Home" What is a Work Authorization Document (Form I-766)?
What is a Work Authorization Document (Form I-766)?
May 9, 2021
An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is an identification card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) problems to certain certifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Lots of people refer to the card as a work permit. 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 consist of the individual's fingerprint. A foreign national who has an EAD generally has open-market work authorization, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 document for employers.
EAD Validity Period
Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is only legitimate up until it's expiration date. Depending upon the individual's migration status, USCIS normally issues cards for a two-year period or less. However, certain EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications may be instantly extended beyond the validity date on the card.
Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document
There are fundamentally two various kinds of nonimmigrants who may be qualified to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to work in the United States based upon their immigration status. Although they are currently licensed to work, they might need evidence of that opportunity. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however require to request unique approval to accept work. Examples include adjustment of status applicants, DACA, asylum seekers, and certain students.
RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD
Permanent residents (green card holders) do not need a Work Authorization Document. The permit is proof of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be employed with a specific company do not require 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 eligible for a Work Authorization Document may ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In many cases, the preliminary ask for work permission must be sent with the application for the underlying status.
Typically, a candidate must include the following items for an initial demand:
- Form I-765
USCIS fees
- Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
- Two passport-style pictures
- Proof of eligibility
The list above is a generalization. To put it simply, applicants need to send other specific supporting documents depending on the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, particular initial I-765 requests get sent with the primary application.
Mistakes on your Form I-765 can cause pricey hold-ups or a rejection.
Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also receive personalized filing instructions. The filing instructions will be based on your particular scenario and will describe precisely what documents to send out with Form I-765.
RECOMMENDED: How to Request a U.S. Work Permit
Renewal
You may restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work authorization. File a new Form I-765 and choose the "renewal" option. Generally, you need to not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest EAD ends.
Replacement
You might change your Employment Authorization Document if your latest EAD is lost, taken or destroyed. File a brand-new Form I-765 and pick the "replacement" choice. If you did not receive an EAD that USCIS sent by mail, you can send an inquiry on non-delivery of a card.
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What is an Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766)?
Abraham Wimble edited this page 2025-02-26 19:54:52 +01:00