Home" What is a Work Authorization Document (Form I-766)?
What is an Employment 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) issues to specific certifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Lots of people refer to the card as a work authorization. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is known as Form I-766.
The EAD card contains a photo of the private licensed to work and might include the person'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 valid I-9 file for companies.
EAD Validity Period
Generally, a Work Authorization Card is just valid up until it's expiration date. Depending upon the person's migration status, USCIS usually problems cards for a two-year duration or less. However, specific EADs held by people 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 types of nonimmigrants who might be eligible to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to operate in the United States based upon their migration status. Although they are currently authorized to work, they might require evidence of that advantage. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however require to ask for unique consent to accept work. Examples consist of adjustment of status applicants, DACA, asylum hunters, and particular trainees.
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Permanent citizens (permit holders) do not require a Work Authorization Document. The green card is evidence of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed 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 a Work Authorization Document may request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In many cases, the initial ask for work authorization should be submitted with the application for the underlying status.
Typically, a candidate needs to include the following products for a preliminary 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. In other words, candidates should send other particular supporting documents depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain preliminary I-765 demands get sent with the primary application.
Mistakes on your Form I-765 can cause pricey hold-ups or a rejection.
Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also receive customized filing instructions. The filing guidelines will be based on your particular situation and will describe exactly what files to send with Form I-765.
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Renewal
You might renew your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work permission. File a brand-new Form I-765 and choose the "renewal" alternative. Generally, you ought to not apply for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most current EAD ends.
Replacement
You might change your Employment Authorization Document if your latest EAD is lost, stolen or damaged. File a new Form I-765 and choose the "replacement" choice. If you did not receive an EAD that USCIS sent by mail, you can send an inquiry on non-delivery of a card.
