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I-765 Form

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I-765 Application for Employment Authorization

This Application for Employment Authorization (I-765) is submitted by Applicant Name: whose U.S. mailing address is and who makes the statements and certifications set forth below. The receiving office or authorized recipient (Receiving Office Name:) is identified for processing purposes.

Recitals

WHEREAS, Applicant seeks authorization to be employed in the United States and submits this application to obtain Employment Authorization Document (EAD) benefits under applicable immigration statutes and regulations;

WHEREAS, Applicant declares under penalty of perjury that the information contained herein is true and correct to the best of Applicant's knowledge and that Applicant is eligible under the immigration classification indicated in this application;

WHEREAS, the Receiving Office will accept, review, and adjudicate this application in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal procedures governing employment authorization.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual representations and covenants herein, Applicant submits this Application and agrees to the terms and certifications set forth in the numbered sections below.

1. Eligibility Category

Select the eligibility category that applies. Applicant certifies that the category code entered is accurate and that Applicant retains documentation to substantiate eligibility.

2. Applicant Information

3. Additional Information

Have you previously filed Form I-765?

4. Applicant's Statement, Certification, and Authorization

By signing below, Applicant declares under penalty of perjury that the information contained in this application and accompanying documents is complete, true, and correct. Applicant understands that submission of false statements or fraudulent documents may result in denial of this application and may subject Applicant to civil and criminal penalties, including removal from the United States.

Applicant authorizes the Receiving Office and other designated government entities to verify the information provided, to obtain records relevant to the adjudication of this application, and to request and receive supplemental documentation where necessary. Applicant further authorizes any employer, school, or other person or entity in possession of relevant records to release such records to the Receiving Office upon request.

5. Notices and Service

All notices, requests for additional evidence, or decisions delivered in connection with this application shall be sent to the U.S. mailing address provided above unless Applicant provides a written alternate address. Applicant agrees to timely notify the Receiving Office of any change of address and acknowledges that failure to do so may result in delayed or missed communications.

6. Administrative Provisions

Governing Law: This application and any determinations made pursuant to it shall be governed by and construed in accordance with applicable federal immigration laws and regulations, and where applicable, relevant statutes governing administrative adjudication.

Entire Agreement: This application, together with attachments and supporting documents submitted in connection with it, constitutes the entire written record of Applicant's request for employment authorization and supersedes any prior written or oral statements made for the same purpose.

Severability: If any provision of this application is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this application shall remain in full force and effect and shall be interpreted so as to give maximum effect to the original intent of the parties.

Amendments and Waiver: Any amendment to this application or waiver of any provision must be in writing and signed by Applicant and an authorized official of the Receiving Office. No failure or delay by the Receiving Office in exercising any right shall operate as a waiver thereof.

7. Declarations Regarding Representation

If Applicant is represented by an attorney or accredited representative, that representative must complete the Declaration of Representative and provide the appropriate written authorization. Applicant acknowledges responsibility for providing accurate representation information and for maintaining direct communication with the Receiving Office concerning this application.

Signature

Applicant attests, under penalty of perjury, that the statements and documentation submitted in support of this application are true, correct, and complete.

Applicant Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Authorized Official Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Enter text✕

What the I-765 Form Is and who files it

Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, is the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) form used to request an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Applicants include certain noncitizens who are eligible to work in the United States while their immigration status is pending or covered by a specific eligibility category. The form collects identifying information, eligibility category, and supporting data to establish work authorization. USCIS adjudicates I-765 applications and issues an EAD card when the application is approved, which employers may use to verify employment eligibility.

Why the I-765 Matters for Work Authorization

Filing Form I-765 enables eligible noncitizens to obtain an EAD, which provides documented evidence of lawful employment authorization. An approved EAD allows employers to complete Form I-9 verification and helps applicants seek lawful work while other immigration benefits are pending.

Why the I-765 Matters for Work Authorization

Who commonly files the I-765 and why

The I-765 is used by several immigrant groups who need documented work authorization in the U.S.

  • Asylum applicants and asylees seeking work permission while asylum claims are pending or approved.
  • Adjustment-of-status applicants who need interim employment authorization during I-485 adjudication.
  • DACA recipients, certain student OPT participants, and other category-based beneficiaries.

Eligibility depends on USCIS category codes; verify the correct eligibility category on the form instructions before filing.

Key data points the I-765 collects

Full Name: Enter legal name as on government ID
A-Number: Alien Registration Number, if available
Date of Birth: Use MM/DD/YYYY format
Country of Birth: Country name, not abbreviation
Eligibility Category: USCIS code (for example c)(9), exact text
Signature: Sign and date the application

Step-by-step: Completing Form I-765

Follow these sequential steps to prepare a complete I-765 package and reduce the chance of processing delays.

  • 01
    Gather documents: Collect ID, passport, prior EADs, and supporting evidence
  • 02
    Choose category: Enter the correct USCIS eligibility code exactly
  • 03
    Complete form: Type or print legibly; sign and date the form
  • 04
    Submit: File online if eligible or mail to the correct USCIS lockbox

Where and how to file Form I-765

Filing paths depend on your eligibility category and whether USCIS accepts online filing for that category; follow USCIS instructions for the correct filing address or online submission.

  • Online Filing: Available for eligible categories via USCIS online account
  • Mail Filing: Send to the USCIS lockbox address indicated in the I-765 instructions
  • Include Biometrics: Provide biometrics if USCIS requires it for your category
  • Track Case: Use USCIS receipt number to check case status

Customizing a digital workflow for I-765 documents

Set up a repeatable digital workflow to collect form data, supporting documents, and signatures while maintaining an audit trail.

Field Configuration
Applicant Name Field Required, prefill from applicant profile
Document Upload Allow PDF/JPEG uploads for ID and evidence
Signature Field Require signer authentication and timestamp
Notifications Email alerts for received submissions and tasks

Technical considerations for electronic submission

Use a platform that supports common document formats, audit trails, and signer authentication to maintain compliance.

  • File formats: PDF and DOCX accepted for form preparation
  • Authentication: Email, SMS, or stronger KBA options available
  • Integrations: Connectors to cloud storage and case management

Ensure the chosen platform retains a complete audit trail and secure storage consistent with ESIGN, UETA, and applicable privacy rules.

Timing considerations and typical milestones

Key timing items to track include eligibility expirations, biometrics appointments, receipt issuance, and EAD validity periods.

Apply early:

Submit before current authorization expires to reduce coverage gaps

Biometrics appointment:

Attend the scheduled appointment or USCIS may delay processing

Receipt notice:

USCIS issues a receipt with a tracking number after acceptance

EAD validity:

EAD card lists specific start and end dates to observe

Renewal timing:

File renewals within the window USCIS prescribes to avoid employment gaps

Key processing stages for an I-765 application

Track the sequence from filing to EAD issuance so you can respond to requests and verify employment authorization promptly.

01

Submission

USCIS receives and accepts the form for processing

02

Receipt Issued

A receipt number is assigned for case tracking

03

Biometrics (if required)

USCIS schedules fingerprints and photo capture

04

Decision / EAD

USCIS issues approval and mails the EAD card

Common mistakes that cause delays or denials

  • Incorrect eligibility code entered leading to misclassification
  • Unsigned application or missing applicant signature
  • Incomplete supporting evidence for claimed eligibility category
  • Using inconsistent names across form and supporting documents

Consequences of incorrect or fraudulent I-765 submissions

Denial: Application may be denied
Employment Ineligibility: You remain unauthorized to work
Removal Risk: Fraud can trigger removal proceedings
Evidence Requests: USCIS may issue Requests for Evidence
Fees Lost: Filing fees may not be refunded
Delay: Processing delays can affect employment

Core sections and documents that must accompany I-765

A complete filing typically includes the completed form, identity documents, proof of eligibility, prior EADs if any, photos, and fee or fee waiver documentation.

Completed Form

Typed or legible handwritten I-765 with all applicable sections filled

Proof of Identity

Passport biographic page or national ID showing name and photo

Eligibility Evidence

Document specific to your category (for example, pending I-485 receipt)

Photographs

Passport-style photos where required by USCIS guidance

Prior EADs

Copies of previously issued Employment Authorization Documents

Fee or Waiver

Payment or Form I-912 fee waiver documentation when eligible

Useful document formats and evidence types

Prepare digital and physical copies in standard formats to streamline review and submission.

Passport Copy

High-resolution PDF of biographic page for identity

I-94 / Arrival Record

Printout of electronic I-94 where applicable

Prior Notices

Copies of previous USCIS receipts or approvals

Supporting Letters

Employer or attorney letters explaining eligibility as needed

eSignature vendor comparison for managing I-765 workflows

Compare common eSignature vendors by starting price and core capabilities relevant to document collection, audit trails, and compliance for immigration workflows.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial Yes, 7-day trial No No Yes, limited Yes, limited
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Frequently asked questions about Form I-765

Answers to common questions about eligibility, filing, evidence, and next steps when managing an I-765 application.


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