What is an Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766)?
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What is an Employment 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) issues to certain certifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Lots of people describe the card as a work license. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.
The EAD card includes a picture of the specific authorized to work and might include the individual's fingerprint. A foreign national who has an EAD generally has open-market work authorization, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 document for companies.
EAD Validity Period
Generally, a Work Authorization Card is just valid up until it's expiration date. Depending on the individual's immigration status, USCIS usually problems cards for a two-year period or less. However, specific EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications may be automatically 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 upon their migration status. Although they are already licensed to work, they might require proof of that advantage. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but require to request special consent to accept work. Examples include change of status candidates, DACA, asylum seekers, and certain trainees.
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Permanent homeowners (permit holders) do not need a Work Authorization Document. The permit is evidence of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be employed 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 a Work Authorization Document might ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In some cases, the preliminary ask for work authorization need to be submitted with the application for the underlying status.
Typically, a candidate should include the following products for an initial request:
- Form I-765
USCIS costs
- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
- Two passport-style pictures
- Proof of eligibility
The list above is a generalization. To put it simply, applicants should send other particular supporting files depending on the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific initial I-765 demands get submitted with the main 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 also get personalized filing instructions. The filing directions will be based upon your particular situation and will explain exactly what documents to send with Form I-765.
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Renewal
You may renew your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work authorization. File a new Form I-765 and pick the "renewal" alternative. Generally, you need to 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 ruined. File a brand-new Form I-765 and select the "replacement" alternative. If you did not receive an EAD that USCIS sent by mail, you can send a questions on non-delivery of a card.