Employment Authorization
(Form I-765)

Employment Authorization proves that you are allowed to work in the United States. Such authorization is requested by the employers and is required by law.

When do I need an Employment Authorization?

Employment Authorization proves that you are allowed to work in the United States for a limited period of time.

You need to apply if:

You are authorized to work in the United States because of your immigration status (an asylee, refugee, or U nonimmigrant) and need evidence to prove that.
You are required to apply for permission to work in case:
You have a pending Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
You have a pending Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal
You have a nonimmigrant status that permits you to stay in the U.S. but does not permit you to work without the consent of USCIS (an F-1 or M-1 student)

You do not need to apply:

If you are a lawful permanent resident. Your Green Card proves you are allowed to work in the U.S.
If you have a nonimmigrant visa that permits you to work for a specific employer (H-1B, L-1B, O, or P work visa).

What documents are required?

A copy of your Form I-94, Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Record
A valid US visa
Your passport issued by another country
Receipt Notice (I-797C) of any underlying petition which determines your legal immigrant status in the USA
A copy of your last Employment Authorization Document (if applicable)
Two identical passport-style photographs
A copy of a government-issued identity document (if you were not previously issued an EAD)
Your Birth Certificate and photo ID
A copy of the USCIS receipt notice for your submitted Form I-485 marriage based Green Card only if:
- You’re married to a green card holder
- You’re married to a U.S. citizen and your green card application is pending

The list may vary depending on each individual case, you may be requested additional documents other than listed above.

For how long is EAD valid?

An Employment Authorization Document is valid for 1 year. Applicants are allowed to apply 180 days before the current EAD expires.

Usually, the application process takes 5-7 months.

How much does it cost?

U.S. government fees are mandatory and nonrefundable:

USCIS I-765 filing fee: $410
USCIS Biometric Services: $85
You can apply for an Employment Authorization at no charge if you submit it with your green card application

The total cost can vary depending on each individual case. The figures above do not include attorney fees, professional assistance and translation fees, travel costs, securing needed documents, postage, etc. Government fees may change by the decision of the government.

Application advisory fee charged by Immigrate.tech: $200

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