What is an Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766)?

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What is an Employment 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) issues to particular qualifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Many individuals refer to the card as a work license. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is known as Form I-766.

The EAD card contains a photo of the private licensed to work and might consist of the person’s finger print. A foreign national who has an EAD usually has open-market employment authorization, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 document for companies.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is just valid until it’s expiration date. Depending upon the person’s migration status, USCIS usually concerns cards for a two-year duration or less. However, certain EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications may be immediately extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document

There are basically 2 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 migration status. Although they are already authorized 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 consent to accept work. Examples consist of change of status candidates, DACA, asylum seekers, and particular trainees.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent residents (green card holders) do not need a Work Authorization Document. The green card is evidence of the cardholder’s status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be used with a particular 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 qualified for a Work Authorization Document might ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In some cases, the initial ask for work permission should be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant ought to include the following items for an initial request:

– 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, applicants need to submit other specific supporting files depending upon the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, particular initial I-765 requests get sent with the main application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can cause costly delays or a rejection.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath’s service also receive customized filing guidelines. The filing directions will be based on your particular situation and will discuss precisely what documents to send out with Form I-765.

RECOMMENDED: How to Apply for 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 must not file for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your newest EAD expires.

Replacement

You might replace your Employment Authorization Document if your newest EAD is lost, stolen or destroyed. File a new Form I-765 and select 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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