I-765 (EAD) Application Walkthrough

Tip: You can also find complete instructions and a worksheet in the links below for further information and guidance.

This should be your full legal name (usually as written on your passport)

It is important to list ALL names you have ever used, or as they appear on official documents (maiden names, nicknames, etc.).

Here, you will include your mailing address for USCIS. This is where they will send notices relating to your case. If you residential address is different, you can list that below.

Basic processing questions

If you do not already have one, you can request a Social Security number along with your application for employment authorization. The form collects additional information for this process.

Enter the information for your most recent arrival to the US.

This sections confirms information about eligibility categories. For example, additional information is needed for STEM OPT applicants. These additional details can be omitted if the special categories do not apply to you.

Here, you confirm whether you have read this application yourself, or used the services of an interpreter. You also list your contact information.

This certification is to confirm that you have read every part of your application and are being truthful, among other declarations. It is very important to make sure to sign the form.

If someone helped you with the application, like an attorney, these sections would be filled out with their information.

This is where you would include any information that did not fit into the form fields or additional details and explanations as needed.

USCIS provides an unofficial list of evidence to include based on your eligibility category. Most applications require a copy of your passport, proof of your eligibility, and passport-style photos, for example: https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-guidance/checklist-of-required-initial-evidence-for-form-i-765-for-informational-purposes-only

Where to file the application depends on your eligibility category. You can find the filing addresses here: https://www.uscis.gov/i-765-addresses

You can also file the I-765 application online by creating an account on the USCIS website (https://myaccount.uscis.gov/sign-in).

Processing times can vary widely depending on the type of application and USCIS workload.

You can find details on estimated processing times here: https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/

Once filed, you can track your I765 case status online using the receipt number issued by USCIS as confirmation. This can be done here: https://egov.uscis.gov/