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) issues to specific qualifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Many individuals describe the card as a work authorization. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is understood as Form I-766.

The EAD card contains a photo of the private licensed to work and may include the person’s finger print. A foreign national who has an EAD usually has open-market employment permission, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 document for companies.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is just valid till it’s expiration date. Depending upon the person’s immigration status, USCIS normally problems cards for a two-year duration or less. However, certain EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories may 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 request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to operate in the United States based upon their immigration status. Although they are currently 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 ask for special authorization to accept work. Examples include change of status applicants, DACA, asylum candidates, and specific trainees.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent homeowners (green card holders) do not need an Employment Authorization Document. The permit is evidence of the cardholder’s status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be employed 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 an Employment Authorization Document may ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In some cases, the initial ask for work permission must be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant ought to include the following items for a preliminary 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. Simply put, applicants need to send other particular supporting documents depending upon the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, particular preliminary I-765 requests get sent with the main application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can trigger pricey delays or a denial.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath’s service likewise receive tailored filing guidelines. The filing instructions will be based upon your specific circumstance and will describe precisely what files to send with Form I-765.

RECOMMENDED: How to Request a U.S. Work Permit

Renewal

You may renew your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work permission. File a new Form I-765 and select the « renewal » option. Generally, you need to not submit for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest EAD ends.

Replacement

You might replace your Employment Authorization Document if your newest EAD is lost, taken or destroyed. 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 submit an inquiry on non-delivery of a card.

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