Work Authorization: Form I-765
Are you a non-immigrant who wants to work in the United States? The Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, is used by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to determine whether an individual can legally work in the country.
Who Can Apply for Work Authorization?
You can apply for work authorization if:
You are a non-immigrant who has been granted temporary or permanent status in the United States.
Your current immigration status allows you to work, such as F-1 students with Optional Practical Training (OPT) or J-1 exchange visitors.
What Do We Need to Request Your Work Authorization?
To apply for work authorization, we'll need:
Form I-765: The application form itself.
Supporting documents: These may include:
Passport-style photos
Proof of identity (e.g., driver's license, government ID)
Evidence of your current immigration status (e.g., visa, I-94 card)
Other documents as needed
Filing fee: The current filing fee for Form I-765 is $470.
What Happens After We File Your Request?
After we file for your work authorization:
USCIS will review your application and supporting documents.
If everything is in order, they'll issue an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which allows you to legally work in the United States.
Tips and Reminders
Make sure you meet all eligibility requirements for work authorization.
Apply early, as processing times can vary depending on your location and the workload of USCIS.
Keep photocopies of all supporting documents in case they get lost during processing.
