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

by Debora Bastyan (2025-02-11)

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

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

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May 9, 2021


An Employment 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 photo of the specific authorized to work and might consist of the person's finger print. A foreign national who has an EAD generally has open-market work permission, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 file for companies.


EAD Validity Period

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Generally, a Work Authorization Card is just valid till it's expiration date. Depending on the individual's migration status, USCIS usually problems cards for a two-year period or less. However, particular EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories might be automatically extended beyond the credibility date on the card.


Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document


There are fundamentally 2 various kinds of nonimmigrants who might be qualified to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to operate in the United States based upon their immigration status. Although they are already authorized to work, they may need proof of that privilege. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to request unique consent to accept employment. Examples consist of adjustment of status candidates, DACA, asylum seekers, and particular trainees.


RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD


Permanent residents (green card holders) do not require a Work Authorization Document. The permit is evidence of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be employed with a particular company 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

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How to Request an EAD


Foreign nationals who are eligible for an Employment Authorization Document may request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the preliminary ask for work permission must be submitted with the application for the underlying status.


Typically, an applicant needs to include the following items for an initial request:


- Form I-765

USCIS fees

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style images

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. In other words, applicants must send other particular supporting files depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific preliminary I-765 demands get submitted with the primary application.


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


Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service likewise receive customized filing guidelines. The filing directions will be based on your specific situation and will discuss precisely what documents to send out with Form I-765.


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


Renewal


You may renew your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work authorization. File a brand-new Form I-765 and choose the "renewal" alternative. Generally, you should not submit for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your newest EAD expires.

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Replacement


You might replace your Employment Authorization Document if your most current EAD is lost, stolen or destroyed. File a brand-new Form I-765 and choose the "replacement" choice. If you did not receive an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can submit a questions on non-delivery of a card.

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