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

A Work Authorization Document (EAD) is an identification card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) problems to particular qualifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Many individuals describe the card as a work authorization. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.

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

EAD Validity Period

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

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are fundamentally 2 various types of nonimmigrants who may be eligible to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to operate in the United States based upon their migration status. Although they are currently authorized to work, they might require proof of that advantage. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to request unique consent to accept employment. Examples include change of status candidates, DACA, asylum hunters, and specific students.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent residents (permit holders) do not require an Employment Authorization Document. The green card is evidence of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be used 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 an Employment Authorization Document might request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the initial demand for work permission need to be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, a candidate should consist of the following items for a preliminary demand:

- Form I-765
USCIS fees
- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
- Two passport-style images
- Proof of eligibility
The list above is a generalization. To put it simply, applicants should send other specific supporting documents depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain preliminary I-765 requests get sent with the primary application.

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

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service likewise get personalized filing directions. The filing directions will be based on your specific situation and will describe precisely what documents to send with Form I-765.

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

Renewal

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

Replacement

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