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:

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.
• USCIS number / A-number: A unique identifier assigned by USCIS.
• Category code: The eligibility category under which the EAD was issued (for example, C09 for certain adjustment of status applicants).
• Card number: The unique card identifier.
• Validity 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.

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 may 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

The I-766 EAD card can be used for a number of practical purposes beyond starting employment.

• Employment verification: Used for Form I-9 employment eligibility verification during hiring.
• Proof of legal work authorization for a specific time period.
• Government-issued identification in various contexts.
• Practical life needs like applying for a driver’s license or opening certain accounts (depending on state/bank policies).

How to Obtain Form I-766

To receive Form I-766, you generally need to apply for employment authorization first by filing Form I-765 (if eligible under your category).

1. Confirm you are eligible for an EAD under your immigration category.
2. Prepare and file Form I-765 with supporting documents (and fees, if applicable).
3. Attend biometrics, if required.
4. Wait for USCIS adjudication. If approved, USCIS issues Form I-766 and mails the EAD card.

Processing timelines and requirements can vary by category, filing basis, and USCIS workload.

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

The validity of Form I-766 depends on your immigration status. The card is typically issued for a limited period, and you generally need to file Form I-765 again to renew your work authorization.

Depending on your status, once you file Form I-765 to renew you may receive an automatic extension of your work authorization (and 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 “Receipt 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-765 renewal application was pending on May 4, 2022.
• Your renewal application is under a category that is eligible for an automatic extension.
• 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, delays can disrupt your ability to work.

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 stressful, 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., but still need an EAD to show employers that they can work. If you aren’t sure if 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 before expiration, or coordinating work authorization with a broader green card or visa strategy.

📅 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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Take the First Step:

If you’d like support with your work authorization strategy, an EAD renewal, or how Form I-766 fits into your broader immigration plan, schedule a consultation so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.