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) issues to particular qualifying foreign nationals to operate 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 includes a photograph of the private authorized to work and may include the person's fingerprint. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD usually has open-market work permission, however there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 file for employers.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is just legitimate until it's expiration date. Depending on the person's immigration status, USCIS generally concerns cards for a two-year duration or less. However, specific EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories may be immediately extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are fundamentally two different kinds of nonimmigrants who might be eligible to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to work in the United States based on their immigration status. Although they are currently authorized to work, they may need evidence of that privilege. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but require to ask for special authorization to accept work. Examples include change of status applicants, DACA, asylum hunters, and certain students.

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Permanent residents (green card holders) do not require a Work Authorization Document. The green card is proof of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be utilized with a specific company do not require an EAD. Examples of nonimmigrants with this status include H-1B and TN visa.

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How to Request an EAD

Foreign nationals who are qualified for an Employment Authorization Document may ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the initial demand for work authorization should be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate should consist of the following products for a preliminary request:

- Form I-765

USCIS fees

- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

- Two passport-style images

- Proof of eligibility


The list above is a generalization. To put it simply, applicants need to send other specific supporting documents depending upon the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific initial I-765 requests get submitted with the main application.

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

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service likewise get personalized filing guidelines. The filing instructions will be based on your specific circumstance and will discuss exactly what documents 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 brand-new Form I-765 and select the "renewal" option. Generally, you need to not apply for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most current EAD expires.

Replacement

You might replace your Employment Authorization Document if your most recent EAD is lost, stolen or ruined. File a brand-new Form I-765 and pick the "replacement" alternative. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS sent by mail, you can send a questions on non-delivery of a card.