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
A Work Authorization Document (EAD) is a recognition card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) concerns to particular qualifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Lots of people refer to the card as a work license. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.
The EAD card consists of a picture of the specific licensed to work and might include the person's fingerprint. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD generally has open-market employment permission, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 file for companies.
EAD Validity Period
Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is just valid until it's expiration date. Depending on the person's immigration status, USCIS typically problems cards for a two-year period or less. However, particular EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications might be automatically extended beyond the validity date on the card.
Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document
There are essentially 2 different kinds of nonimmigrants who might be qualified to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to work in the United States based on their migration status. Although they are already licensed to work, they may require evidence of that privilege. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to request special authorization to accept employment. Examples include change of status candidates, DACA, asylum seekers, and certain trainees.
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Permanent homeowners (green card holders) do not require an Employment Authorization Document. The green card is proof of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be utilized with a specific employer 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 may ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In many cases, the preliminary ask for work permission need to be sent with the application for the underlying status.
Typically, a candidate must include the following products for an initial request:
- Form I-765
USCIS charges
- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
- Two passport-style pictures
- Proof of eligibility
The list above is a generalization. In other words, applicants should submit other particular supporting files depending upon the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, particular preliminary I-765 requests get submitted with the main application.
Mistakes on your Form I-765 can trigger expensive delays or a denial.
Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also receive tailored filing instructions. The filing guidelines will be based upon your particular scenario and will explain precisely what files 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 authorization. File a brand-new Form I-765 and select the "renewal" alternative. Generally, you ought to not apply for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your newest EAD ends.
Replacement
You may change your Employment Authorization Document if your newest EAD is lost, taken or ruined. File a brand-new Form I-765 and pick the "replacement" choice. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can send an inquiry on non-delivery of a card.