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 a recognition card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) concerns to particular certifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Many individuals describe the card as a work license. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is referred to as Form I-766.
The EAD card consists of a photograph of the individual licensed to work and may consist of the individual's finger print. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD generally has open-market employment authorization, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 document for employers.
EAD Validity Period
Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is only valid until it's expiration date. Depending upon the individual's immigration status, USCIS typically issues cards for a two-year period or less. However, specific 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 a Work Authorization Document
There are fundamentally two various kinds of nonimmigrants who may be qualified to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to work in the United States based upon their migration status. Although they are already authorized to work, they might need evidence of that opportunity. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however need to ask for unique authorization to accept work. Examples include change of status candidates, DACA, asylum hunters, and particular trainees.
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Permanent homeowners (permit holders) do not need a Work Authorization Document. The permit is proof 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.
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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. Sometimes, the preliminary request for work permission must be sent with the application for the underlying status.
Typically, a candidate should include the following products 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. In other words, applicants should submit other specific supporting files depending on the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain preliminary I-765 requests get sent with the primary application.
Mistakes on your Form I-765 can trigger expensive hold-ups or a rejection.
Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also get customized filing directions. The filing directions will be based on your specific circumstance and will discuss precisely what documents to send out with Form I-765.
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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 must not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your newest EAD ends.
Replacement
You might change your Employment Authorization Document if your most recent EAD is lost, taken or damaged. File a new Form I-765 and pick the "replacement" option. If you did not receive an EAD that USCIS sent by mail, you can submit a query on non-delivery of a card.