Guide to applying for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) using Form I-765, covering eligible categories, required documentation, photos, filing fees, processing times, and the combo card option.
Identify your specific EAD eligibility category code for Form I-765
There are over 30 eligibility categories grouped into three classes: (a) categories authorized for employment by specific immigration status, (c) categories that must apply for authorization, and (d) categories restricted by specific conditions. Your category code appears on the I-765 instructions table.
Check if your immigration status provides automatic work authorization without an EAD
Lawful permanent residents, certain visa holders (H-1B, L-1, O-1), and U.S. citizens do not need an EAD — their status itself authorizes employment. An unrestricted Social Security card combined with qualifying status is sufficient for Form I-9 purposes.
Determine if you qualify for a fee waiver based on your category
Several categories have no filing fee, including asylum applicants (c)(8), VAWA self-petitioners (a)(15), and T/U visa holders. Other categories pay $410. Check the I-765 fee schedule — fee waivers via Form I-912 are available for certain categories if income is below 150% of the federal poverty line.
Review common EAD categories and their specific requirements
The most frequently filed categories are: (c)(9) for adjustment of status applicants, (c)(8) for asylum applicants, (c)(33) for DACA recipients, (a)(12) for Temporary Protected Status holders, and (c)(3)(B) for F-1 students seeking Optional Practical Training.
(c)(9) — Pending adjustment of status (I-485)
(c)(8) — Asylum applicant with pending I-589
(a)(12) — Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holder
(c)(3)(B) — F-1 student Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Preparing Form I-765
Download the current version of Form I-765 from uscis.gov
USCIS updates forms periodically and rejects filings on outdated versions. Check the edition date in the lower-left corner of the form. Online filing through myaccount.uscis.gov is available for most categories and is faster than paper filing.
Complete all sections of the I-765 including biographical data and eligibility category
Enter your name exactly as it appears on your immigration documents. The eligibility category code (Part 2, Question 27) is the most critical field — an incorrect code results in denial. If unsure, consult the I-765 instructions or an attorney.
Part 1: Reason for applying (initial, renewal, or replacement)
Part 2: Personal information and eligibility category code
Part 3: Applicant's statement, contact, and signature
Photos must be 2x2 inches, color, taken within 30 days, on a white background. Write your A-number (if any) and full name lightly in pencil on the back. If filing online, upload a digital photo meeting the same specifications.
Required Supporting Documents
Include a copy of your current immigration document (I-94, visa, approval notice)
Your I-94 arrival/departure record can be retrieved online at i94.cbp.dhs.gov. Include a copy of your most recent I-797 approval notice and any prior EAD cards (front and back).
Include a copy of your passport biographical page
If your passport is expired, include it anyway along with any valid travel documents. If you do not have a passport, include your birth certificate with a certified English translation.
Include category-specific evidence required for your eligibility code
Each category has unique evidentiary requirements. For example: (c)(9) applicants need the I-485 receipt notice, (c)(8) applicants need the I-589 receipt, and (c)(3)(B) students need Form I-20 endorsed by the Designated School Official.
Receipt notice for pending applications (I-797C)
Form I-20 or DS-2019 for student/exchange visitor categories
Evidence of qualifying relationship or status for derivative applicants
Include Form I-94 printout from cbp.gov showing your most recent entry
The I-94 shows your admission class, entry date, and authorized stay expiration. If you entered at a land port without receiving an I-94, include a copy of your passport entry stamp and any CBP documents received at the border.
Filing and Fees
Pay the $410 filing fee or submit a fee waiver request (Form I-912) if eligible
Payment by credit card requires Form G-1450. Checks and money orders are payable to 'U.S. Department of Homeland Security.' USCIS will reject the filing if the fee is incorrect or the payment bounces — verify the exact fee for your category before filing.
Mail the complete I-765 package to the USCIS Lockbox or file online
Mailing addresses vary by category — check the I-765 filing instructions for your specific eligibility code. Use USPS certified mail or a trackable courier. Online filing through myaccount.uscis.gov provides instant receipt confirmation.
Receive the I-797C receipt notice confirming USCIS accepted the filing
Paper filings receive receipts within 2-4 weeks. The receipt notice is important — it may serve as evidence of pending work authorization for some categories. Keep the receipt number for online case status tracking at egov.uscis.gov/casestatus.
Processing and Combo Card Option
Track your case processing time on the USCIS website
Check uscis.gov/processing-times for estimated processing times by form type and service center. EAD processing times range from 2-7 months depending on category and service center workload. The Nebraska and Texas Service Centers handle the highest volume of I-765 filings.
Attend a biometrics appointment if USCIS schedules one
Not all EAD categories require biometrics. If scheduled, bring the ASC appointment notice, a valid photo ID, and your previous EAD card if renewing. The appointment takes about 15 minutes for fingerprints and a photo.
Check if you are eligible for a combo card (EAD + Advance Parole on a single card)
Adjustment of status applicants filing I-765 and I-131 (Advance Parole) concurrently may receive a single combo card. The combo card serves as both work authorization and travel permission. Processing the combo card takes the same time as a standalone EAD.
Check if automatic EAD extensions apply to your renewal category
Certain categories receive automatic 180-day EAD extensions when a timely renewal is filed. Eligible categories include (a)(12) TPS, (c)(9) adjustment applicants, and (c)(19) asylum granted holders. The automatic extension uses your expired EAD card plus the I-797C receipt as proof of continued authorization.
After Receiving Your EAD
Verify all information on the EAD card is correct upon receipt
Check your name, A-number, category code, and validity dates. If any information is incorrect, file a service request at uscis.gov to request a corrected card at no additional cost. Do not use an EAD with incorrect information — it can cause I-9 verification problems.
Present the EAD to your employer for Form I-9 employment verification
The EAD card (Form I-766) is a List A document for I-9 purposes, proving both identity and work authorization. Employers cannot request specific documents — if you present a valid EAD, they must accept it. The E-Verify system confirms EAD validity electronically.
Apply for or update your Social Security number using your EAD
Bring your EAD, passport, and I-94 to a Social Security office. If you have never had an SSN, processing takes 2-4 weeks. If you previously had an SSN with work restrictions, the office will update your record to show unrestricted work authorization.
Set a calendar reminder to file your EAD renewal 6 months before expiration
EAD processing delays are common, so filing 6 months early reduces the risk of a gap in work authorization. If your EAD expires before the renewal is processed and your category does not qualify for automatic extensions, you must stop working until the new card arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does EAD processing take?
USCIS processing times for Form I-765 currently range from 3-7 months depending on the category and service center. Certain categories, including asylum-based EADs and adjustment of status EADs, may experience longer waits. If your application has been pending more than 90 days past the posted processing time, you can submit a case inquiry or request expedited processing. Some employment-based EADs (like L-2 and H-4) now have automatic extensions while the renewal is pending.
Can I work while my EAD renewal is pending?
For certain categories, USCIS provides automatic EAD extensions of up to 540 days while a timely-filed renewal is pending. This applies if you file your renewal before your current EAD expires and your EAD falls into an eligible auto-extension category (including adjustment of status, TPS, and certain other categories). Not all EAD categories qualify for automatic extension, so verify your specific category. Your employer can accept the expired EAD combined with the I-797C renewal receipt as proof of continued work authorization.
What is the difference between EAD categories?
The EAD category code (e.g., C09, C10, A05) determines the basis for your work authorization and affects processing times and renewal rules. C09 is for adjustment of status applicants, C10 is for asylum applicants, A05 is for asylees, and C26 is for H-4 dependent spouses. Your category is listed on your EAD card and your I-797 approval notice. Different categories have different eligibility requirements, filing fees, and auto-extension rules. Check the USCIS website for your specific category's requirements.
How much does an EAD application cost?
The filing fee for Form I-765 is $410 as of 2026. However, many EAD categories are fee-exempt: adjustment of status applicants who filed Form I-485 with the associated fee do not pay separately for the EAD. Asylum applicants (both initial and renewal) are also fee-exempt. TPS applicants pay the I-765 fee unless they request a fee waiver. DACA applicants pay a bundled fee of $495 that includes the EAD. Check the form instructions for your specific category's fee requirements.