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) concerns to particular qualifying 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 specific authorized to work and may consist of the person's fingerprint. A foreign national who has an EAD typically has open-market employment authorization, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 document for companies.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, a Work Authorization Card is just valid till it's expiration date. Depending on the person's immigration status, USCIS generally problems cards for a two-year period or less. However, specific EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications may be automatically extended beyond the credibility date on the card.

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are fundamentally two different 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 licensed to work, they may require evidence of that opportunity. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to request unique approval to accept work. Examples consist of modification of status applicants, DACA, asylum hunters, and specific trainees.

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Permanent homeowners (green card holders) do not need an Employment Authorization Document. The permit is proof of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be utilized with a specific employer do not need 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 eligible for a Work Authorization Document may ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the preliminary request for work authorization need to be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate must consist of the following products for an initial 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. Simply put, applicants need to send other particular supporting documents depending upon the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain initial I-765 demands get submitted with the primary application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can cause expensive delays or a rejection.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also get customized filing directions. The filing guidelines will be based upon your specific circumstance and will discuss precisely what files to send out with Form I-765.

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Renewal

You may renew your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work authorization. File a brand-new Form I-765 and pick the "renewal" choice. Generally, you ought to not apply for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your newest EAD ends.

Replacement

You may replace your Employment Authorization Document if your latest EAD is lost, stolen or destroyed. File a brand-new Form I-765 and choose the "replacement" alternative. If you did not receive an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can send a questions on non-delivery of a card.