Apply for employment authorization (I-765)

Request a document from USCIS that shows you are authorized to work.

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Guidance only

We are not a government agency. We help you understand and prepare. File Form I-765 with USCIS — online through a USCIS online account for eligible categories, or by mail to the filing address USCIS lists for your category.

Where this is filed

File Form I-765 with USCIS — online through a USCIS online account for eligible categories, or by mail to the filing address USCIS lists for your category.

What happens next

USCIS sends a receipt notice, may schedule biometrics or request more evidence, and then approves or denies the application. If approved, the Employment Authorization Document (card) is mailed to you.

Forms in this procedure

I-765 — Application for Employment Authorization ↗ · U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Before you send it

I checked the form edition on the official pageEvery required page is included — nothing left outSigned and datedSupporting documents are attachedI kept a copy of everything I am sendingI checked on the official page whether a fee appliesI know who this goes to — see "Where this is filed" aboveI kept a record of when and how I sent it (receipt, confirmation number, or who I handed it to)

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