Home" What is a Work Authorization Document (Form I-766)?

What is a Work 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) problems to certain certifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Many individuals refer to the card as a work authorization. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is understood as Form I-766.

The EAD card includes a picture of the individual licensed to work and might consist of the person's finger print. A foreign national who has an EAD normally has open-market employment permission, however there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 file for companies.

EAD Validity Period

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

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are essentially 2 different kinds of nonimmigrants who may be eligible to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to work in the United States based upon their immigration 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. however need to ask for unique authorization to accept employment. Examples include adjustment of status candidates, DACA, asylum candidates, and particular students.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent homeowners (permit 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 particular company 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 an Employment Authorization Document may ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In many cases, the initial request for work authorization need to be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

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

- Form I-765
USCIS charges
- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
- Two passport-style images
- Proof of eligibility
The list above is a generalization. In other words, candidates must send other particular supporting documents depending on the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific preliminary I-765 requests get submitted with the main application.

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

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also get individualized filing instructions. The filing guidelines will be based upon your particular scenario and will explain precisely what documents to send with Form I-765.

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

Renewal

You might restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work permission. File a brand-new Form I-765 and choose the "renewal" alternative. Generally, you need to not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your newest EAD ends.

Replacement

You may change your Employment Authorization Document if your most current EAD is lost, stolen or damaged. File a brand-new Form I-765 and pick the "replacement" choice. If you did not receive an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can send a query on non-delivery of a card.

job

job

job