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Official form guide
Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization
Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, is used to request a work permit (Employment Authorization Document) from USCIS. It is filed by eligible non‑citizens who need legal employment in the United States.
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USCIS Form I-765 - Application for Employment Authorization
Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, is used to request a work permit (Employment Authorization Document) from USCIS. It is filed by eligible non‑citizens who need legal employment in the United States.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1A single typo in your eligibility category can lead to a denial and a costly restart.
- 2Incorrect eligibility category code
- 3Mismatched address between form and supporting docs
- 4Missing fee or incorrect fee amount
- 5Unsigned form or missing signature in the correct box
Plain English
If you’re not a U.S. citizen but have a visa or pending immigration benefit that lets you work, you fill out I‑765 to get a card that proves you can be hired. The card is called an EAD and is valid for a set period. You submit the form, pay the fee, and wait for approval before you can start a new job.
Submission Date
- Filing date: File I‑765 when you first become eligible (e.g., after filing an I‑485, receiving DACA, or obtaining a pending asylum decision). Some categories require filing within 180 days of the underlying petition.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use I‑765 when you need an Employment Authorization Document.
- Do not use it to apply for a green card or a visa.
- If you are a U.S. citizen or already have a valid EAD, you do not need to file.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Applying for a green card
I-765 is only for work authorization, not permanent residence
✓ Verify you need adjustment of status first
Renewing an expired EAD within 180 days of expiration
Same form but different eligibility code
✓ Confirm you are still in the same status
Seeking work authorization as a refugee
Different category than asylum seekers
✓ Check refugee status documentation
Deadline or filing window
Many categories require filing within 180 days of the underlying petition or approval notice; others have no specific deadline but must be filed before you need to work. Check the instructions for your eligibility code to confirm any timing limits.
- —Filing fee | $410 (or $0 with fee waiver) | Total fee due | Verify fee amount on USCIS fee schedule
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Eligibility category
USCIS eligibility code letter/number · I‑765 instructions
Proof of status
I‑94, I‑797, or asylum approval notice · Supporting docs
Previous EAD (if any)
Copy of prior EAD front and back · Prior card
Passport‑style photo
2 identical photos, 2" x 2" · Photo guidelines
Fee payment
Check, money order, or Form G‑1450 · Fee receipt
Before you submit
- 1Use the latest edition of Form I‑765.
- 2Enter the correct eligibility category code.
- 3Complete every field; write “N/A” where not applicable.
- 4Attach the correct filing fee or approved fee waiver.
- 5Include all required supporting documents for your category.
- 6Sign the form in the designated box.
- 7Print or upload a legible, recent passport‑style photo.
- 8Double‑check the mailing address or USCIS online filing portal.
- 9Make a clear copy of the entire packet for your records.
- 10Track the mail or retain the USCIS receipt number after filing.
- 11Set a reminder to check case status within 30 days.
How to file this form
- 1Download the current I‑765 PDF from USCIS.gov.
- 2Complete the form electronically or by hand in black ink.
- 3Gather the fee, photos, and category‑specific evidence.
- 4Assemble the packet in the order listed in the instructions.
- 5Sign the form and attach the fee payment.
- 6Mail the packet to the correct lockbox or upload via USCIS Account.
- 7Save the receipt notice (Form I‑797C) when received.
- 8Monitor case status online using the receipt number.
Known limitations
- 1USCIS does not publish a public validation API for I‑765 data.
- 2Processing times vary by service center and are only estimates.
- 3Fee amounts change periodically; the form itself may not list the latest fee.
- 4The form does not capture biometric appointment details; those are issued later.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Part 1
1 items
Select the code that describes why you are eligible (e.g., (a)(3) refugee, (c)(9) pending I-485, (c)(33) DACA).
Part 2
4 items
Name as it appears on your immigration documents.
MM/DD/YYYY from your birth certificate or passport.
Country of birth and current citizenship/nationality.
Alien Registration Number if assigned.
Part 3
1 items
Where USCIS should mail your EAD card. Must be accurate.
Part 5
1 items
Sign and date. Certifies all information is correct.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->Check the USCIS website for the latest edition date, filing fee, and lockbox address before you begin. The form is updated periodically; using an old version may cause processing delays.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date – confirm the form is the most recent version (check USCIS.gov).
- Fee – verify current fee amount or eligibility for fee waiver.
- Mailing address – use the lockbox address for your filing category and state.
- Signature – required in black ink; electronic signatures only allowed via USCIS Account.
- Biometric appointment – some categories trigger a biometrics notice after filing.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep the receipt notice and a copy of the entire filing packet.
- 2Enter the receipt number into your USCIS online account.
- 3Set a calendar alert to check case status weekly.
- 4If you receive a Request for Evidence, respond within the deadline.
- 5When the EAD arrives, verify name, dates, and category are correct.
- 6Update your employer with the new EAD number and expiration date.
- 7Store the EAD in a safe place and note the renewal window.
Sources
- SRCUSCIS Form I-765 official PDFprovides description, eligibility categories, and filing instructions.
- SRCUSCIS Fee Scheduleconfirms current filing fee and fee waiver eligibility.
- SRCUSCIS Lockbox Address Tablelists mailing addresses by category and state.
- SRCUSCIS I-765 Instructionsdetails required evidence, photo specs, and signature rules.
- SRCUSCIS Processing Times pagegives approximate adjudication windows.
- SRCUSCIS Account portalallows online filing for eligible categories.
Common confusion points
Eligibility category code
Applicants often copy the wrong code from the instructions
→ Verify code matches your underlying status
Fee amount
Fee changes annually and may differ for fee waiver
→ Check USCIS fee schedule before payment
Mailing address
Different lockboxes for different categories and states
→ Use the address table in the current instructions
Signature requirement
Some think electronic signature is acceptable for paper filing
→ Only hand‑signed forms are accepted for mail submissions
Photo specifications
Size or background errors cause rejection
→ Follow the photo guidelines exactly
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Current
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