What Is Form I-765?

Form I-765 is used by eligible individuals to apply for a work permit (Employment Authorization Document, EAD) in the United States.
 

This allows noncitizens to legally work while their immigration application is pending.

🧩 I-765 Breakdown — Section by Section

1. Part 1: Information About You (Applicant)

Collects basic applicant information:

Full legal name

Other names used (aliases, maiden names)

U.S. mailing address

Physical address (if different)

Date of birth

Country of birth

Country of citizenship

A-Number (if any)

USCIS Online Account Number (if any)

Social Security Number (if any)

2. Part 2: Application Type

Indicates why you are eligible for an EAD. Common categories include:

Pending I-485 Adjustment of Status (spouse, family, employment-based)

Asylee or refugee status

Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

DACA recipients

Certain student categories (F-1 OPT, STEM OPT)

Other humanitarian or work-based categories

You must select the correct eligibility category code listed in the instructions (e.g., (c)(9) for pending I-485).

3. Part 3: Additional Information

Additional eligibility questions:

Previous EAD cards

Previous I-765 applications

U.S. entry and status information

Eligibility for automatic extensions (if applicable)

4. Part 4: Applicant’s Statement, Contact Info, and Signature

Applicant certifies:

Information is correct

Signature under penalty of perjury

Phone number

Email

5. Part 5: Preparer/Interpreter Information

If someone helped fill out the form:

Name of preparer or interpreter

Address

Contact information

Signature

📑 Supporting Documents

When submitting I-765, you generally must include:

Copy of government-issued ID (passport, green card, visa)

I-94 Arrival/Departure Record (if applicable)

Two passport-style photos (recent, 2x2 inches)

Copy of previous EAD card (if renewing)

Evidence of eligibility for your category (pending I-485 receipt notice, asylum approval, TPS notice, etc.)

🕒 Processing Timeline

Typical processing: 3–6 months, depending on category and service center

Automatic extensions are available for certain I-485-based EADs if timely filed and category allows

📌 Important Notes

The EAD is usually valid for 1–2 years, depending on category

You can work legally in the U.S. once your EAD is approved and card is issued

Renewal applications can be filed up to 180 days before expiration

Filing the I-765 does not grant status; it only authorizes employment