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 an identification card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues to certain certifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Many people refer to the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.
The EAD card consists of a picture of the private authorized to work and might consist of the person's fingerprint. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD usually has open-market work authorization, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 document for companies.
EAD Validity Period
Generally, a Work Authorization Card is just legitimate up until it's expiration date. Depending upon the person's migration status, USCIS generally problems cards for a two-year period or less. However, specific EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories might be immediately extended beyond the validity date on the card.
Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document
There are essentially 2 various types of nonimmigrants who may be qualified to request 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 advantage. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to request special consent to accept employment. Examples consist of change of status applicants, DACA, asylum candidates, and certain students.
RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD
Permanent homeowners (permit holders) do not require an Employment Authorization Document. The permit is evidence of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be utilized with a specific company 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 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 submitted with the application for the underlying status.
Typically, an applicant needs to consist of the following products for an initial request:
- Form I-765
USCIS costs
- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
- Two passport-style photos
- Proof of eligibility
The list above is a generalization. To put it simply, applicants should submit other specific 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 costly hold-ups or a denial.
Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service likewise get tailored filing directions. The filing directions will be based upon your specific situation and will describe exactly what files to send out with Form I-765.
RECOMMENDED: How to Obtain a U.S. Work Permit
Renewal
You might restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work permission. File a new Form I-765 and choose the "renewal" choice. Generally, you must not file for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most recent EAD expires.
Replacement
You may change your Employment Authorization Document if your latest EAD is lost, stolen or destroyed. File a new Form I-765 and select the "replacement" option. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can submit an inquiry on non-delivery of a card.
1
What is A Work Authorization Document (Form I 766)?
Adriene Dyal edited this page 4 months ago