What is an Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766)?

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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) concerns to specific certifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Many individuals describe the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is known as Form I-766.

The EAD card consists of a picture of the private authorized to work and might include the individual's fingerprint. A foreign national who has an EAD usually has open-market employment permission, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 document for companies.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is only legitimate up until it's expiration date. Depending on the person's migration status, USCIS normally issues cards for a two-year duration or less. However, specific EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories might be instantly extended beyond the credibility date on the card.

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are essentially 2 various types of nonimmigrants who may be eligible to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to work in the United States based upon their migration status. Although they are already authorized to work, they might require evidence of that advantage. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however need to request special consent to accept employment. Examples include change of status candidates, DACA, asylum seekers, and particular students.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent citizens (green card holders) do not need a Work Authorization Document. The green card is evidence of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be used with a particular company 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 qualified for a Work Authorization Document might request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In some cases, the initial demand for work authorization must be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate must consist of the following products for a preliminary 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. Simply put, applicants should send other particular supporting documents depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain preliminary I-765 requests get submitted with the primary application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can cause pricey hold-ups or a denial.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also get tailored filing directions. The filing directions will be based on your particular situation and will explain exactly what files to send out with Form I-765.

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

Renewal

You may renew your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work authorization. File a brand-new Form I-765 and select the "renewal" alternative. Generally, you must not file for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most recent EAD ends.

Replacement

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