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 an identification card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) problems 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 consists of a photo of the individual authorized to work and may include the individual's finger print. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD generally has open-market employment permission, however there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 document for companies.
EAD Validity Period
Generally, a Work Authorization Card is just valid until it's expiration date. Depending upon the person's migration status, USCIS usually problems cards for a two-year period or less. However, certain EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories may be instantly extended beyond the validity date on the card.
Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document
There are fundamentally two 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 on their migration status. Although they are currently licensed to work, they may need evidence of that privilege. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but require to request special authorization to accept employment. Examples include modification of status candidates, DACA, asylum seekers, and particular students.
RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD
Permanent citizens (green card holders) do not require a Work Authorization Document. The permit is evidence of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be employed 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 ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In many cases, the preliminary demand for work permission must be sent with the application for the underlying status.
Typically, an applicant needs to consist of the following products for an initial demand:
- Form I-765
USCIS costs
- 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, applicants must submit other specific supporting files depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific initial I-765 requests get sent with the primary application.
Mistakes on your Form I-765 can cause costly hold-ups or a rejection.
Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service likewise get tailored filing instructions. The filing guidelines will be based on your specific situation and will describe exactly what documents to send with Form I-765.
RECOMMENDED: How to Obtain a U.S. Work Permit
Renewal
You may renew your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work authorization. File a new Form I-765 and pick the "renewal" choice. Generally, you need to not apply for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most recent EAD ends.
Replacement
You may change your Employment Authorization Document if your latest EAD is lost, taken or destroyed. File a brand-new Form I-765 and choose the "replacement" choice. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can submit an inquiry on non-delivery of a card.
What is an Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766)?
by Kimber Geiger (2025-02-11)
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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 an identification card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) problems 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 consists of a photo of the individual authorized to work and may include the individual's finger print. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD generally has open-market employment permission, however there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 document for companies.
EAD Validity Period
Generally, a Work Authorization Card is just valid until it's expiration date. Depending upon the person's migration status, USCIS usually problems cards for a two-year period or less. However, certain EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories may be instantly extended beyond the validity date on the card.
Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document
There are fundamentally two 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 on their migration status. Although they are currently licensed to work, they may need evidence of that privilege. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but require to request special authorization to accept employment. Examples include modification of status candidates, DACA, asylum seekers, and particular students.
RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD
Permanent citizens (green card holders) do not require a Work Authorization Document. The permit is evidence of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be employed 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 ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In many cases, the preliminary demand for work permission must be sent with the application for the underlying status.
Typically, an applicant needs to consist of the following products for an initial demand:
- Form I-765
USCIS costs
- 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, applicants must submit other specific supporting files depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific initial I-765 requests get sent with the primary application.
Mistakes on your Form I-765 can cause costly hold-ups or a rejection.
Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service likewise get tailored filing instructions. The filing guidelines will be based on your specific situation and will describe exactly what documents to send with Form I-765.
RECOMMENDED: How to Obtain a U.S. Work Permit
Renewal
You may renew your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work authorization. File a new Form I-765 and pick the "renewal" choice. Generally, you need to not apply for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most recent EAD ends.
Replacement
You may change your Employment Authorization Document if your latest EAD is lost, taken or destroyed. File a brand-new Form I-765 and choose the "replacement" choice. 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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