All court forms I-765

Application for Employment Authorization

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US · Renewals: 180 days before EAD expires; OPT: 30 days from DSO recommendation

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    What is I-765?

    USCIS Form I-765 lets a noncitizen ask for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which proves you are allowed to work in the United States. You file I-765 either when you have a status that gives you work authorization (categories like c.8 pending asylum, c.9 pending I-485, a.5 asylee, c.3.B F-1 OPT, c.3.C F-1 STEM OPT) or when you have a status that requires asking USCIS first (most c. categories). The form is also used to renew or replace an EAD. Your eligibility category (item 27) decides what evidence you must include and what filing fee you owe. Read the official Who May File Form I-765 instructions before picking a category; the category drives everything else.

    What happens if you miss the deadline: Missing the renewal window means a gap in work authorization; some categories qualify for an automatic extension up to 540 days, others do not. F-1 OPT applications filed late may be denied without refund.

    How to file

    Filing fee
    Standard fee under the April 2024 USCIS final rule: $520 paper, $470 online. Biometrics is bundled into the base fee for most categories (no separate $85 line item). Fee-exempt categories include c.8 (asylum applicant), a.3 (refugee), a.4 (paroled refugee), a.10 (withholding of removal), a.11 (deferred enforced departure), c.11 (parolee, in some scenarios), and certain c.9 (concurrent with I-485) cases. Check the current fee in Form G-1055 or at uscis.gov/feecalculator before mailing; fees change annually. Form I-912 (Fee Waiver) is available for most fee-bearing I-765 categories under 8 CFR 106.3 if the applicant cannot pay, but NOT for c.33 (DACA EAD): 8 CFR 106.3(a)(3)(ii)(F) explicitly excludes (c)(33) filers from the I-765 fee-waiver path, so DACA renewals pay the full I-765 fee.
    Filing method
    mail (USCIS lockbox or service center), online (my.uscis.gov, for eligible categories)
    Filing deadline
    No statutory filing deadline for an initial application. For renewals, USCIS recommends filing 180 days before the current EAD expires; eligible categories receive an automatic extension up to 540 days under 8 CFR 274a.13(d) (per the 2024 USCIS rule extending the original 180-day extension). For F-1 OPT (c.3.B), file within 30 days of the DSO recommendation in SEVIS and not more than 90 days before the program end date. For F-1 STEM OPT (c.3.C), file no more than 90 days before the current OPT expires. For c.8 (asylum applicant), wait until 150 days have passed since USCIS or EOIR received your asylum application and the application is still pending (the 150-day asylum EAD clock).
    How to serve
    Not applicable. I-765 is filed directly with USCIS; there is no party to serve.
    Wet signature
    Yes, sign in pen after printing.
    Notarization
    No
    Original and copies
    Original to USCIS lockbox or service center per the I-765 instructions for your eligibility category. Keep a copy of the entire packet for your records, including a copy of the signed form, all supporting evidence, the receipt for any fee paid, and any tracking number from USPS or courier.

    Don't memorize the rules. Ezel walks you through I-765 field by field, flags what the AI review treats as a blocker, and renders a court-ready PDF.

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    You'll likely also file

    Other Ezel-supported forms that commonly file alongside I-765. Each one has its own guided fill, AI review, and PDF render.

    I-485
    Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
    If you are applying for work permission as a green card applicant, you need a pending I-485, often filed together.
     I-912
    Request for Fee Waiver
    For many work permit categories you may be able to ask USCIS to waive the fee with I-912.
     I-131
    Application for Travel Document
    If you have a pending green card application, you can file I-131 to ask for permission to travel abroad.
     I-864
    Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA
    If your green card case is family-based, your sponsor's I-864 goes in the same packet as your I-485.
     I-821D
    Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (Form I-821D)
    If you are applying for DACA, you file I-765 together with I-821D to get work permission.

    Field-by-field guidance

    We've mapped every field on I-765: what it asks, what counts as a blocker, what trips most filers up. Ezel puts all of it in front of you as you fill. Plain-English questions in, court-ready PDF out.

    69 fields handled for you. You don't have to read them all.

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    Reason For Applying
    Required

    Item 1: initial, replacement, or renewal. The category drives evidence and fees.

    • Picking 'replacement' when the EAD has not been issued yet (the right pick is 'initial'). Picking 'renewal' for a different category than the current EAD (each category change is a new initial application).
    • Filer picks 'renewal' but the EAD has been expired more than the auto-extension window.
    Legal Family Name
    Required

    Item 1a Family Name. Match passport spelling exactly.

    • Romanizing or transliterating differently than the passport, which causes USCIS RFEs.
    • Filer types nickname instead of legal name.
    Legal Given Name
    Required

    Item 1b Given Name.

    • Romanizing or transliterating differently than the passport, which causes USCIS RFEs.
    • Filer types nickname instead of legal name.
    Legal Middle Name

    Item 1c Middle Name.

    • Filer treats middle name as required and types 'N/A'.
    • Filer omits middle name listed on passport.
    Other Name1 Family

    Item 2a first 'other name' family name.

    • Forgetting maiden names is the most common omission. USCIS background checks pick this up and may RFE.
    • Forgetting maiden names. USCIS background checks pick those up and missing them produces RFEs.
    • Filer types 'N/A' instead of leaving blank.
    Other Name1 Given

    Item 2b first 'other name' given name.

    • Forgetting maiden names. USCIS background checks pick those up and missing them produces RFEs.
    • Filer types 'N/A' instead of leaving blank.
    Other Name1 Middle

    Item 2c first 'other name' middle name.

    • Filer treats middle name as required and types 'N/A'.
    • Filer omits middle name listed on passport.
    Other Name2 Family

    Item 3a second 'other name' family name.

    • Forgetting maiden names. USCIS background checks pick those up and missing them produces RFEs.
    • Filer types 'N/A' instead of leaving blank.
    Other Name2 Given

    Item 3b second 'other name' given name.

    • Forgetting maiden names. USCIS background checks pick those up and missing them produces RFEs.
    • Filer types 'N/A' instead of leaving blank.
    Other Name2 Middle

    Item 3c second 'other name' middle name.

    • Filer treats middle name as required and types 'N/A'.
    • Filer omits middle name listed on passport.
    Other Name3 Family

    Item 4a third 'other name' family name.

    • Forgetting maiden names. USCIS background checks pick those up and missing them produces RFEs.
    • Filer types 'N/A' instead of leaving blank.
    Other Name3 Given

    Item 4b third 'other name' given name.

    • Forgetting maiden names. USCIS background checks pick those up and missing them produces RFEs.
    • Filer types 'N/A' instead of leaving blank.
    Other Name3 Middle

    Item 4c third 'other name' middle name.

    • Filer treats middle name as required and types 'N/A'.
    • Filer omits middle name listed on passport.
    Mail In Care Of

    Item 5a In Care Of name.

    • Filer fills with own name.
    • Filer types 'self'.
    Mail Street
    Required

    Item 5b mailing street number and name.

    • Listing a P.O. box without a separate physical address. USCIS requires both.
    • Filer types only number without street name.
    • Filer abbreviates street type non-standardly.
    Mail Unit Type

    Item 5c unit type (Apt / Ste / Flr).

    • Filer leaves blank when unit number is filled.
    • Filer types unit number in this field.
    Mail Unit Number

    Item 5c unit number.

    • Filer leaves blank when unit type is filled.
    • Filer prefixes with '#' which can confuse the optical reader.
    Mail City
    Required

    Item 5d city or town.

    • Filer abbreviates city name (LA instead of Los Angeles).
    • Filer types neighborhood instead of city.
    Mail State
    Required

    Item 5e state.

    • Filer leaves blank when address is in U.S.
    • Filer types full state name in a small field.
    Mail Zip
    Required

    Item 5f ZIP code.

    • Filer leaves blank when address is in U.S.
    • Filer enters ZIP+4 with no separator.
    Mail Same As Physical
    Required

    Item 6 yes/no: mailing same as physical?

    • If P.O. box used as mailing, 'No' must be selected and item 7 (physical address) filled.
    • Filer answers Yes when mailing differs from physical.
    Physical Street
    Required

    Item 7a physical street.

    • Filer types only number without street name.
    • Filer abbreviates street type non-standardly.
    Physical Unit Type

    Item 7b physical unit type.

    • Filer leaves blank when unit number is filled.
    • Filer types unit number in this field.
    Physical Unit Number

    Item 7b physical unit number.

    • Filer leaves blank when unit type is filled.
    • Filer prefixes with '#' which can confuse the optical reader.
    Physical City
    Required

    Item 7c physical city.

    • Filer abbreviates city name (LA instead of Los Angeles).
    • Filer types neighborhood instead of city.
    Physical State
    Required

    Item 7d physical state.

    • Filer leaves blank when address is in U.S.
    • Filer types full state name in a small field.
    Physical Zip
    Required

    Item 7e physical ZIP.

    • Filer leaves blank when address is in U.S.
    • Filer enters ZIP+4 with no separator.
    Alien Number
    Recommended

    Item 8 A-Number.

    • Leaving blank when you have a prior EAD or pending I-485; the A-Number is on those documents and USCIS expects it.
    • Filer types 9 digits without confirming on the card.
    Uscis Online Acct

    Item 9 USCIS Online Account number.

    • Filer enters A-Number instead of online account number.
    • Filer leaves blank because they have an online account but did not check.
    Sex
    Required

    Item 10 sex.

    • Filer leaves blank.
    • Filer types text rather than picking from the radio.
    Marital Status
    Required

    Item 11 marital status.

    • Filer picks 'Separated' but USCIS treats separation as still married.
    • Filer leaves blank.
    Previously Filed I765
    Required

    Item 12 yes/no: previously filed I-765?

    • Filer answers no when applicant had any prior EAD application.
    • Filer answers yes for a renewal of the same EAD.
    Ssn

    Item 13 SSN if known.

    • Filer enters ITIN instead of SSN.
    • Filer types fake SSN; leave blank if you have none.
    Country Citizenship 1
    Required

    Item 14a country of citizenship.

    • Writing the country of birth instead of citizenship; these can differ.
    • Filer omits dual citizenship.
    Country Citizenship 2

    Item 14b second country of citizenship.

    • Filer leaves blank when dual citizen.
    • Filer types abbreviation; spell out country.
    Birth City
    Required

    Item 15a city of birth.

    • Filer abbreviates city name (LA instead of Los Angeles).
    • Filer types neighborhood instead of city.
    Birth State Province

    Item 15b state or province of birth.

    • Filer leaves blank when country format includes a province.
    • Filer types country in this field.
    Birth Country
    Required

    Item 15c country of birth.

    • Filer types historical country name (USSR, Yugoslavia).
    • Filer types country of citizenship instead of birth country.
    Dob
    Required

    Item 16 date of birth.

    • Filer uses DD/MM/YYYY (international format).
    • Filer types only year.
    I94 Number
    Recommended

    Item 17 I-94 number.

    • Listing the visa number rather than the I-94 number. Look up your I-94 at i94.cbp.dhs.gov.
    • Filer leaves blank when arrived with paper I-94.
    Passport Number
    Recommended

    Item 18 passport number.

    • Filer types passport book number rather than passport number.
    • Filer leaves blank when applicant has no passport (use 'None').
    Travel Doc Number

    Item 19 travel document number.

    • Filer types passport number here.
    • Filer leaves blank when applicable.
    Passport Country
    Recommended

    Item 20 country that issued passport / travel document.

    • Filer types citizenship rather than passport-issuing authority.
    • Filer types abbreviation.
    Passport Expiry
    Recommended

    Item 21 expiration date of passport / travel document.

    • Filer uses DD/MM/YYYY (international format).
    • Filer types only year.
    Last Entry Date
    Recommended

    Item 22 date of last arrival.

    • Filer uses DD/MM/YYYY (international format).
    • Filer types only year.
    Place Of Entry
    Recommended

    Item 23 place of last arrival.

    • Filer types country instead of port of entry.
    • Filer types airport code; USCIS prefers full city/airport name.
    Status At Last Entry
    Recommended

    Item 24 status at last arrival.

    • Filer types 'tourist'; use the visa class (B-2).
    • Filer types 'green card' for parole entry.
    Current Status
    Required

    Item 25 current status or category.

    • Filer types prior status that has since expired.
    • Filer types USCIS receipt instead of status.
    Sevis Number

    Item 26 SEVIS number.

    • Filer leaves blank when on F, M, or J nonimmigrant status.
    • Filer types I-94 number instead of SEVIS.
    Eligibility Category Letter1
    Required

    Item 27 first part of category letter.

    • Picking the wrong category. The category is the most consequential field on the form; refer to the Who May File Form I-765 section of the official instructions.
    • Filer types '(c)' inside the box; just the letter.
    Eligibility Category Letter2
    Required

    Item 27 second part of category (number).

    • Filer types both digits in this single-digit field.
    • Filer leaves blank because category needs only a letter.
    Eligibility Category Letter3

    Item 27 third part of category (if any).

    • Filer leaves blank when category has a third part (e.g., c.3.B, c.3.C).
    • Filer types lowercase when uppercase is expected.
    Stem Degree
    Required

    Item 28a STEM OPT degree.

    • Filer types degree only without major (e.g., 'BS' alone).
    • Filer leaves blank when c.3.C.
    Stem Employer
    Required

    Item 28b E-Verify employer name.

    • Filer types personal employer when on STEM OPT through agency.
    • Filer leaves blank when c.3.C.
    Stem Everify Id
    Required

    Item 28c E-Verify ID.

    • Filer types EIN instead of E-Verify Company ID.
    • Filer leaves blank when c.3.C.
    H1b Receipt
    Required

    Item 29 H-1B I-129 receipt number.

    • Filer types only the digits without the 3-letter prefix.
    • Filer types Visa or A-Number instead of receipt.
    C8 Arrested
    Required

    Item 30 c.8 arrest yes/no.

    • Answering 'No' when there are arrests with no convictions. The question asks about arrests OR convictions; both must be disclosed and supported by certified court dispositions.
    • Filer answers no for arrests outside the U.S.
    C35 C36 Receipt
    Required

    Item 31a I-140 receipt.

    • Filer types only the digits without the 3-letter prefix.
    • Filer types Visa or A-Number instead of receipt.
    C35 C36 Arrested
    Required

    Item 31b c.35/c.36 arrest yes/no.

    • Filer answers no for arrests outside the U.S.
    • Filer leaves blank when c.35 or c.36.
    Applicant Statement
    Required

    Part 3 item 1: English vs interpreter statement.

    • Filer leaves blank.
    • Filer picks 'interpreter' without filling Part 4.
    Interpreter Language
    Required

    Part 3 item 1.b language used by interpreter.

    • Filer leaves blank after picking interpreter.
    • Filer types 'translator' instead of language name.
    Preparer Used

    Part 3 item 2: preparer (other than applicant) checkbox.

    • Filer leaves blank when preparer used.
    • Pro se filer checks even though no preparer involved.
    Preparer Name
    Recommended

    Part 3 item 2: preparer's name.

    • Filer leaves blank after checking preparer.
    • Filer types business name only without preparer name.
    Applicant Phone
    Required

    Part 3 item 3 daytime phone.

    • Filer leaves blank.
    • Filer types phone number with non-numeric formatting.
    Applicant Mobile

    Part 3 item 4 mobile phone.

    • Filer duplicates daytime phone in mobile field.
    • Filer leaves blank.
    Applicant Email

    Part 3 item 5 email.

    • Filer types personal email that is not regularly checked.
    • Filer leaves blank.
    Abc Settlement

    Part 3 item 6 ABC settlement (Salvadoran or Guatemalan national).

    • Filer fills as Salvadoran or Guatemalan but does not meet ABC class membership.
    • Filer leaves blank when entitled to ABC settlement protections.
    Applicant Signature
    Required

    Part 3 item 7a applicant's signature.

    • Applicants under 14 cannot sign; a parent or legal guardian signs on their behalf.
    • Signing electronically. USCIS requires a wet-ink signature on the printed form.
    Applicant Signature Date
    Required

    Part 3 item 7b signature date.

    • Filer uses DD/MM/YYYY (international format).
    • Filer types only year.

    Ezel is a self-help tool. Ezel is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. You are the filer. Review the form carefully before submitting it to the court, and consult a licensed attorney if you have questions about your case. For free legal help, contact your local legal aid office or court self-help center.

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