What is Form I-765?
USCIS Form I-765, also known as the Application for Employment Authorization, is used by individuals who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents but need legal permission to work in the United States. It is required for many categories, including asylum applicants, students seeking approved employment, and spouses of certain visa holders.
By completing this form, eligible individuals can receive an Employment Authorization Document, commonly referred to as an EAD card. This card serves as official proof that a person is authorized to work in the United States.
What is Form I-765 used for?
Form I-765, EAD application, is essential for anyone who needs official authorization to work in the United States. It serves several purposes:
- Requesting permission to work legally in the U.S.
- Renewing an existing Employment Authorization Document.
- Replacing an EAD card that was lost, stolen, or damaged.
How to fill out Form I-765?
Part 1. Reason for Applying:
- Select Your Reason: Choose exactly one box to indicate if you are applying for Initial permission to accept employment, Replacement of a lost/damaged document, or Renewal of your permission.
Part 2. Information About You:
- Your Full Legal Name: Enter your Family Name (Last Name), Given Name (First Name), and Middle Name.
- Your U.S. Mailing Address: Provide the address where you can receive mail. If your mailing address is different from where you live, you must also complete the U.S. Physical Address section.
- Other Information: Fill in your Alien Registration Number (A-Number), Gender, Marital Status, and Place of Birth.
- Information About Your Last Arrival in the United States: Enter your Form I-94 number, passport details, and your immigration status (e.g., student, visitor) at the time of your last arrival.
- Information About Your Eligibility Category: Enter the 3-digit code (e.g., (c)(3)(C)) in Item 27 that matches your specific eligibility status.
Part 3. Applicant's Statement, Contact Information, Declaration, Certification, and Signature:
- Applicant's Statement: Select the box confirming you can read and understand English or that an interpreter read the form to you.
- Applicant's Contact Information: Provide your daytime telephone number and email address.
- Applicant's Signature: You must sign and date the form yourself in Item 7.a.
Part 4. Interpreter's Contact Information, Certification, and Signature:
- If Applicable: If someone translated the questions for you, they must complete this section with their full name, mailing address, and signature.
Part 5. Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature of the Person Preparing this Application, If Other Than the Applicant:
- If Applicable: If an attorney or another preparer filled out this form for you, they must provide their contact information and sign in this section.
Part 6. Additional Information:
- Overflow: Use this page if you need extra space to answer any question (for example, if you have more than one previous A-Number or many countries of citizenship). Type the Page, Part, and Item number corresponding to your answer.
Who may file Form I-765?
Form I-765 is filed by individuals seeking employment authorization in the U.S., typically those who are not citizens or permanent residents. Once submitted, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) uses the form to process the request and decide whether to grant or deny the work permit.
When is Form I-765 not required?
Form I-765 is not required for individuals who are not seeking employment authorization in the United States. It is also unnecessary for those who already hold a current EAD or a specific visa status that inherently allows employment.
When is Form I-765 due?
The deadline for Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, varies based on the specific situation of the applicant. You should file Form I-765 according to the USCIS guidelines designated for your status. To avoid processing delays, verify the correct filing window on the official website or consult an immigration professional.
How to get a blank Form I-765
You can get this form online. Simply visit our platform where the official template is ready in our editor. You can start filling it out immediately without needing to download it first. Please note that while we help you complete and download the document, we do not assist with the actual submission to USCIS.
How to sign Form I-765
Form I-765 typically requires a handwritten "wet" signature. While PDF Guru supports electronic signing, you should check official guidelines to ensure this is accepted for your specific filing. If a physical signature is required, simply download and print the form from our editor to sign it manually.
Where to file Form I-765?
Form I-765 can be submitted online through the USCIS website or sent by mail. If you choose to mail it, you must follow the specific address instructions provided by USCIS.
Forms related to I-765
- Form I-485 (Green Card Application): The I-765 is filed either concurrently with or later, while the I-485 is pending, to secure interim work authorization as a derivative benefit of the pending Green Card application.
- Form I-131 (Travel Document): This form is often filed with the I-765 and I-485 to request Advance Parole, enabling USCIS to issue a single "Combo Card" that serves as both the employment and travel document.
- Form I-589 (Asylum Application): The I-589 must be filed and pending for a specific statutory period to establish the foundational eligibility that unlocks the right for an asylum seeker to file the I-765.
- Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility): For F-1 students, the I-765 requires the submission of a newly endorsed I-20 by the DSO, which serves as the essential documentary evidence recommending the desired practical training.
- Form I-983 (Training Plan): This training plan is a pre-requisite document that must be completed and approved for the DSO to issue the required I-20 endorsement that supports the STEM OPT I-765 application.
- Form I-912 (Fee Waiver): Filed alongside the I-765, this ancillary form requests a waiver of the filing fee based on documented financial hardship or means-tested benefits.
- Form I-907 (Premium Processing): This form is filed to request the expedited processing of the I-765 for certain eligible categories, contingent upon paying an additional, substantial fee.
