
Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also get tailored filing directions. The filing directions will be based upon your particular scenario and will discuss precisely what documents to send 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 permission. File a new Form I-765 and select the "renewal" option. Generally, you ought to not file 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, stolen or destroyed. File a brand-new Form I-765 and pick the "replacement" option. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS sent by mail, you can submit an inquiry on non-delivery of a card.
What is A Work Authorization Document (Form I-766)?
by Doretha Garratt (2025-02-11)
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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 specific certifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Many individuals refer to the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is understood as Form I-766.
The EAD card includes a picture of the individual authorized to work and might consist of the individual's finger print. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD typically has open-market employment authorization, however there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 file for employers.
EAD Validity Period
Generally, a Work Authorization Card is just valid until it's expiration date. Depending on the person's migration status, USCIS generally 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 credibility 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 licensed to work in the United States based upon their migration status. Although they are currently licensed to work, they may need evidence of that opportunity. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to request special permission to accept employment. Examples consist of modification of status applicants, DACA, asylum candidates, and certain trainees.
RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD
Permanent locals (permit holders) do not require an Employment Authorization Document. The permit is evidence of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be used with a specific employer do not require 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 an Employment Authorization Document may ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the preliminary ask for work authorization must be submitted with the application for the underlying status.
Typically, an applicant must consist of 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. To put it simply, candidates must send other specific supporting files depending on the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific preliminary I-765 requests get submitted with the primary application.
Mistakes on your Form I-765 can trigger pricey hold-ups or a denial.
Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also get tailored filing directions. The filing directions will be based upon your particular scenario and will discuss precisely what documents to send 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 permission. File a new Form I-765 and select the "renewal" option. Generally, you ought to not file 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, stolen or destroyed. File a brand-new Form I-765 and pick the "replacement" option. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS sent by mail, you can submit an inquiry on non-delivery of a card.
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