Form I-766. Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

Form I-766 is the Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which is a document that proves an individual's eligibility to work in the United States. It is commonly referred to as a work permit.

The EAD is issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to individuals who are authorized to work in the United States for a specific period of time. This document is typically issued to non-U.S. citizens who are in the process of adjusting their immigration status or who have been granted temporary permission to remain in the United States.

The EAD contains important information about the individual, including their name, photograph, and information about their immigration status. It is an important document that should be kept in a safe place and renewed as needed to maintain legal authorization to work in the United States.

How to Request an EAD

To request an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), you must complete and submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Here are the steps you can follow to request an EAD:

1. Determine your eligibility: You must be in a certain immigration category to be eligible for an EAD. You can find a list of eligible categories on the USCIS website.
2. Complete Form I-765: Fill out the form completely and accurately. Be sure to include all required information, such as your personal information, immigration status, and employment history.
3. Gather supporting documents: You will need to provide supporting documents to prove your eligibility for an EAD. These may include a copy of your passport, visa, I-94 arrival/departure record, and any other relevant immigration documents.
4. Pay the filing fee: There is a fee to file Form I-765. The fee amount may vary depending on your eligibility category. You can find the current fee on the USCIS website.
5. Submit your application: Once you have completed the form and gathered all necessary documents, you can submit your application to USCIS by mail or online through their e-filing system.
6. Wait for processing: USCIS will review your application and supporting documents. Processing times may vary depending on the volume of applications and the complexity of your case.
7. Receive your EAD: If your application is approved, USCIS will mail your EAD to you. Be sure to keep your EAD in a safe place and renew it as needed to maintain your legal authorization to work in the United States.

It is important to note that the process for requesting an EAD may vary depending on your specific circumstances.

Renewing an EAD

1. Determine eligibility: You must be eligible to renew your EAD, which typically involves meeting certain immigration status and employment criteria.
2. Complete Form I-765: Fill out the form completely and accurately. Be sure to include all required information, such as your personal information, immigration status, and employment history.
3. Gather supporting documents: You will need to provide supporting documents to prove your eligibility for an EAD renewal. These may include a copy of your previous EAD, your current immigration documents, and any other relevant information.
4. Pay the filing fee: There is a fee to renew your EAD. The fee amount may vary depending on your eligibility category. You can find the current fee on the USCIS website.
5. Submit your application: Once you have completed the form and gathered all necessary documents, you can submit your application to USCIS by mail or online through their e-filing system.
6. Wait for processing: USCIS will review your application and supporting documents. Processing times may vary depending on the volume of applications and the complexity of your case.
7. Receive your new EAD: If your application is approved, USCIS will mail your new EAD to you. Be sure to keep your EAD in a safe place and renew it again as needed to maintain your legal authorization to work in the United States.

Replacing an EAD

If your EAD is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement EAD by following these steps:

1. Complete Form I-765: Fill out the form completely and accurately. Be sure to include all required information, such as your personal information, immigration status, and employment history.
2. Gather supporting documents: You will need to provide supporting documents to prove your eligibility for a replacement EAD. These may include a police report if your EAD was stolen, or a statement explaining how your EAD was lost or damaged.
3. Pay the filing fee: There is a fee to replace your EAD. The fee amount may vary depending on your eligibility category. You can find the current fee on the USCIS website.
4. Submit your application: Once you have completed the form and gathered all necessary documents, you can submit your application to USCIS by mail or online through their e-filing system.
5. Wait for processing: USCIS will review your application and supporting documents. Processing times may vary depending on the volume of applications and the complexity of your case.
6. Receive your replacement EAD: If your application is approved, USCIS will mail your replacement EAD to you. Be sure to keep your EAD in a safe place.

It is important to note that the process for renewing or replacing an EAD may vary depending on your specific circumstances.