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What is an Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766)?

by Elliot Ralston (2025-02-10)

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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 certain qualifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Many individuals refer to the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is referred to as Form I-766.


The EAD card contains a photo 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 authorization, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 document for companies.


EAD Validity Period


Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is just legitimate till it's expiration date. Depending upon the individual's immigration status, USCIS usually concerns cards for a two-year duration or less. However, particular EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications might be automatically extended beyond the validity date on the card.


Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document


There are essentially two various kinds of nonimmigrants who may be eligible to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to work in the United States based on their immigration status. Although they are already authorized to work, they might require evidence of that benefit. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to request special permission to accept work. Examples consist of change of status candidates, DACA, asylum hunters, and certain trainees.


RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD


Permanent homeowners (green card holders) do not require a Work 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 need an EAD. Examples of nonimmigrants with this status consist of 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 some cases, the initial ask for work permission must be sent with the application for the underlying status.


Typically, an applicant should include the following products 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. In other words, candidates need to submit other specific supporting files depending on the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific preliminary I-765 demands get submitted with the primary application.


Mistakes on your Form I-765 can trigger pricey delays or a denial.


Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service likewise get customized filing instructions. The filing instructions will be based upon your particular situation and will describe exactly what documents to send with Form I-765.


RECOMMENDED: How to Make an application for a U.S. Work Permit


Renewal


You might renew your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work permission. File a new Form I-765 and choose the "renewal" option. Generally, you ought to not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest EAD ends.


Replacement


You might change your Employment Authorization Document if your most current EAD is lost, taken or destroyed. File a brand-new Form I-765 and choose the "replacement" alternative. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS sent by mail, you can submit a questions on non-delivery of a card.

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