What is an Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766)?
Home" What is an Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766)?
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) problems to certain qualifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Many individuals refer to the card as a work license. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.
The EAD card includes a photograph of the individual authorized to work and may include the individual's fingerprint. A foreign national who has an EAD usually has open-market work permission, however 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 legitimate until it's expiration date. Depending on the individual's migration status, USCIS usually concerns cards for a two-year duration or less. However, specific EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories may be automatically extended beyond the credibility date on the card.
Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document
There are essentially two different kinds of nonimmigrants who may 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 authorized to work, they might require evidence of that opportunity. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however require to request unique permission to accept employment. Examples consist of change of status candidates, DACA, asylum candidates, and specific students.
RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD
Permanent homeowners (green card holders) do not need an Employment Authorization Document. The permit is proof of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be utilized with a specific employer do not need an EAD. Examples of nonimmigrants with this status consist of 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 a Work Authorization Document may ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In some cases, the initial demand for work permission must be sent with the application for the underlying status.
Typically, an applicant needs to include the following items for an initial request:
- 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. Simply put, applicants should send other particular supporting files depending upon the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain initial I-765 requests get sent with the primary 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 customized filing guidelines. The filing directions will be based on your specific circumstance and will describe precisely what files to send out with Form I-765.
RECOMMENDED: How to Request a U.S. Work Permit
Renewal
You might restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work authorization. File a brand-new Form I-765 and pick the "renewal" choice. Generally, you ought to not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your newest EAD ends.
Replacement
You might replace your Employment Authorization Document if your most current EAD is lost, taken or damaged. File a new Form I-765 and choose the "replacement" alternative. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can submit an inquiry on non-delivery of a card.