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 specific qualifying foreign nationals to work 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 contains a photograph of the individual authorized to work and may include the individual's finger print. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD typically has open-market employment permission, however there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 file for employers.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, a Work Authorization Card is only legitimate till it's expiration date. Depending upon the individual's migration status, USCIS usually issues cards for a two-year duration or less. However, certain EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories might be immediately extended beyond the credibility date on the card.

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are fundamentally 2 different kinds of nonimmigrants who may be eligible to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to operate in the United States based on their immigration status. Although they are already authorized to work, they might need proof of that privilege. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however need to request unique consent to accept employment. Examples include change of status applicants, DACA, asylum seekers, and certain trainees.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent residents (permit holders) do not require a Work Authorization Document. The permit is proof of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be utilized 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 eligible for a Work Authorization Document may ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the preliminary demand for work authorization must be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate must consist of the following products for a preliminary 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. To put it simply, applicants should send other specific supporting documents depending upon the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific initial I-765 requests get sent with the primary application.

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

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service likewise receive customized filing instructions. The filing instructions will be based on your specific circumstance and will describe precisely what files to send out with Form I-765.

RECOMMENDED: How to Make an application for a U.S. Work Permit

Renewal

You might restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work authorization. File a brand-new Form I-765 and choose the "renewal" choice. Generally, you should not apply for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest EAD expires.

Replacement

You might replace your Employment Authorization Document if your newest EAD is lost, stolen 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 submit a query on non-delivery of a card.

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