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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

An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is an identification card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) problems to particular qualifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Lots of people refer to the card as a work authorization. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.

The EAD card consists of a photograph of the specific licensed to work and may consist of the person's finger print. A foreign national who has an EAD usually has open-market employment permission, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 document for employers.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is just legitimate until it's expiration date. Depending upon the person's migration status, USCIS generally concerns cards for a two-year duration or less. However, certain EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications may be automatically extended beyond the credibility date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are basically two different kinds of nonimmigrants who might be qualified to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to operate in the United States based on their immigration status. Although they are currently authorized to work, they may require evidence of that privilege. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however need to request special authorization to accept work. Examples include adjustment of status applicants, DACA, asylum applicants, and particular students.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent citizens (permit holders) do not need a Work Authorization Document. The permit is evidence of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be employed with a particular 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 a Work Authorization Document may ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the preliminary ask for work permission should be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate must consist of the following items for a preliminary request:

- Form I-765

USCIS costs

- 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, applicants should send other particular supporting files depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific preliminary I-765 demands get submitted with the primary application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can cause costly hold-ups or a denial.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also get customized filing guidelines. The filing guidelines will be based on your specific situation and will explain precisely what documents to send with Form I-765.

RECOMMENDED: How to Get 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 choose the "renewal" choice. Generally, you should not apply for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest EAD ends.

Replacement

You may change your Employment Authorization Document if your latest EAD is lost, stolen or ruined. File a new Form I-765 and pick the "replacement" option. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can submit an inquiry on non-delivery of a card.

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