[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "What%20is%20the%20typical%20format%20for%20a%20work%20authorization%20number%20thatt%20someone%20from%20a%20foreign%20country%20would%20use%3F"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "The format for a work authorization number depends highly on which country issued it, and what type of permit or authorization it is. Here's a breakdown of typical formats used in two common examples: the United States and Canada\u2014both of which frequently come up in forms or job applications.\n\n---\n\n## United States (USCIS Employment Authorization Document, Form I-766 / EAD)\n\nIf someone is using a U.S.-issued Employment Authorization Document (EAD), there are usually **two** key identifiers on the card:\n\n1. **Document Number (also called \u201cCard Number\u201d or \u201cEAD Number\u201d)**  \n   - Format: **Three letters followed by ten digits**, e.g. `SRC0123456789`. ([legalclarity.org](https://legalclarity.org/what-is-an-employment-authorization-number/?utm_source=openai))  \n   - This number is specific to *that particular EAD card*. If the individual gets a renewed or replaced card, this number changes. ([legalclarity.org](https://legalclarity.org/what-is-the-ead-document-number-and-where-is-it-found/?utm_source=openai))\n\n2. **Alien Registration Number (\u201cUSCIS Number\u201d or \u201cA-Number\u201d)**  \n   - Format: Always starts with the letter \u201cA\u201d and then contains **eight or nine digits**. If the number has fewer digits (older documents), they\u2019re padded with leading zeros so it displays in a nine-digit style, e.g. `A-012-345-678`. ([workvisa.guide](https://workvisa.guide/immigration-glossary/alien-number?utm_source=openai))  \n   - This number is *permanent*\u2014it stays the same across all immigration-related filings. ([legalclarity.org](https://legalclarity.org/where-to-find-your-employment-authorization-number/?utm_source=openai))\n\nWhich one you use depends on the specific form or requirement: \n- Employers filling out Form I-9 usually ask for the **Document Number** (three letters + ten digits) when the individual shows their EAD card. ([legalclarity.org](https://legalclarity.org/what-is-the-ead-document-number-and-where-is-it-found/?utm_source=openai))  \n- Forms or correspondence might ask for the A-Number when tracking or referring to someone\u2019s immigration record more broadly. ([workvisa.guide](https://workvisa.guide/immigration-glossary/alien-number?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## Canada (IRCC Work Permit Document Number)\n\nIn the case of Canadian work permits issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC):\n\n- The **Document Number** (or \u201cWork Permit Document Number\u201d) is the number printed *on the physical permit*, and it identifies *that specific permit*, not the person across all permits or applications. ([gofarglobal.com](https://www.gofarglobal.com/news/canada-work-permit-number?utm_source=openai))  \n- Format: **One letter** (often \u201cU\u201d or \u201cW\u201d) followed by **nine digits**, e.g. `U123456789`. ([gofarglobal.com](https://www.gofarglobal.com/news/canada-work-permit-number?utm_source=openai))  \n- This document number changes each time a new permit is issued. ([ansariimmigration.com](https://www.ansariimmigration.com/post/work-permit-document-number-what-it-is-where-to-find-it-and-when-you-will-need-it?utm_source=openai))  \n- Separately, Canada also assigns a **Unique Client Identifier (UCI)**\u2014an 8-digit number that stays the same across all your dealings with IRCC. This is *not* the same as the document number. ([gofarglobal.com](https://www.gofarglobal.com/news/canada-work-permit-number?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## Other Countries\n\nIf the permit is from a country other than the U.S. or Canada, the format can vary widely. Some common patterns include:\n\n- A prefix of letters or mixed letters and digits, followed by digits (e.g. \u201cWP-123456\u201d or \u201c12345/2023\u201d).  \n- Entirely numeric identifiers.  \n- Combination of country codes, issuance office codes, or categorization codes with digits (like `L-2023-0001`).  \n\nOften, the identifier asked for in forms is labelled \u201cDocument Number\u201d, \u201cPermit Number\u201d, \u201cAuthorization Number\u201d, etc. To know exactly what to enter, it\u2019s important to:\n\n1. Look exactly where the permit or work authorization document labels something \u201cDocument No.\u201d, \u201cPermit Number\u201d, etc.\n2. Check the format\u2014often stamped or printed in bold or upper-right corners.\n3. Notice patterns: letters followed by digits, all digits, fixed number of characters.\n\n---\n\nIf you tell me which country you're asking about, I can give you the exact format for that country's work authorization number."
    }
]