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) 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 consists of a picture of the private authorized to work and might consist of the individual’s fingerprint. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD generally has open-market employment authorization, however there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 file for companies.

EAD Validity Period

Generally, an Employment Authorization Card is just valid till it’s expiration date. Depending on the person’s migration status, USCIS generally concerns 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 instantly extended beyond the validity date on the card.

Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document

There are fundamentally two different types of nonimmigrants who may be eligible to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to work in the United States based upon their immigration status. Although they are already licensed to work, they may need proof of that advantage. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but need to ask for special consent to accept work. Examples include modification of status candidates, DACA, asylum hunters, and specific trainees.

RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD

Permanent residents (permit holders) do not need a Work Authorization Document. The permit is proof of the cardholder’s status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be utilized with a specific 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 may ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the initial request for work authorization must be submitted with the application for the underlying status.

Typically, an applicant must consist of the following items for a preliminary demand:

- Form I-765
USCIS charges
- 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 should send other particular supporting files depending upon the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, particular initial I-765 demands get sent with the main application.

Mistakes on your Form I-765 can trigger costly delays or a denial.

Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath’s service likewise receive tailored filing instructions. The filing directions will be based upon your specific situation and will describe exactly what files to send out with Form I-765.

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

Renewal

You may restore your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work authorization. File a new Form I-765 and select the “renewal” alternative. Generally, you must not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your newest EAD expires.

Replacement

You may replace your Employment Authorization Document if your most recent EAD is lost, stolen or ruined. 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 a query on non-delivery of a card.

employment

employment

employment