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) concerns to specific qualifying foreign nationals to work in the United States. Many individuals refer to the card as a work permit. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is called Form I-766.
The EAD card includes a picture of the specific authorized to work and may include 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 companies.
EAD Validity Period
Generally, a Work Authorization Card is just legitimate until it’s expiration date. Depending upon the individual’s immigration status, USCIS typically concerns cards for a two-year period or less. However, particular EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories may be automatically extended beyond the credibility date on the card.
Eligibility for a Work Authorization Document
There are fundamentally two various kinds of nonimmigrants who might be eligible to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to work in the United States based upon their migration status. Although they are already authorized to work, they might need evidence of that benefit. Examples include asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. but require to ask for unique approval to accept work. Examples consist of modification of status candidates, DACA, asylum candidates, and certain trainees.
RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD
Permanent locals (green card holders) do not require an Employment Authorization Document. The green card is proof of the cardholder’s status and work permission. Likewise, nonimmigrants authorized to be utilized with a specific employer do not require 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 a Work Authorization Document may ask for one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Sometimes, the initial demand for work authorization must be sent with the application for the underlying status.
Typically, a candidate needs to include the following products for an initial demand:
– Form I-765
USCIS charges
– 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 send other particular supporting files depending on the certifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, particular initial I-765 requests get submitted 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 also receive personalized filing guidelines. The filing instructions will be based on your specific scenario and will explain exactly what files 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 submit for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your most recent EAD ends.
Replacement
You may replace your Employment Authorization Document if your newest EAD is lost, stolen or ruined. File a brand-new Form I-765 and pick the «replacement» option. If you did not get an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can send a query on non-delivery of a card.
