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

by Forest Christmas (2025-02-11)

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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

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An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is a recognition card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) problems to specific certifying 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 consists of a photo of the specific licensed to work and might include the individual's fingerprint. A foreign national who has an EAD usually has open-market employment permission, 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 only legitimate till it's expiration date. Depending upon the individual's immigration status, USCIS usually problems cards for a two-year duration or less. However, particular EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications may be immediately extended beyond the credibility date on the card.


Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document


There are essentially 2 different types of nonimmigrants who may be qualified to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to work 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 require to request unique authorization to accept employment. Examples include modification of status candidates, DACA, asylum applicants, and particular trainees.

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RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD


Permanent residents (permit holders) do not need an Employment Authorization Document. The green card is evidence of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be utilized with a specific employer 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

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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 many cases, the preliminary demand for work permission need to be submitted with the application for the underlying status.


Typically, an applicant ought to 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 photos

- Proof of eligibility


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

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


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

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Renewal


You may restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work permission. File a new Form I-765 and pick the "renewal" alternative. Generally, you must 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 destroyed. File a new Form I-765 and choose the "replacement" choice. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can send an inquiry on non-delivery of a card.



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