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 a recognition card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) concerns to specific qualifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Many people describe the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.
The EAD card contains a photo of the individual authorized to work and might consist of the person's fingerprint. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD generally has open-market work permission, however there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 document for employers.
EAD Validity Period
Generally, a Work Authorization Card is only valid up until it's expiration date. Depending on the individual's immigration status, USCIS usually problems cards for a two-year duration or less. However, certain EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications might be immediately extended beyond the validity date on the card.
Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document
There are essentially two various kinds of nonimmigrants who might be qualified to request an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are licensed to work in the United States based on their immigration status. Although they are already authorized to work, they may require proof 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 change of status applicants, DACA, asylum hunters, and specific trainees.
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Permanent homeowners (permit holders) do not require an Employment Authorization Document. The permit is proof of the cardholder's status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed to be utilized with a particular company do not need an EAD. Examples of nonimmigrants with this status include H-1B and TN visa.
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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 many cases, the initial ask for work permission should be sent with the application for the underlying status.
Typically, a candidate ought to consist of the following products for a preliminary 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. Simply put, applicants must submit other particular supporting files depending upon the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, specific preliminary I-765 demands get sent with the primary application.
Mistakes on your Form I-765 can trigger costly hold-ups or a denial.
Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath's service also get individualized filing guidelines. The filing guidelines will be based upon your specific scenario and will describe precisely what documents to send with Form I-765.
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Renewal
You might renew your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work authorization. File a brand-new Form I-765 and pick the "renewal" option. Generally, you should not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most current EAD expires.
Replacement
You may change your Employment Authorization Document if your newest EAD is lost, stolen or destroyed. File a new Form I-765 and choose the "replacement" option. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can send an inquiry on non-delivery of a card.