Home" What is a Work 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) concerns 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 referred to as Form I-766.

The EAD card contains a picture of the individual authorized to work and might include the person's finger print. A foreign national who has an EAD usually has open-market work authorization, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 file for employers.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is just legitimate till it's expiration date. Depending on the person's migration status, USCIS generally concerns cards for a two-year period or less. However, particular 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 different kinds of nonimmigrants who might be eligible 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 might need proof of that advantage. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but require to request unique approval to accept employment. Examples include adjustment of status applicants, DACA, asylum seekers, and particular trainees.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent locals (green card holders) do not need an Employment Authorization Document. The permit is evidence of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be used with a specific 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 might request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the initial demand for work permission should be sent with the application for the underlying status.

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

- Form I-765

USCIS costs

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style photos

- Proof of eligibility


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

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can cause costly delays or a denial.

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

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

Renewal

You may restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work permission. File a new Form I-765 and choose the "renewal" choice. Generally, you must not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your newest EAD expires.

Replacement

You might change your Employment Authorization Document if your newest EAD is lost, taken or destroyed. File a new Form I-765 and choose the "replacement" choice. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS sent by mail, you can send a questions on non-delivery of a card.