Home" What is a Work Authorization Document (Form I-766)?
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 certain qualifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Many individuals describe the card as a work license. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.
The EAD card contains a picture of the specific authorized to work and may include the person's finger print. A foreign national who has an EAD normally has open-market employment permission, however there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 document for employers.
EAD Validity Period
Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is just legitimate till it's expiration date. Depending upon the person's migration status, USCIS usually issues cards for a two-year period or less. However, specific EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications might be instantly extended beyond the credibility date on the card.
Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document
There are fundamentally two various kinds of nonimmigrants who may 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 authorized to work, they might need proof of that advantage. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however need to request unique authorization to accept employment. Examples consist of modification of status applicants, DACA, asylum candidates, and specific trainees.
RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD
Permanent citizens (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 used with a particular employer do not require an EAD. Examples of nonimmigrants with this status consist of H-1B and TN visa.
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How to Request an EAD
Foreign nationals who are qualified for an Employment Authorization Document might request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In many cases, the preliminary ask for work permission should be sent with the application for the underlying status.
Typically, an applicant must include the following products for a preliminary 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 need to send other particular supporting files depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, particular preliminary I-765 demands get sent with the main 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 also receive personalized filing guidelines. The filing instructions will be based upon your specific scenario and will discuss exactly what files to send with Form I-765.
RECOMMENDED: How to Request a U.S. Work Permit
Renewal
You might renew your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work permission. File a new Form I-765 and select the "renewal" choice. Generally, you ought to not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most current EAD expires.
Replacement
You may change your Employment Authorization Document if your most recent EAD is lost, taken or damaged. File a new Form I-765 and pick the "replacement" choice. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can send a questions on non-delivery of a card.
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What is an Employment Authorization Document (Form I 766)?
Glenna Bateman edited this page 5 months ago