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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

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

The EAD card consists of a photograph of the private authorized to work and may include the individual's finger print. A foreign national who has an EAD usually has open-market work authorization, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 document for employers.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, a Work Authorization Card is just legitimate till it's expiration date. Depending on the individual's immigration status, USCIS typically concerns 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 immediately extended beyond the credibility date on the card.

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are fundamentally two various types of nonimmigrants who might be qualified to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to operate in the United States based on their immigration status. Although they are already authorized to work, they may require proof of that privilege. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however require to ask for unique permission to accept work. Examples consist of adjustment of status candidates, DACA, asylum hunters, and specific trainees.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent locals (green card holders) do not need a Work Authorization Document. The green card is proof of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be employed with a specific employer do not need 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 a Work Authorization Document may request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In many cases, the preliminary request for work authorization should be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate must consist of the following products for a preliminary demand:

- Form I-765

USCIS fees

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style pictures

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. Simply put, applicants should submit other particular supporting documents depending upon the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain initial I-765 demands get sent with the main application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can trigger pricey hold-ups or a rejection.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also receive personalized filing directions. The filing directions will be based on your specific scenario and will describe precisely what files to send with Form I-765.

RECOMMENDED: How to Get 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 select the "renewal" option. Generally, you should not submit for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most current EAD expires.

Replacement

You might replace your Employment Authorization Document if your most current EAD is lost, stolen or damaged. File a new Form I-765 and pick the "replacement" choice. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS sent by mail, you can send an inquiry on non-delivery of a card.

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