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

What is an Employment 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 specific certifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Lots of people describe 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 individual licensed to work and might include 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 valid I-9 file for companies.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, a Work Authorization Card is just valid until it's expiration date. Depending on the person's migration status, USCIS usually problems cards for a two-year duration or less. However, particular 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 an Employment Authorization Document

There are fundamentally two different types of nonimmigrants who might be eligible to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to operate in the United States based on their migration status. Although they are already licensed to work, they might need proof of that advantage. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but require to ask for special consent to accept employment. Examples consist of modification of status candidates, DACA, asylum candidates, and certain students.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent homeowners (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 specific company do not need an EAD. Examples of nonimmigrants with this status consist of H-1B and TN visa.

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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 initial request for work authorization need to be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate ought to consist of the following items for an initial request:

- 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. To put it simply, candidates must submit other particular supporting files depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific initial I-765 demands get sent with the main application.

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

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service likewise receive customized filing guidelines. The filing guidelines will be based upon your particular situation and will discuss exactly what files to send out with Form I-765.

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Renewal

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

Replacement

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