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 certain certifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Lots of people refer to the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is known as Form I-766.
The EAD card includes a photo of the specific authorized to work and may include the individual's finger print. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD generally has open-market work permission, 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 legitimate up until it's expiration date. Depending upon the person's migration status, USCIS typically concerns cards for a two-year duration 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 essentially two different kinds of nonimmigrants who might be qualified to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to operate in the United States based on their immigration status. Although they are currently licensed to work, they might require proof of that privilege. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however need to ask for unique permission to accept work. Examples include adjustment of status applicants, DACA, asylum hunters, and specific students.
RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD
Permanent residents (green card holders) do not require a Work Authorization Document. The green card is evidence of the cardholder's status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be used with a specific company do not need 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 eligible for an Employment Authorization Document may request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the preliminary demand for work permission should be submitted with the application for the underlying status.
Typically, a candidate needs to consist of the following products for an initial demand:
- Form I-765
USCIS costs
- 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 should submit other particular supporting documents depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain preliminary I-765 requests get sent with the primary application.
Mistakes on your Form I-765 can trigger costly delays or a rejection.
Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service likewise receive customized filing directions. The filing guidelines will be based upon your specific scenario and will explain precisely what files to send out with Form I-765.
RECOMMENDED: How to Get a U.S. Work Permit
Renewal
You may restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work authorization. File a brand-new Form I-765 and pick the "renewal" choice. Generally, you should not file for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your newest EAD ends.
Replacement
You might change your Employment Authorization Document if your most current EAD is lost, taken or damaged. File a brand-new Form I-765 and choose the "replacement" alternative. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can submit a query on non-delivery of a card.