Form I-766, Explained: Your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) for Working in the U.S.

Form I-766 is more commonly understood as the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or work allow. It’s a physical card released by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that grants certain nonimmigrant visa holders the legal right to operate in the United States. It works as concrete evidence to potential employers that you have the required permission to contribute your skills and proficiency to the American labor force.

Navigating the complex landscape of U.S. migration law can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to protecting employment authorization. Form I-766 plays a pivotal function in this procedure, enabling eligible people to pursue their career goals while their immigration status is pending or under particular visa classifications. In this thorough guide, we will look into the information of Form I-766, exploring its function, eligibility requirements, application procedure, and different circumstances where it ends up being essential.

Tabulation

Who Needs Form I-766?
Form I-765 vs. Form I-766: What’s the Difference?
How to Look For Form I-766?
Where to Submit Your Form I-765?
Cost of Form I-766
After You Receive Your Form I-766
Renewing or Replacing Your Form I-766
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Words
Who Needs Form I-766?

Not all nonimmigrant visa holders a Work Authorization Document (EAD). U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents (permit holders) are automatically licensed to work and do not need to apply for an EAD. Similarly, some nonimmigrant visas inherently grant work permission, such as H-1B visas for specialized occupations.

However, if you fall under specific nonimmigrant classifications or need unique permission to work, you needForm I-766 becomes your important tool. This consists of:

- Individuals eligible for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

• Refugees and Asylees.
• Individuals with U nonimmigrant status.
• Applicants with pending Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) applications.
• F-1 or M-1 students whose visas don’t immediately enable work.
• Dependents or partners of certain employment-based nonimmigrant visa holders
  
  Form I-765 vs. Form I-766: What’s the Difference?
  
  You may be questioning the distinction between Form I-765 and Form I-766. In essence, they represent 2 sides of the same coin. Form I-765 is the actual application you submit to ask for employment authorization, while Form I-766 is the physical EAD card you receive upon approval. Think of Form I-765 as the demand, and Form I-766 as the approved consent.
  
  How to Obtain Form I-766?
  
  The application process for Form I-766 involves completing Form I-765 and providing supporting paperwork to demonstrate your eligibility. It resembles putting together the pieces of a puzzle, [job](http://users.atw.hu/samp-info-forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=f20998541161317511c1df9e63d96d63&action=profile