Home" What is a Work Authorization Document (Form I-766)?
What is a Work Authorization Document (Form I-766)?
May 9, 2021
An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is a recognition card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) problems to certain qualifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Lots of people refer to the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.
The EAD card consists of a photograph of the specific authorized to work and may consist of the person's fingerprint. A foreign national who has an EAD generally has open-market employment permission, however there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 file for companies.
EAD Validity Period
Generally, a Work Authorization Card is only legitimate till it's expiration date. Depending on the individual's immigration status, USCIS normally issues cards for a two-year duration or less. However, specific EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications might be immediately extended beyond the validity date on the card.
Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document
There are basically two various types of nonimmigrants who might be eligible to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to work in the United States based on their migration status. Although they are already authorized to work, they may require evidence of that benefit. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to request unique consent to accept work. Examples consist of change of status applicants, DACA, asylum seekers, and particular students.
RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD
Permanent residents (green card holders) do not require an Employment Authorization Document. The green card is proof of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be employed with a particular 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 a Work Authorization Document may request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the preliminary ask for work authorization must be sent with the application for the underlying status.
Typically, a candidate should include the following products for a preliminary demand:
- Form I-765
USCIS costs
- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
- Two passport-style pictures
- Proof of eligibility
The list above is a generalization. In other words, candidates must submit other particular supporting documents depending upon the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, particular preliminary I-765 requests get submitted with the main application.
Mistakes on your Form I-765 can cause expensive hold-ups or a denial.
Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also receive individualized filing instructions. The filing guidelines will be based on your particular circumstance and will discuss exactly what documents to send out with Form I-765.
RECOMMENDED: How to Obtain a U.S. Work Permit
Renewal
You may restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work authorization. File a brand-new Form I-765 and pick the "renewal" option. Generally, you must not submit for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most recent EAD ends.
Replacement
You might replace your Employment Authorization Document if your newest EAD is lost, stolen or damaged. File a new Form I-765 and choose the "replacement" choice. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can submit a query on non-delivery of a card.
What is A Work Authorization Document (Form I-766)?
by Perry Marasco (2025-02-17)
| Post Reply
Home" What is a Work Authorization Document (Form I-766)?
What is a Work Authorization Document (Form I-766)?
May 9, 2021
An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is a recognition card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) problems to certain qualifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Lots of people refer to the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.
The EAD card consists of a photograph of the specific authorized to work and may consist of the person's fingerprint. A foreign national who has an EAD generally has open-market employment permission, however there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 file for companies.
EAD Validity Period
Generally, a Work Authorization Card is only legitimate till it's expiration date. Depending on the individual's immigration status, USCIS normally issues cards for a two-year duration or less. However, specific EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications might be immediately extended beyond the validity date on the card.
Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document
There are basically two various types of nonimmigrants who might be eligible to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to work in the United States based on their migration status. Although they are already authorized to work, they may require evidence of that benefit. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to request unique consent to accept work. Examples consist of change of status applicants, DACA, asylum seekers, and particular students.
RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD
Permanent residents (green card holders) do not require an Employment Authorization Document. The green card is proof of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be employed with a particular 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 a Work Authorization Document may request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the preliminary ask for work authorization must be sent with the application for the underlying status.
Typically, a candidate should include the following products for a preliminary demand:
- Form I-765
USCIS costs
- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
- Two passport-style pictures
- Proof of eligibility
The list above is a generalization. In other words, candidates must submit other particular supporting documents depending upon the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, particular preliminary I-765 requests get submitted with the main application.
Mistakes on your Form I-765 can cause expensive hold-ups or a denial.
Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also receive individualized filing instructions. The filing guidelines will be based on your particular circumstance and will discuss exactly what documents to send out with Form I-765.
RECOMMENDED: How to Obtain a U.S. Work Permit
Renewal
You may restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work authorization. File a brand-new Form I-765 and pick the "renewal" option. Generally, you must not submit for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most recent EAD ends.
Replacement
You might replace your Employment Authorization Document if your newest EAD is lost, stolen or damaged. File a new Form I-765 and choose the "replacement" choice. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can submit a query on non-delivery of a card.
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