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 particular qualifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Lots of people describe the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is understood as Form I-766.
The EAD card contains a photograph of the individual licensed to work and may consist of the individual's finger print. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD typically has open-market work 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 only valid up until it's expiration date. Depending upon the individual's migration status, USCIS normally concerns cards for a two-year period or less. However, certain EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications may be immediately extended beyond the credibility date on the card.
Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document
There are fundamentally two various kinds of nonimmigrants who might be qualified 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 require proof of that privilege. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however require to request special consent to accept employment. Examples consist of adjustment of status applicants, DACA, asylum candidates, and specific students.
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Permanent homeowners (green card holders) do not require 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.
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How to Request an EAD
Foreign nationals who are eligible for an Employment Authorization Document might request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In some cases, the preliminary ask for work authorization must be sent with the application for the underlying status.
Typically, an applicant should consist of the following products for an initial demand:
- 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 submit 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 costly hold-ups or a denial.
Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also get customized filing directions. The filing instructions will be based upon your specific situation and will describe precisely what files to send with Form I-765.
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Renewal
You may restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work permission. File a brand-new Form I-765 and choose the "renewal" option. Generally, you should not file for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest EAD expires.
Replacement
You might change your Employment Authorization Document if your most current EAD is lost, taken or ruined. File a new Form I-765 and pick the "replacement" alternative. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can send a query on non-delivery of a card.