Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
Request a work permit while your case is pending.
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About USCIS Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
Form I-765 is used to request an Employment Authorization Document, often called a work permit, from USCIS. Many people file it while another immigration case is pending or when their category allows them to work.
This page is a general guide and helper only. It is not legal or immigration advice. Always download and file the current official form from USCIS, since some USCIS forms must be completed on the official version.
Who needs to complete it
- Applicants with a pending case that allows work authorization.
- People in a category that qualifies for an Employment Authorization Document.
- Those renewing or replacing an existing work permit.
- Eligible students and others authorized to work in specific situations.
How to fill out USCIS Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
- 1Read the instructions and identify the eligibility category that applies to you.
- 2State whether this is an initial request, a renewal, or a replacement.
- 3Enter your name, other names used, and contact information.
- 4Provide your birth details, country of citizenship, and immigration information.
- 5Enter your Alien Registration Number and any Social Security details the form requests.
- 6Fill in the eligibility category code that matches your situation.
- 7Review, sign, and date the application, and note any preparer or interpreter.
- 8Assemble the supporting documents and file per the current instructions.
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Frequently asked questions
What is an Employment Authorization Document?
It is a card that shows you are allowed to work in the United States for a set period. Form I-765 is the application used to request it.
Do I need a separate basis to file?
Yes. You apply under a specific eligibility category, such as a pending case or a status that allows work. The instructions list the categories and codes.
Can I renew my work permit with this form?
Yes. The same form is used for initial requests, renewals, and replacements. You indicate which one applies at the top.
Is this the official form?
This page is a helper and general guide, not legal or immigration advice. Always download and file the current official form from USCIS at the link provided.