Prepare I-765 – Application for Employment Authorization

Who this page is for

This page is for noncitizens in the United States who want a structured way to prepare for Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. It is designed for people who may be eligible to request an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) under a USCIS category and who want to understand the main topics covered by the form before they fill it out. The guide is also useful for anyone who wants to review how Form I-765 fits into an immigration case and where to find the official USCIS instructions and forms.

What is Form I-765?

Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, is a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) form used by certain noncitizens to request an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). The EAD is a work permit card that, when approved, shows you are authorized to work in the United States under a specific eligibility category and for a specific period of time. Many people file Form I-765 in connection with another immigration benefit, such as an application for adjustment of status, asylum, or certain student or temporary statuses.

Used by certain noncitizens in the United States to request an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) that shows they are allowed to work in the U.S.

On Form I-765, you provide identifying information, details about your current immigration status, your eligibility category, and whether you are applying for an initial EAD, a replacement card, or a renewal. USCIS reviews the form, supporting documents, and any required biometrics to decide whether to grant employment authorization. This page focuses on helping you understand what Form I-765 covers so you can read the official USCIS instructions, prepare your information, and complete the form clearly and accurately.

On this page you prepare for the official USCIS Form I-765 (Edition date TBD) by understanding its structure and where to find the most recent instructions. You can then download the official PDF or follow USCIS guidance for any online filing options, review it carefully, sign where required, and assemble a filing package for USCIS.

Example situations where someone may use Form I-765

People file Form I-765 in many immigration-related situations where they may be eligible for a temporary period of work authorization. Examples include:

• Certain applicants for adjustment of status who request an EAD while their green card application is pending under an eligibility category listed in the I-765 instructions.
• Some asylum applicants who may apply for employment authorization after meeting waiting-period and eligibility requirements described by USCIS.
• Refugees or certain parolees who request an EAD as part of their process of settling in the United States.
• Some F-1 students seeking Optional Practical Training (OPT) or certain other employment options for students, as described in USCIS and Department of Homeland Security guidance.
• Other noncitizen categories that USCIS specifically lists as eligible to request an EAD using Form I-765, such as certain dependents of principal nonimmigrants or certain humanitarian categories.

These examples are illustrative and based on general USCIS descriptions. They do not replace the official instructions for Form I-765 or any advice from a qualified immigration professional about your specific situation.

How to fill Form I-765

The official USCIS instructions for Form I-765 explain the exact structure of the form and how each part should be completed. While this page does not display the full application line-by-line, the outline below highlights the types of sections you typically see on the current edition. You can use this overview to organize your information before you start filling out the official USCIS PDF or any available online version.

1. Reason for applying and basic details. Form I-765 begins by asking whether you are applying for an initial EAD, a replacement card, or a renewal, and may request basic identifying information such as your name and date of birth. This helps USCIS understand what kind of work authorization document you are requesting.
2. Personal and contact information. The form collects details such as your full legal name, other names you have used, U.S. mailing address, and physical address. Providing accurate and consistent information helps USCIS issue notices and cards to the correct location.
3. Immigration history and current status. USCIS asks about your current immigration status, manner of last entry, and relevant document numbers such as your A-Number or I-94 number, if you have them. These questions help the agency confirm how you are in the United States and which rules apply to your request for employment authorization.
4. Eligibility category and additional questions. You generally select an eligibility category code from the I-765 instructions and may answer follow-up questions related to that category. For example, some student categories or humanitarian categories have specific questions that USCIS uses to verify eligibility for an EAD.
5. Signature, certification, and preparer information. As with many USCIS forms, Form I-765 includes a section where you certify that the information you provided is true and correct, followed by your signature and the date. There may also be sections for interpreters or preparers if someone helps you complete the application.

After you review the USCIS instructions and gather your information, complete the official Form I-765, sign where required, assemble your supporting evidence, and follow USCIS guidance on how and where to file your application, including any fees or biometrics appointments that may apply.

Common mistakes on Form I-765

• Selecting the wrong eligibility category code or leaving the category section incomplete, which can affect how USCIS reviews the application.
• Forgetting to indicate whether the request is for an initial EAD, a replacement card, or a renewal when that information is prompted on the form.
• Omitting required identifying details such as an A-Number, I-94 number, or current immigration status where the form requests that information.
• Using an outdated edition of Form I-765 when USCIS instructions specify that only a particular edition date is being accepted.
• Forgetting to sign and date the form, which can lead to rejection or delay of the application.
• Not including required supporting evidence or photographs, as described in the USCIS instructions for the specific eligibility category.
• Sending the form to the wrong filing address or using a fee amount that does not match the most recent USCIS fee schedule.
• Overlooking the need to keep copies of the completed form and any USCIS notices for personal records and future applications.

When Form I-765 is usually not used

Form I-765 is widely used for employment authorization, but there are many situations where it is generally not the correct form:

• U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) typically do not use Form I-765 to work in the United States because their ability to work does not depend on an EAD.
• Some nonimmigrant worker categories, such as certain H-1B or L-1 workers, are authorized to work for a specific employer based on their underlying status and may not need a separate EAD from Form I-765.
• People who are only visiting the United States for tourism or short-term business under categories that do not allow employment generally do not use Form I-765.
• Certain immigration benefits that do not involve employment authorization will use different USCIS forms and instructions rather than Form I-765.

These are broad distinctions based on USCIS guidance. This information is not legal advice, and individuals should rely on the official Form I-765 instructions and any professional guidance they choose to seek about whether the form is appropriate for their situation.

Where to find the official USCIS instructions for Form I-765

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services publishes the official instructions for Form I-765 on the USCIS website along with the latest edition of the form. Those instructions explain each part of the application, list eligibility categories, describe required evidence, and outline filing options. You can read them on the official USCIS Form I-765 page. This page is only a helper for understanding the PDF and does not replace the USCIS instructions or any advice from an immigration professional.

You can also review other USCIS resources linked from the Form I-765 page, such as policy updates, processing time tools, and fee information, to confirm that you are following the most current guidance before or after you complete your application.

Where to get a blank or replacement Form I-765

If you need a blank Form I-765, you can download the current blank USCIS Form I-765 PDF directly from the official USCIS website. This page points you to that official I-765 PDF so you can print, sign, and include it in a filing package that meets USCIS requirements. USCIS may also offer online filing options for certain categories, and those options are explained on the same USCIS page.

If a Form I-765 you already filed contained outdated or incorrect information, USCIS notices or instructions may describe what steps are available, which could include refiling or submitting updated information. Keeping a saved copy of your completed I-765, along with any USCIS notices you receive, can make it easier to reference your prior answers when you prepare future applications or renewals.

Glossary of key terms on Form I-765

Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

An Employment Authorization Document is a card issued by USCIS that shows you are authorized to work in the United States for a specific period and under a particular eligibility category. Many people informally call this card a “work permit.” Form I-765 is the application used to request an EAD in eligible categories.

Eligibility category

The eligibility category is a code listed in the Form I-765 instructions that describes the basis for your request for employment authorization, such as (c)(9) for certain adjustment applicants or (c)(8) for certain asylum applicants. You typically enter this code in the section of the form that asks for your category. USCIS uses the category to determine which rules and evidence apply to your application.

Adjustment of status

Adjustment of status is a process that allows certain people in the United States to apply for lawful permanent resident status (a green card) without leaving the country. Some applicants for adjustment of status may be eligible to request an EAD using Form I-765 while their green card application is pending, under categories described in the USCIS instructions.

Receipt notice

A receipt notice is a document USCIS sends after it accepts a properly filed form, including many Form I-765 applications. The notice includes a receipt number that you can use to track case status online. It does not mean the application has been approved, but it confirms that USCIS has opened a case and is processing it.

Security best practices when handling a completed Form I-765

Because Form I-765 includes sensitive personal and immigration information, it is useful to handle the form and any supporting evidence with care. The form may contain details such as your A-Number, passport number, and travel history, as well as addresses and contact information. Taking basic precautions can help you keep these details more private while still meeting USCIS filing requirements.

• Store digital copies of your completed Form I-765 and supporting documents in secure locations, such as encrypted drives or password-protected folders, where possible.
• Follow USCIS mailing or online submission instructions carefully and avoid sending immigration documents through unencrypted channels if a more secure option is available.
• Keep copies of USCIS notices and your receipt number somewhere safe so you can track your case and respond to requests for evidence if they arise.
• Verify that addresses and contact information for USCIS or any legal representatives are current before you send forms or supporting documents.

These are general security considerations. Always follow the filing and submission methods described in the official USCIS instructions and any guidance you receive from a trusted immigration professional.

Common questions people also ask about Form I-765

• Is Form I-765 the same as a work visa? No. Form I-765 is an application for an Employment Authorization Document, which is a work permit. It is different from a visa or green card and is typically connected to another underlying immigration status or application that USCIS has on file.
• Can I travel while my I-765 is pending? Travel rules depend on your underlying immigration status and any other applications you have filed, such as adjustment of status or advance parole. USCIS and Department of Homeland Security guidance describe how travel can affect certain cases, so many people review those instructions before making travel plans.
• Will my employer see my I-765 application? The I-765 application is filed with USCIS, not with an employer, although a future employer may review your EAD card to verify work authorization as part of the Form I-9 employment eligibility verification process. USCIS notices and decisions are typically mailed to you or to your attorney or accredited representative if you have one.

FAQ about Form I-765

Important disclaimer

This site is not affiliated with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or any other government agency. It provides a private, third-party resource to help you understand and prepare for the official Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. The information on this page is general and does not replace the official USCIS instructions or professional legal advice. Always review your completed form and follow the directions from USCIS and any qualified representative assisting with your case.