What Form I-765 Is
Form I-765 is how any non-citizen in a work-eligible category applies for authorization to work in the United States. Approved applicants receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) — a plastic card with the holder's photo, expiration date, and eligibility category.
There are more than 40 eligibility categories, coded (a)(1) through (c)(38) on the form. The category dictates which supporting evidence is needed and whether the EAD is a standalone benefit or attached to another status.
Most Common I-765 Categories
- (c)(9) — Adjustment applicant with pending I-485
- (c)(3)(A/B) — F-1 student OPT / pre-completion OPT
- (c)(3)(C) — 24-month STEM OPT extension
- (c)(26) — H-4 spouse (when H-1B principal has approved I-140)
- (a)(3) / (a)(5) — Refugee / Asylee
- (c)(33) — DACA
- (a)(11) — Deferred action recipient
- (a)(12) — Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiary
Filing Fee
The USCIS filing fee is $520 on paper and $470 online for most categories. Filing I-765 concurrently with I-485 waives the I-765 fee entirely. DACA renewal is $555 (base $470 + $85 biometrics). Some categories qualify for a fee waiver via Form I-912.
Frequently Asked Questions About I-765
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