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

by Silas Hargraves (2025-02-21)

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Home" What is a Work Authorization Document (Form I-766)?


What is a Work Authorization Document (Form I-766)?


May 9, 2021

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


The EAD card includes a photograph of the specific authorized to work and might consist of the individual's fingerprint. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD normally has open-market employment permission, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 document for employers.


EAD Validity Period


Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is just legitimate until it's expiration date. Depending on the person's migration 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 immediately extended beyond the credibility date on the card.


Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document


There are fundamentally two various kinds of nonimmigrants who may be qualified to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to operate in the United States based upon their migration status. Although they are already authorized to work, they may require proof of that benefit. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however need to request special authorization to accept work. Examples consist of adjustment of status applicants, DACA, asylum candidates, and certain trainees.

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RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

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Permanent residents (green card holders) do not need a Work Authorization Document. The permit is proof of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be used with a particular 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 a Work Authorization Document might request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In many cases, the preliminary request for work permission must be submitted with the application for the underlying status.


Typically, an applicant must consist of the following items for a preliminary request:


- 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. In other words, candidates should send other specific supporting documents depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain initial I-765 requests get sent with the main application.


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


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


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

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Renewal


You might restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work authorization. File a brand-new Form I-765 and pick the "renewal" choice. Generally, you ought to not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most current EAD expires.


Replacement


You may change your Employment Authorization Document if your most current EAD is lost, taken or ruined. File a brand-new Form I-765 and pick the "replacement" alternative. If you did not receive an EAD that USCIS sent by mail, you can send an inquiry on non-delivery of a card.



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