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 an identification card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) concerns to specific certifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Lots of people describe the card as a work license. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.

The EAD card consists of a photograph of the specific licensed to work and might consist of the person's finger print. A foreign national who has an EAD typically has open-market work 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 person's immigration status, USCIS normally issues cards for a two-year period or less. However, certain EADs held by people 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 essentially two different types of nonimmigrants who may be eligible to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to work in the United States based upon their immigration status. Although they are currently licensed to work, they might need proof of that privilege. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but require to ask for special permission to accept work. Examples include adjustment of status applicants, DACA, asylum applicants, and specific trainees.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent residents (green card holders) do not need a Work Authorization Document. The permit is proof of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be employed with a specific employer do not need 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 may ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In many cases, the preliminary ask for work authorization must be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant needs to consist of the following products for a preliminary request:

- Form I-765

USCIS charges

- 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 need to submit other specific supporting documents depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, particular initial I-765 requests get sent with the main application.

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

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

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

Renewal

You may renew your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work permission. File a brand-new Form I-765 and pick the "renewal" alternative. Generally, you should not apply for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most current EAD ends.

Replacement

You might replace your Employment Authorization Document if your latest EAD is lost, stolen or destroyed. File a new Form I-765 and pick the "replacement" option. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can send a query on non-delivery of a card.