Fill out I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) online
Form I-765 is used to request an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS. The EAD allows eligible foreign nationals to work legally in the United States for a specific period.
How to fill out I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)
Enter applicant information
Provide your full legal name, date of birth, country of birth, A-Number, SSN (if any), current immigration status, and I-94 arrival/departure record number.
Select the eligibility category
Enter the appropriate eligibility category code. Common codes: (c)(9) for pending I-485, (c)(3)(B) for F-1 OPT, (c)(10) for pending asylum, (c)(33) for DACA. The code determines which supporting documents are required.
Indicate the type of application
Check whether this is an initial application, a renewal, or a replacement for a lost, stolen, or damaged EAD.
Submit with supporting documents
Include two passport-style photos, a copy of your current immigration document, the filing fee (if applicable), and any additional evidence required for your eligibility category.
About I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)
Who needs this form
Foreign nationals who need employment authorization, including: adjustment of status applicants (I-485 pending), certain visa holders (F-1 OPT, J-2, L-2), asylees, refugees, DACA recipients, TPS holders, and others with specific eligibility categories.
Where to submit
File with USCIS by mail to the appropriate lockbox facility or online at uscis.gov. The filing fee depends on the eligibility category (some are fee-exempt). Biometrics may be required.
Source and content freshness
- Reviewed: 2026-02-16
- Check the latest official form instructions for the filing year that applies to you.
- Filing deadlines may shift for weekends and holidays. Verify due dates with official instructions.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using the wrong eligibility category code (c)(9), (c)(10), etc.
- Not filing early enough before current EAD expires
- Forgetting to include required supporting documentation for the eligibility category
- Not applying for a renewal before the current EAD expires (gaps in work authorization)
Frequently asked questions
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How long does it take to get an EAD?
Processing times vary by eligibility category and USCIS office. It typically takes 3-6 months, though some categories may take longer. Some applicants with pending I-485s receive a combo card (EAD + advance parole). If your EAD application has been pending for more than 90 days, you may be eligible to request expedited processing.
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