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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

A Work Authorization Document (EAD) is an identification card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) problems to certain certifying foreign nationals to operate 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 individual authorized to work and may consist of the person's fingerprint. A foreign national who has an EAD typically has open-market work permission, however there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 file for companies.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, a Work Authorization Card is just valid till it's expiration date. Depending upon the person's immigration status, USCIS typically problems cards for a two-year period or less. However, certain EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications may be automatically extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are fundamentally two various kinds of nonimmigrants who may be eligible to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to operate in the United States based on their migration status. Although they are already authorized to work, they might require evidence of that privilege. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however need to ask for unique approval to accept work. Examples consist of modification of status candidates, DACA, asylum hunters, and particular students.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent citizens (permit holders) do not require an Employment Authorization Document. The green card is evidence of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be used with a specific company do not require 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. Sometimes, the preliminary demand for work permission must be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant needs to include the following products for a preliminary demand:

- Form I-765

USCIS costs

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style photos

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. To put it simply, applicants should send other particular supporting documents depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain preliminary I-765 requests get sent with the main application.

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

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

RECOMMENDED: How to Make an application for 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" alternative. Generally, you ought to not apply for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your newest EAD expires.

Replacement

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

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