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
A Work Authorization Document (EAD) is an identification card that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues to certain qualifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Lots of people refer to the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is referred to as Form I-766.
The EAD card includes a photograph of the individual authorized to work and may consist of the person’s fingerprint. A foreign national who has an EAD typically has open-market work authorization, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a valid I-9 file for employers.
EAD Validity Period
Generally, a Work Authorization Card is just legitimate until it’s expiration date. Depending upon the individual’s migration status, USCIS typically issues cards for a two-year period or less. However, certain EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated classifications may be instantly extended beyond the credibility date on the card.
Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document
There are fundamentally two different kinds of nonimmigrants who might be qualified to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to work in the United States based upon their migration status. Although they are currently licensed to work, they may require evidence of that privilege. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but require to request unique permission to accept employment. Examples consist of modification of status candidates, DACA, asylum hunters, and particular trainees.
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Permanent homeowners (green card holders) do not require an Employment Authorization Document. The green card is evidence of the cardholder’s status and work permission. 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.
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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. In some cases, the preliminary ask for work permission must be submitted with the application for the underlying status.
Typically, a candidate 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 pictures
– Proof of eligibility
The list above is a generalization. To put it simply, candidates need to submit other particular supporting files depending on the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, certain initial I-765 demands get submitted with the primary application.
Mistakes on your Form I-765 can trigger expensive delays or a rejection.
Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath’s service also receive personalized filing instructions. The filing guidelines will be based on your particular situation and will describe precisely what documents to send out with Form I-765.
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Renewal
You may renew your Employment Authorization Document if you are still eligible for work authorization. File a brand-new Form I-765 and choose the «renewal» alternative. Generally, you ought to not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most recent EAD expires.
Replacement
You might replace your Employment Authorization Document if your latest EAD is lost, stolen or ruined. File a new Form I-765 and select the «replacement» option. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS sent by mail, you can submit an inquiry on non-delivery of a card.
