Home" What is an Employment 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) problems to specific qualifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Many individuals refer to the card as a work authorization. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.
The EAD card consists of a photograph of the individual licensed to work and may consist of the person's fingerprint. A foreign national who has an EAD generally has open-market employment authorization, 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 legitimate up until it's expiration date. Depending on the individual's immigration status, USCIS normally problems cards for a two-year period or less. However, specific EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications might be automatically extended beyond the validity date on the card.
Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document
There are essentially two various types of nonimmigrants who might be eligible to ask for 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 require proof of that privilege. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however require to ask for special consent to accept work. Examples include modification of status candidates, DACA, asylum candidates, and specific students.
RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD
Permanent citizens (permit 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 employed with a particular employer do not need an EAD. Examples of nonimmigrants with this status include 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 preliminary ask for work permission need to be sent with the application for the underlying status.
Typically, a candidate needs to consist of the following products for an initial demand:
- 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. To put it simply, candidates should send other specific supporting files depending on 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 hold-ups or a denial.
Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service likewise get customized filing directions. The filing guidelines will be based on your particular situation and will discuss precisely what documents to send out with Form I-765.
RECOMMENDED: How to Get a U.S. Work Permit
Renewal
You may restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work authorization. File a brand-new Form I-765 and select the "renewal" option. Generally, you ought to not apply for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your newest EAD ends.
Replacement
You might change your Employment Authorization Document if your newest EAD is lost, taken or destroyed. File a brand-new Form I-765 and pick the "replacement" option. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can submit a query on non-delivery of a card.
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What is A Work Authorization Document (Form I 766)?
Addie Isaacs edited this page 2 weeks ago