Work permit (Form I-765): what it is and what the paperwork involves

01What the work permit is

Its official name is Employment Authorization Document (EAD). It's a USCIS card that shows you can work in the U.S. for a period of time. You apply with Form I-765 (opens in a new tab), which you can download for free on the USCIS website with its instructions.

02First things first: can you apply?

Only people in certain categories set by law can apply, and each category has its own rules. Whether you're in one is a legal question, and we don't give legal or immigration advice.

03The paperwork: what it usually includes

The official I-765 instructions say what your category asks for. In general, you prepare:

• The complete Form I-765, in the edition USCIS accepts, with every page.
• Copies of your ID documents and your case papers.
• Passport-style photos, if your category asks for them.
• Your previous work permit, if you had one.
• The fee payment, if your category pays one.

04The fee: always check it on USCIS

The I-765 fee isn't the same for everyone: it depends on the category and how you file, and USCIS has changed it several times. Some categories don't pay. That's why we don't give you a number here: today's fee is in the USCIS fee schedule (opens in a new tab).

05Filing and tracking

1. 1
   You file it

   Online with a USCIS account, if your category allows it, or by mail to the address in the instructions.

2. 2
   You get the receipt

   USCIS sends you a receipt notice with a number. Keep it: it's your case number.

3. 3
   You track your case

   With that number you check its status on Case Status Online (opens in a new tab).

06The mistakes that delay it most

• A signature or a page of the form is missing.
• The category or the date of your last entry to the U.S. doesn't match your papers.
• An edition of the form that USCIS no longer accepts was used.
• The fee isn't correct.

07What we help with, and what we don't

• We help you fill out the form with your information
• We check that no signature or page is missing
• We help you send it

We don't tell you whether you qualify or which category to request, we don't give legal or immigration advice and we don't represent you before USCIS.