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Home" What is a Work Authorization Document (Form I-766)?

What is a Work Authorization Document (Form I-766)?

May 9, 2021

A Work Authorization Document (EAD) is a recognition card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues to specific qualifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Many individuals describe the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.

The EAD card consists of a photo of the individual licensed to work and might include the person's fingerprint. A foreign national who has an EAD generally has open-market employment authorization, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 file for employers.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is only valid up until it's expiration date. Depending on the individual's immigration status, USCIS typically issues 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 instantly extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are fundamentally two different kinds of nonimmigrants who may 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 already authorized to work, they may require proof of that privilege. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to request unique permission to accept work. Examples consist of modification of status candidates, DACA, asylum hunters, and specific students.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent homeowners (permit holders) do not require a Work Authorization Document. The green card is proof of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized 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 qualified for an Employment Authorization Document may ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the initial ask for work authorization should be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant ought to consist of the following products for an initial request:

- Form I-765

USCIS charges

- 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 should send other particular supporting documents depending on the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain preliminary I-765 requests get sent with the main application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can cause costly delays or a rejection.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also get individualized filing directions. The filing directions will be based on your particular circumstance and will discuss exactly what files to send out with Form I-765.

RECOMMENDED: How to Request a U.S. Work Permit

Renewal

You may restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work authorization. File a new Form I-765 and pick the "renewal" alternative. Generally, you need to not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most current EAD expires.

Replacement

You may change your Employment Authorization Document if your newest EAD is lost, stolen or ruined. File a brand-new Form I-765 and pick the "replacement" alternative. 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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