Home" What is a Work 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 particular qualifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Lots of people describe the card as a work license. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is known as Form I-766.
The EAD card consists of a picture of the private authorized to work and may include the person's finger print. 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 document for employers.
EAD Validity Period
Generally, a Work Authorization Card is only legitimate up until it's expiration date. Depending on the person's migration status, USCIS generally issues cards for a two-year period or less. However, specific 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 a Work Authorization Document
There are fundamentally 2 different types of nonimmigrants who might be eligible to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to work in the United States based upon their migration status. Although they are currently licensed to work, they may require proof of that opportunity. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however require to request special approval to accept employment. Examples consist of adjustment of status candidates, DACA, asylum candidates, and specific trainees.
RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD
Permanent residents (green card holders) do not require an Employment Authorization Document. The green card is evidence of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be utilized 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 eligible for an Employment Authorization Document may request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In many cases, the preliminary ask for work permission need to be sent with the application for the underlying status.
Typically, an applicant must consist of the following items for a preliminary 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. To put it simply, candidates must submit other particular supporting documents depending on the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain initial I-765 demands get sent with the primary application.
Mistakes on your Form I-765 can trigger costly delays or a rejection.
Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also receive tailored filing instructions. The filing guidelines will be based upon your particular scenario and will describe precisely what files to send with Form I-765.
RECOMMENDED: How to Request a U.S. Work Permit
Renewal
You might renew 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 need to not file for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most current EAD expires.
Replacement
You might change your Employment Authorization Document if your newest EAD is lost, taken or destroyed. File a new Form I-765 and select the "replacement" option. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS sent by mail, you can submit a query on non-delivery of a card.
What is A Work Authorization Document (Form I-766)?
by Silas Hargraves (2025-02-11)
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Home" What is a Work 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 particular qualifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Lots of people describe the card as a work license. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is known as Form I-766.
The EAD card consists of a picture of the private authorized to work and may include the person's finger print. 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 document for employers.
EAD Validity Period
Generally, a Work Authorization Card is only legitimate up until it's expiration date. Depending on the person's migration status, USCIS generally issues cards for a two-year period or less. However, specific 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 a Work Authorization Document
There are fundamentally 2 different types of nonimmigrants who might be eligible to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to work in the United States based upon their migration status. Although they are currently licensed to work, they may require proof of that opportunity. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however require to request special approval to accept employment. Examples consist of adjustment of status candidates, DACA, asylum candidates, and specific trainees.
RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD
Permanent residents (green card holders) do not require an Employment Authorization Document. The green card is evidence of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be utilized 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 eligible for an Employment Authorization Document may request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In many cases, the preliminary ask for work permission need to be sent with the application for the underlying status.
Typically, an applicant must consist of the following items for a preliminary 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. To put it simply, candidates must submit other particular supporting documents depending on the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain initial I-765 demands get sent with the primary application.
Mistakes on your Form I-765 can trigger costly delays or a rejection.
Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also receive tailored filing instructions. The filing guidelines will be based upon your particular scenario and will describe precisely what files to send with Form I-765.
RECOMMENDED: How to Request a U.S. Work Permit
Renewal
You might renew 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 need to not file for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most current EAD expires.
Replacement
You might change your Employment Authorization Document if your newest EAD is lost, taken or destroyed. File a new Form I-765 and select the "replacement" option. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS sent by mail, you can submit a query on non-delivery of a card.
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