USCIS

Form I-765

Rev. 08/01/23

Application for Employment Authorization

Request an Employment Authorization Document (EAD/work permit) to legally work in the U.S.

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Plain English

Form I-765 is used to apply for a work permit (Employment Authorization Document or EAD). It allows foreign nationals in certain immigration statuses to legally work in the United States while their Green Card or visa application is pending.

Quick Facts

Who: Foreign nationals in the U.S. who need work authorization — including those with pending I-485 (adjustment), DACA recipients, refugees, asylees, and students (certain categories).

What: Application for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) — a card that proves you are authorized to work in the U.S.

When: Can be filed concurrently with I-485 or separately depending on eligibility category. Processing time varies (2-8 months typically).

Where: Filed with USCIS with the appropriate filing fee and supporting documents.

Why: Without an EAD, most nonimmigrants cannot legally work in the U.S. The EAD allows you to accept employment while your immigration case is pending.

How: Select your eligibility category code, provide personal info, A-Number, and submit with photos, supporting documents, and fee.

Common Risks & Mistakes

•Selecting the wrong eligibility category code — delays processing, may cause denial, or require refiling
•Filing without a pending underlying application — must have an approved category to file I-765
•Incorrect photo specifications — must meet strict passport-style requirements
•Failing to renew before expiration — automatically loses work authorization, may need to stop working
•Not updating address with USCIS — EAD card sent by mail cannot be forwarded if returned

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Field-by-Field Guide

Part 1

Eligibility CategoryREQUIREDtext

Select the code that describes why you are eligible (e.g., (a)(3) refugee, (c)(9) pending I-485, (c)(33) DACA).

e.g. (c)(9)

Part 2

Full Legal NameREQUIREDtext

Name as it appears on your immigration documents.

Date of BirthREQUIREDdate

MM/DD/YYYY from your birth certificate or passport.

Country of Birth / CitizenshipREQUIREDtext

Country of birth and current citizenship/nationality.

A-Numbertext

Alien Registration Number if assigned.

Part 3

Mailing AddressREQUIREDtext

Where USCIS should mail your EAD card. Must be accurate.

Part 5

SignatureREQUIREDsignature

Sign and date. Certifies all information is correct.

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Disclaimer: We do not provide legal advice. We translate legal language into plain English and help you prepare for a conversation with a lawyer.