What is A Work Authorization Document (Form I-766)?
Home” What is an Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766)?
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) problems to certain qualifying foreign nationals to operate in the United States. Lots of people describe the card as a work license. At USCIS, the Employment Authorization Document is referred to as Form I-766.
The EAD card contains a picture of the private authorized to work and may consist of the individual’s fingerprint. A foreign nationwide who has an EAD usually has open-market employment permission, but there are exceptions. The card (Form I-766) is a legitimate I-9 file for companies.
EAD Validity Period
Generally, a Work Authorization Card is only valid till it’s expiration date. Depending on the individual’s immigration status, USCIS typically problems cards for a two-year duration or less. However, particular EADs held by people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories may be immediately extended beyond the credibility date on the card.
Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document
There are fundamentally 2 different types of nonimmigrants who might be qualified to ask for an EAD. Certain foreign nationals are authorized to work in the United States based on their migration status. Although they are currently licensed to work, they may need evidence of that privilege. Examples consist of asylees and refugees. Other foreign nationals are inside the U.S. however need to ask for special permission to accept employment. Examples consist of change of status candidates, DACA, asylum seekers, and specific students.
RECOMMENDED: List of Eligibility Categories for EAD
Permanent homeowners (green card holders) do not require a Work Authorization Document. The green card is evidence of the cardholder’s status and work authorization. Likewise, nonimmigrants licensed 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 eligible for an Employment Authorization Document may request one with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. In some cases, the initial ask for work authorization should be submitted with the application for the underlying status.
Typically, an applicant needs to consist of the following products for an initial request:
– 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 need to send other particular supporting files depending upon the qualifying basis of eligibility. Additionally, particular preliminary I-765 requests get submitted with the primary application.
Mistakes on your Form I-765 can trigger expensive hold-ups or a rejection.
Applicants that prepare Form I-765 through CitizenPath’s service also receive tailored filing instructions. The filing directions will be based on your specific situation and will explain precisely what documents to send with Form I-765.
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Renewal
You may renew your Employment Authorization Document if you are still qualified for work permission. File a brand-new Form I-765 and select the “renewal” option. Generally, you should not declare a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your latest EAD ends.
Replacement
You might change your Employment Authorization Document if your most current EAD is lost, taken or damaged. File a brand-new Form I-765 and choose the “replacement” choice. If you did not receive an EAD that USCIS sent by mail, you can send an inquiry on non-delivery of a card.
