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) concerns to certain qualifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Lots of people describe the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is understood as Form I-766.

The EAD card includes a photograph of the private authorized to work and might consist of the individual’s fingerprint. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD normally has open-market employment permission, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 document for employers.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, a Work Authorization Card is only legitimate till it’s expiration date. Depending on the individual’s migration status, USCIS generally problems cards for a two-year period or less. However, certain 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 an Employment Authorization Document

There are basically 2 various types of nonimmigrants who might be qualified to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to work in the United States based upon their immigration status. Although they are already licensed to work, they may need evidence of that benefit. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to request special authorization to accept work. Examples include adjustment of status candidates, DACA, asylum hunters, and particular trainees.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent locals (permit holders) do not need a Work Authorization Document. The permit is proof of the cardholder’s status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be utilized with a specific company 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 eligible for an Employment Authorization Document might request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the preliminary demand for work permission need to be sent with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant should consist of the following items for a preliminary request:

- Form I-765
USCIS fees
- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
- Two passport-style photos
- Proof of eligibility
The list above is a generalization. Simply put, candidates need to submit other particular supporting files depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, particular initial I-765 requests get submitted with the main application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can cause expensive hold-ups or a rejection.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath’s service likewise receive customized filing instructions. The filing instructions will be based on your specific scenario and will explain precisely what files to send out with Form I-765.

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

Renewal

You may renew your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work permission. File a brand-new Form I-765 and pick the “renewal” alternative. Generally, you need to not apply for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most recent EAD expires.

Replacement

You might change your Employment Authorization Document if your latest EAD is lost, stolen or ruined. File a brand-new Form I-765 and pick the “replacement” alternative. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can send an inquiry on non-delivery of a card.

employment

employment