Form I-766: Everything You Need to Know

Learn about Form I-766, its purpose, eligibility, and how it proves work authorization in the U.S. Understand how to apply, renew, and use your EAD card.

By:

Deanna deBara

Deanna deBara is a freelance writer with a decade of experience covering a variety of topics, including immigration law. When she's not writing, she enjoys baking, dancing, hiking the PNW, and spending time with her rescue pups.

Reviewer:

Henry Lindpere

Henry Lindpere is an experienced immigration lawyer serving primarily STEM professionals, entrepreneurs, and high-achieving individuals.

7 min read • July 3, 2025

Form I-766: Everything You Need to Know About the Employment Authorization Document

Key takeaways

Form I-766 is the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card that proves your legal right to work in the U.S. for the approved period.

The I-766 card is issued after your I-765 application is approved and serves as proof of work authorization.

The I-766 EAD card can be used for employment verification, as a form of ID, and for other reasons, like applying for a license or a bank account.

To maintain your legal work status, ensure timely renewal of your I-766 by filing for renewal before your current card expires.

If you're an immigrant looking to work in the United States, receiving your I-766 Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is a major milestone. This card serves as your official proof of work authorization, confirming to employers, government agencies, and others that you’re legally allowed to work in the U.S. for a specific period of time. Without it, you typically can’t start a job—even if you’ve already been offered one.

But for many first-time applicants, the process of getting an EAD can feel opaque and stressful. When will it arrive? How do you apply? What if it’s delayed?

Whether you're here on a pending green card application, a humanitarian visa, or another temporary status, understanding how the I-766 fits into your immigration journey is essential, not just to start working but to avoid unnecessary disruptions to your career and future plans in the U.S.

What is Form I-766?

Form I-766 is the official EAD card issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to certain immigrants who are authorized to work in the United States. It is an important document that confirms an individual’s right to work legally in the U.S. for a specified period. The I-766 serves as both proof of employment authorization and a government-issued ID, often used for verifying identity and work eligibility.

In order to obtain an EAD card, immigrants must first submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Once that application is processed and approved, USCIS will issue Form I-766 and send the approved applicant their EAD card, which allows them to legally work in the U.S.

While the I-766 is the proof of authorization to work, it is important to understand that the I-765 is the form you need to file first in order to request this authorization.

It’s also worth noting that the I-766 is different from other immigration-related documents. Let’s take a look at the key uses of and differences between these forms:

Form

I-765

I-766

What it is

Application to request employment authorization

Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued to eligible individuals following I-765 approval

Arrival/departure record

Green card issued to lawful permanent residents of the U.S.

Issuer

USCIS

CBP

USCIS

What it does

Used to request Form I-766/EAD

Confirms legal authorization to work in the U.S.

Records arrival/departure status of individuals visiting the U.S. on nonimmigrant visas

Confirms permanent residency status

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What Information Is Included On Your EAD Card?

Your EAD/I-766 card will contain several important details, including:

Identifying information: The holder’s full legal name, date of birth, sex, and country of origin.
Photo: A passport-style photo of the cardholder.
A-number (USCIS#): The cardholder’s alien registration number, a unique number assigned by USCIS.
Immigrant Category: The specific category of work authorization (for example, C26 for H-4 visa holders).
Card number: A unique identification number assigned to the cardholder.
Validity and expiration dates: The dates when legal work authorization begins and ends.

EAD cards are also designed with security features (for example, detailed artwork and holographic images) to prevent counterfeiting or unauthorized replication. Similar to a passport, Form I-766 also has a machine-readable zone (MRZ), which allows for quick verification.

Your EAD/I-766 card will contain several important details, including:

Identifying information: The holder’s full legal name, date of birth, sex, and country of origin.
Photo: A passport-style photo of the cardholder.
A-number (USCIS#): The cardholder’s alien registration number, a unique number assigned by USCIS.
Immigrant Category: The specific category of work authorization (for example, C26 for H-4 visa holders).
Card number: A unique identification number assigned to the cardholder.
Validity and expiration dates: The dates when legal work authorization begins and ends.

Who Receives Form I-766?

Certain immigrant categories may receive Form I-766, authorizing them to legally work in the U.S., including:

H-4 visa holders: Individuals holding H-4 visas (spouses of H-1B workers) who are approved for employment authorization via Form I-765 will receive an I-766 card under the category code C26.
DACA recipients: Individuals who have been granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status may receive an I-766 card under category C33.
Asylees and refugees: Individuals with asylum or refugee status are eligible for an EAD under category A05 (asylees) or A03 (refugees).
F-1 OPT Students: Students on F-1 visas who are applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT) may receive an I-766 under category C03A/B. There is also a 24-month extension for STEM students under category C03C.
Adjustment of status applicants: Individuals who are applying for a green card and have filed for adjustment of status (via Form I-485) may receive an I-766 under category C09. This allows applicants to work in the U.S. while their green card application is pending.

Certain immigrant categories may receive Form I-766, authorizing them to legally work in the U.S., including:

H-4 visa holders: Individuals holding H-4 visas (spouses of H-1B workers) who are approved for employment authorization via Form I-765 will receive an I-766 card under the category code C26.
DACA recipients: Individuals who have been granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status may receive an I-766 card under category C33.
Asylees and refugees: Individuals with asylum or refugee status are eligible for an EAD under category A05 (asylees) or A03 (refugees).
F-1 OPT Students: Students on F-1 visas who are applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT) may receive an I-766 under category C03A/B. There is also a 24-month extension for STEM students under category C03C.
Adjustment of status applicants: Individuals who are applying for a green card and have filed for adjustment of status (via Form I-485) may receive an I-766 under category C09. This allows applicants to work in the U.S. while their green card application is pending.

Common Use Cases for Form I-766

As the name suggests, the main purpose of your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is to prove that you’re authorized to work in the United States. When you apply for a job, you’ll need your EAD card when filling out Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, during the hiring process.

But just because employment authorization is Form I-766’s main purpose doesn’t mean that it is its only purpose. There are a few additional common use cases for Form I-766/EAD cards, including:

Travel ID: According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), your I-766 is considered an acceptable identification document for domestic travel.
DMV: You can also use your EAD card to establish your identity when applying for a driver’s license through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Banking: Similarly, you can use Form I-766 to prove your identity when applying for and setting up a bank account.
Social Security: You can use your Form I-766 (along with other required documentation) to apply for your Social Security Card.

But just because employment authorization is Form I-766’s main purpose doesn’t mean that it is its only purpose. There are a few additional common use cases for Form I-766/EAD cards, including:

Travel ID: According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), your I-766 is considered an acceptable identification document for domestic travel.
DMV: You can also use your EAD card to establish your identity when applying for a driver’s license through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Banking: Similarly, you can use Form I-766 to prove your identity when applying for and setting up a bank account.
Social Security: You can use your Form I-766 (along with other required documentation) to apply for your Social Security Card.

How to Obtain Form I-766

Once you have your Form I-766 in hand, you’re authorized to work in the United States. It’s the final step of the process; all of the paperwork is done, and you have the official go-ahead to get to work.

But there are steps that come before you receive your EAD card—steps that do involve paperwork—that you’ll need to tackle in order to get your work authorization. More specifically, in order to get your Form I-766, you’ll first need to submit a Form I-765 application.

Here’s a brief overview of the I-765 application process:

Submit Form I-765. Complete the Form I-765, including all required documents, and submit it to USCIS.
Form I-765 goes through processing. The processing time for I-765 applications can vary depending on factors like service center workload and application type. You can check processing times on the USCIS website.
Form I-765 is approved and you’re issued Form I-766. Once your I-765 is approved, USCIS will issue Form I-766, your EAD card, which allows you to legally work in the U.S.

Here’s a brief overview of the I-765 application process:

Submit Form I-765. Complete the Form I-765, including all required documents, and submit it to USCIS.
Form I-765 goes through processing. The processing time for I-765 applications can vary depending on factors like service center workload and application type. You can check processing times on the USCIS website.
Form I-765 is approved and you’re issued Form I-766. Once your I-765 is approved, USCIS will issue Form I-766, your EAD card, which allows you to legally work in the U.S.

Note: For a more comprehensive look into Form I-765, make sure to check out Manifest Law’s in-depth full guide to Form I-765.

Form I-766 Validity and What Happens If It Expires?

The validity of Form I-766 depends on your immigration status. Typically, the card is valid for one to two years, depending on the applicant’s status and approval category. If your I-766 card expires (you can find your expiration date on your EAD card), you’ll need to file Form I-765 again to renew your work authorization.

Depending on your status, once you file Form I-765 to renew your Form I-766, you may be eligible for an automatic EAD extension, which can extend your work eligibility period (based on the expiration date on your EAD card) for up to 540 days while your application is under review.

You may qualify for this automatic extension if:

The Form I-797C, Notice of Action receipt notice you received for your pending Form I-765 renewal application has a “Received Date” that is before the “Card Expires” date shown on the face of your EAD
The Form I-797C, Notice of Action, receipt notice has a “Received Date” on or after May 4, 2022 or, the Form I-797C, Notice of Action, receipt notice has a “Received Date” before May 4, 2022, but the Form I-765 renewal application was pending on May 4, 2022;
Your renewal application is under a category that is eligible for an automatic extension (you can access eligible categories direction on the USCIS’ automatic EAD extension page); and
The category on your current EAD matches the “Eligibility Category” or “Class Requested” listed on your Form I-797C, Notice of Action, receipt notice.

Either way, it’s important to submit your I-765 application with plenty of time prior to the card’s expiration; otherwise, you may find yourself facing gaps in employment eligibility and unable to legally work in the U.S.

You may qualify for this automatic extension if:

The Form I-797C, Notice of Action receipt notice you received for your pending Form I-765 renewal application has a “Received Date” that is before the “Card Expires” date shown on the face of your EAD
The Form I-797C, Notice of Action, receipt notice has a “Received Date” on or after May 4, 2022 or, the Form I-797C, Notice of Action, receipt notice has a “Received Date” before May 4, 2022, but the Form I-765 renewal application was pending on May 4, 2022;
Your renewal application is under a category that is eligible for an automatic extension (you can access eligible categories direction on the USCIS’ automatic EAD extension page); and
The category on your current EAD matches the “Eligibility Category” or “Class Requested” listed on your Form I-797C, Notice of Action, receipt notice.

Form I-766 Is Your Next Step for Working in the U.S.

Getting your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) can be an exciting step in your immigration journey—but it can also be confusing. Delays, unclear instructions, and changing rules can make the process feel uncertain, especially if your ability to start or keep working depends on it.

Henry Lindpere, Manifest Law’s Senior Counsel, writes: “People with some immigration statuses are authorized to work in the U.S. incident to status, which means that they do not have to apply for an EAD or take any additional steps to prove they can legally work. For example, that includes people on work visas like H-1B, L-1, E-2, or spouses with E-2S or L-2S visas. However, people in other statuses, such as H-4 or F-1, need to proactively apply for the EAD to be authorized to work and to have proof for employers that they are authorized to work. If you are not sure whether you need an EAD or how to get one, contact Manifest Law and we can help.”

At Manifest Law, we work with individuals at every stage of the immigration journey—whether you're applying for your first EAD, renewing one that's expiring, or trying to understand how your work permit fits into a broader green card or visa strategy. We know how high the stakes can feel, and we're here to guide you through every step with clarity, compassion, and legal expertise.

📅 Ready to move forward with confidence? Schedule a consultation with Manifest Law today, and let’s make sure your work authorization—and your future—are on solid ground.

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FAQs

How long does it take to get the I-766 after I-765 Approval?

Processing times for Form I-765 applications can vary. However, once your Form I-765 is approved, you can generally expect to receive your EAD card within two weeks via USPS Priority Mail.

What should I do if my I-766 card is lost or stolen?

If your I-766 EAD card is lost or stolen, you should report it to USCIS as soon as possible and file for a replacement by submitting a new Form I-765 (along with the filing fee and any required supporting documentation). In cases of theft, you may also want to notify local law enforcement.

Can I work while my I-765 application is being processed and before I receive my Form I-766?

You can’t legally work in the United States unless you have valid work authorization. This means you can’t work while your I-765 application is pending or before you receive your Form I-766/EAD card unless you have another valid employment authorization (for example, an EAD renewal extension or another type of work visa).

Take the First Step:

Request an evaluation

Discuss the visa options of interest to you

General information about timelines, fees, requirements for various visa options

Information on Manifest fees, terms and process

Full clarity and transparency every step along the way

Request a consultation

Avi Goldenberg

Principal attorney at Manifest Law, PLLC

Take the First Step:

Request an evaluation

Discuss the visa options of interest to you

General information about timelines, fees, requirements for various visa options

Information on Manifest fees, terms and process

Full clarity and transparency every step along the way

Request a consultation

Avi Goldenberg

Principal attorney at Manifest Law, PLLC

Take the First Step:

Request an evaluation

Discuss the visa options of interest to you

General information about timelines, fees, requirements for various visa options

Information on Manifest fees, terms and process

Full clarity and transparency every step along the way

Request a consultation

Avi Goldenberg

Principal attorney at Manifest Law, PLLC

In this blog article:

What is Form I-766?

What Information Is Included On Your EAD Card?

Who Receives Form I-766?

Common Use Cases for Form I-766

How to Obtain Form I-766

Validity and What Happens If It Expires?

Form I-766 Is Your Next Step for Working in the U.S.

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