Form I-765 Requirements: Essential Documentation for Your Work Permit Application

Understanding the eligibility criteria is crucial for individuals seeking to acquire an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) through Form I-765.

Eligible Categories

Those who can apply for an EAD include, but are not limited to:

• Individuals with certain visas, such as spouses of E-1, E-2, and L-1 visa holders
• Asylees and refugees
• Students seeking particular types of employment
• Applicants for adjustment of status
• Individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
• Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients

Filing Deadlines

• Students (F-1 Visa Holders) must apply up to 90 days before the program end date, but not later than 60 days after.
• Asylees must apply within one year of being granted asylum.
• For most other categories, the applicant should apply at least 90 days before their current EAD expires.

Fee Exemptions

Certain individuals may be exempt from the I-765 application fee, including:

• Applicants under 14 years of age filing with an I-485 application of a parent, or an application for asylum.
• Asylees or refugees applying for the first time.
• Victims of human trafficking (T Visa) or certain crimes (U Visa).

he application process for Form I-765 is structured to ensure that applicants provide all of the required information and documentation to successfully request employment authorization.

Form Completion Guidelines

When completing Form I-765, an applicant must ensure that all sections are filled out accurately and legibly. Each question must be answered completely, and if a question does not apply, the applicant should respond with ‘N/A’ (not applicable). The form should be signed and dated; an unsigned form will be rejected.

Required Documentation

The required documentation for Form I-765 includes:

• Proof of Eligibility: This varies based on the applicant’s category but may include a current visa, Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record), or a notice of action (Form I-797).
• Photographs: Two passport-style photographs taken within 30 days of the application.
• Government-issued ID: Such as a passport biographic page, visa issued by a foreign consulate, or national ID card with photo.

Note: Additional documents may be required depending on the applicant’s specific eligibility category.

Filing Locations

Applicants must file Form I-765 at the appropriate filing location, which can vary based on their eligibility category. Filing locations are generally specified in the form instructions and may include:

• The USCIS Dallas Lockbox facility,
• The USCIS Phoenix Lockbox facility,
• A USCIS Service Center, or
• An USCIS Field Office.

Applicants should consult the USCIS website or the instructions included with Form I-765 to identify the correct filing location. It’s crucial to send the application to the correct address to avoid processing delays.

When applicants file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, understanding the processing times is crucial. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides historical average processing times, which are updated regularly on their website. Processing times can vary based on the type of request or application, the processing center, and the volume of applications received.

Applicants can check their case status online with the receipt number found on notices received from USCIS. They are encouraged to sign up for Case Status Online to receive automatic updates via email or text message. This service also permits applicants to:

• Track their case history
• View upcoming case activities

If an applicant’s case is outside the normal processing times, which is beyond the completion time for 93% of adjudicated cases or over 130% of the USCIS’s stated processing time, they can inquire about their case.

Remaining attentive to the actual processing times and proactively managing the follow-up process can help applicants to navigate through their employment authorization journey systematically and confidently.

The Employment Authorization Document, commonly referred to as an EAD or work permit, is a card issued by USCIS that proves an individual’s right to work in the United States. Applicants must use Form I-765 to apply for an initial EAD, renew an existing EAD, or replace a lost, stolen, or damaged EAD.

EAD Renewal Process

When renewing an EAD, individuals must submit a new Form I-765 and include a copy of their previous EAD if available. The application should be filed prior to the expiration of the current EAD to avoid gaps in employment authorization. It is recommended to apply at least 180 days before the current EAD expires.

Replacement and Correction Procedures

To replace an EAD due to loss, theft, or damage, individuals must fill out Form I-765 and clearly indicate that a replacement EAD is being requested. In cases where an EAD contains incorrect information because of a USCIS administrative error, the individual may return the incorrect EAD with a new Form I-765 and indicate the need for correction. If the error is by the applicant’s fault, they must submit a new Form I-765 and the filing fee, unless a fee waiver is granted.

When an individual files Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, accuracy is crucial. Any errors in the application can lead to unwanted outcomes.

Delays: Mistakes on Form I-765 can cause processing delays. This means the applicant may wait longer than necessary to receive their Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

Rejection: In some cases, USCIS may reject an application outright due to errors. The applicant would then need to correct the mistakes and re-submit, starting the process anew.

Requests for Evidence (RFE): USCIS might issue a Request for Evidence if the error prompts the need for additional documentation, further slowing down the process.

Potential Legal Implications: If an error is interpreted as an attempt to deceive, this could have serious legal consequences. Although such instances are rare, accuracy serves to avoid any implication of fraud.

To mitigate these risks, applicants should:

• Review their application thoroughly before submission.
• Ensure the information is consistent with other immigration forms and documents.
• If a mistake is realized post-submission, contact USCIS immediately for guidance on corrections.

When an individual applies for employment authorization in the United States using Form I-765, legal considerations are vital to the approval process. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) strictly evaluates applications based on eligibility categories and the provision of required evidence.

Grounds for Disqualification include, but are not limited to:

• Failure to Establish Eligibility: The applicant must clearly demonstrate they belong to an eligible category.
• Incomplete or Fraudulent Applications: Information must be accurate and complete. Discrepancies or false information can lead to denial.
• Criminal Convictions: Certain criminal activities may disqualify an applicant, depending on the nature and severity of the offense.

Documentation and Evidence

Proper documentation is essential. Applicants must submit:

• Identity Proof: Government-issued identification, passport, or other official documents.
• Immigration Status: Current visa, I-94 record, or other evidence of lawful presence.
• Eligibility Category Documents: Specific to the applicant’s immigration category.

Processing and Adjudication

USCIS assesses:

• Bona Fides of Documents: Authenticity and relevance to the application.
• Employment Necessity: Whether the employment is permissible for the visa category.

Form I-765 denials can be appealed or reconsidered, but the initial application’s accuracy is crucial to reduce processing delays or complications.