What is A Work Authorization Document (Form I-766)?

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

What is a Work 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 particular qualifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Many individuals refer to the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is understood as Form I-766.

The EAD card contains a photo of the specific licensed to work and may consist of the individual’s fingerprint. A foreign national who has an EAD usually has open-market employment permission, however 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 until it’s expiration date. Depending on the person’s migration status, USCIS generally problems cards for a two-year duration or less. However, certain EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories might be automatically extended beyond the credibility date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are fundamentally 2 different kinds of nonimmigrants who might be qualified to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to operate in the United States based on their immigration status. Although they are already licensed to work, they might require evidence of that advantage. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but require to request unique approval to accept work. Examples consist of modification of status candidates, DACA, asylum seekers, and particular trainees.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent residents (green card holders) do not require a Work Authorization Document. The permit is proof of the cardholder’s status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be used with a specific employer 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 a Work Authorization Document might ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In many cases, the preliminary ask for work permission should be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant should include the following products for a preliminary 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. Simply put, applicants should send other specific supporting documents depending upon the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific preliminary 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 also get tailored filing directions. The filing guidelines will be based upon your specific situation and will describe precisely what files to send out with Form I-765.

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

Renewal

You might restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work authorization. File a new Form I-765 and choose the “renewal” alternative. Generally, you should not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most current EAD ends.

Replacement

You may replace your Employment Authorization Document if your latest EAD is lost, stolen or damaged. File a 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.

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