Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

Eligible applicants

EAD Category

Average processing times

• California Service Center – 5.5 months
• National Benefits Center – 7.5 months
• Nebraska Service Center – 3.5 months 
• Texas Service Center – 10 months
• Vermont Service Center – 9.5 months

Note: F-1 students are eligible for Premium Processing which reduces the EAD processing time to 30 calendar days

• Potomac Service Center – 3.5 months

• California Service Center – 3 months
• Nebraska Service Center – 4 months
• Texas Service Center – 4.5 months
• Vermont Service Center – 3.5 months

• California Service Center – 4.5 months
• Nebraska Service Center – 6 months
• Texas Service Center – 7 months
• Vermont Service Center – 4 months

• California Service Center – 8 months
• Texas Service Center – 9.5 months
• Vermont Service Center – 30 months

• All service centers – 16 months

• All service centers – 1 month

• Nebraska Service Center – 4 months

• Nebraska Service Center – 5.5 months
• Texas Service Center – 12 months

• National Benefits Center – 16.5 months

• National Benefits Center – 3.5 months

• Nebraska Service Center – 3 months
• Vermont Service Center – 128 months

• Texas Service Center – 9.5 months
• Vermont Service Center – 3 months

• California Service Center – 8 months

• California Service Center – 15.5 months
• National Benefits Center – 11 months
• Nebraska Service Center – 9 months
• Potomac Service Center – 13 months
• Texas Service Center – 3.5 months
• Vermont Service Center – 3.5 months

Online Filing Fee

• (a)(3) Refugee;
• (a)(4) Paroled as refugee;
• (a)(5) Asylee;
• (a)(7) N-8 (Parent of alien classed as SK3) or N-9 nonimmigrant (Child of N-8) nonimmigrants;
• (a)(8) Citizen of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, or Palau;
• (a)(10) Granted Withholding of Deportation or Removal;
• (a)(16) Victim of severe form of trafficking (T-1);
• (a)(19) U-1 nonimmigrant;
• (a)(20) U-2, U-3, U-4, U-5 nonimmigrant;
• (c)(1), (c)(4), or (c)(7) Dependent of certain foreign government, international organization, or NATO personnel;
• (c)(2) Taiwanese dependents of Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) E-1 employees;
• (c)(8) All other Applicant for Asylum and Withholding of Deportation or Removal including derivatives with pending Form I-589;
• (c)(9) or (c)(16) Current Adjustment of Status or Registry applicant who filed for adjustment of status on or after July 30, 2007, and before April 1, 2024, and who paid the Form I-485 filing fee;
• (c)(9) Special Immigrant Juvenile seeking to adjust status;
• (c)(9) T nonimmigrant seeking to adjust status under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) section 245(l);
• (c)(9) Persons seeking adjustment of status as a Special Immigrant Iraqi or Afghan national;
• (c)(9) Persons seeking adjustment of status as an abused spouse or child under the Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA);
• (c)(9) Persons seeking adjustment of status as an abused spouse or child under the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act (HRIFA);
• (c)(9) U nonimmigrant seeking to adjust status under INA section 245(m);
• (c)(9) Persons seeking adjustment of status as a Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioner (including derivatives);
• (c)(10) Abused spouses and children applying for benefits under the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (NACARA);
• (c)(10) Abused spouses and children of lawful permanent residents or U.S. citizens applying for cancellation of removal and adjustment of status under INA section 240A(b)(2);
• (c)(11) Special Parole processes for Immigrant Military Members and Veterans Initiative (IMMVI);
• (c)(11) Children and family members affected by family separations at the United States-Mexico border by DHS between the dates of January 20, 2017, and January 20, 2021 (Ms. L. v. ICE, 18-cv-00428 (S.D. Cal.);
• (c)(11) Special Parole processes for certain Afghan nationals paroled into the United States (I-765 filings through Sept. 30, 2024);
• (c)(11) Special Parole processes for Afghan nationals who were paroled into the United States:
  • Between July 31, 2021, and December 16, 2022;
  • After September 30, 2022, and are spouses or children of Afghan nationals paroled between July 31, 2021, and December 16, 2022; or
  • After September 30, 2023, and are parents or legal guardians of Afghan unaccompanied children paroled between July 31, 2021, and December 16, 2022;
• (c)(11) Special Parole processes for Ukrainian nationals paroled into the United States:
  • Between February 24, 2022, and September 30, 2023;
  • After September 30, 2023, and are spouses or children of Ukrainian nationals paroled between February 24, 2022, and September 30, 2023;
  • After September 30, 2023, and are parents, legal guardians, or primary caregivers of Ukrainian unaccompanied children paroled between February 24, 2022, and September 30, 2023;
• (c)(14) Deferred action if filed by a petitioner seeking U-1, U-2, U-3, U-4, or U-5 nonimmigrant status;
• (c)(14) Deferred action if filed by a Special Immigrant Juvenile;
• (c)(14) Deferred action if filed by a VAWA self-petitioner (including derivatives);
• (c)(25) T-2, T-3, T-4, T-5, or T-6 nonimmigrant;
• (c)(31) Principal beneficiaries or derivative children of an approved VAWA self-petition;
• Current or former U.S. armed forces service members; or
• Submitted through USCIS-recognized state or local government legal services clinics hosted through June 30, 2024 for eligible parolees and those filing Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status.

• (a)(3) Refugee;
• (a)(4) Paroled as refugee;
• (a)(8) Citizen of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, or Palau;
• (a)(10) Granted Withholding of Deportation or Removal;
• (a)(16) Victim of severe form of trafficking (T-1 nonimmigrant);
• (a)(19) U-1 nonimmigrant;
• (a)(20) U-2, U-3, U-4, U-5 nonimmigrant;
• (c)(1), (c)(4), or (c)(7) Dependent of certain foreign government, international organization, or NATO personnel;
• (c)(9) or (c)(16) Current Adjustment of Status or Registry applicant who filed for adjustment of status on or after July 30, 2007, and before April 1, 2024, and who paid the Form I-485 filing fee;
• (c)(9) Special Immigrant Juvenile seeking to adjust status;
• (c)(9) T nonimmigrant seeking to adjust status under INA section 245(l);
• (c)(9) U nonimmigrant seeking to adjust status under INA section 245(m);
• (c)(9) Persons seeking adjustment of status as a Special Immigrant Iraqi or Afghan national;
• (c)(9) Persons seeking adjustment of status as an abused spouse or child under the Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA);
• (c)(9) Persons seeking adjustment of status as an abused spouse or child under the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act (HRIFA);
• (c)(9) Persons seeking adjustment of status as a Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, self-petitioner (including derivatives);
• (c)(10) Abused spouses and children applying for benefits under the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (NACARA);
• (c)(10) Abused spouses and children of a lawful permanent resident or U.S. citizen applying for cancellation of removal and adjustment of status under INA section 240A(b)(2);
• (c)(11) Special Parole Process for Operation Allies Welcome (OAW) Afghan nationals who were paroled into the United States or who had an approved Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, on or before May 26, 2023 (applies to Form I-765 filings through July 31, 2024);
• (c)(14) Deferred action if filed by a petitioner for U-1, U-2, U-3, U-4, or U-5 nonimmigrant status;
• (c)(14) Deferred action if filed by a Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Form I-360 self-petitioner (including derivatives);
• (c)(14) Deferred action if filed by a Special Immigrant Juvenile;
• (c)(25) T-2, T-3, T-4, T-5, or T-6 nonimmigrant;
• (c)(31) Principal beneficiaries or derivative children of an approved VAWA self-petition; or
• Current or former U.S. armed forces service members.

• (a)(3) Refugee;
• (a)(4) Paroled as refugee;
• (a)(8) Citizen of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, or Palau;
• (a)(10) Granted Withholding of Deportation or Removal;
• (a)(16) Victim of severe form of trafficking (T-1 nonimmigrant);
• (a)(19) U-1 nonimmigrant;
• (a)(20) U-2, U-3, U-4, U-5 nonimmigrant;
• (c)(1), (c)(4), or (c)(7) Dependent of certain foreign government, international organization, or NATO personnel;
• (c)(9) or (c)(16) Current Adjustment of Status or Registry applicant who filed for adjustment of status on or after July 30, 2007, and before April 1, 2024, and you paid the Form I-485 filing fee;
• (c)(9) Special Immigrant Juvenile seeking to adjust status;
• (c)(9) T nonimmigrant seeking to adjust status under INA section 245(l);
• (c)(9) Persons seeking adjustment of status as a Special Immigrant Iraqi or Afghan national;
• (c)(9) Persons seeking adjustment of status as an abused spouse or child under the Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA);
• (c)(9) Persons seeking adjustment of status as an abused spouse or child under the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act (HRIFA);
• (c)(9) U nonimmigrant seeking to adjust status under INA section 245(m);
• (c)(9) Persons seeking adjustment of status as a Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Form I-360 self-petitioner (including derivatives);
• (c)(10) Abused spouses and children applying for benefits under the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (NACARA);
• (c)(10) Abused spouses and children of lawful permanent residents or U.S. citizens applying for cancellation of removal and adjustment of status under INA section 240A(b)(2);
• (c)(11) Special Parole processes for Operation Allies Welcome (OAW) Afghan nationals paroled into the United States (Form I-765 filings through Sept. 30, 2024);
• (c)(14) Deferred action if filed by a petitioner for U-1, U-2, U-3, U-4, or U-5 nonimmigrant status;
• (c)(14) Deferred action if filed by a Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Form I-360 self-petitioner (including derivatives);
• (c)(25) T-2, T-3, T-4, T-5, or T-6 nonimmigrant;
• (c)(31) Principal beneficiaries or derivative children of an approved VAWA self-petition; or
• Current or former U.S. armed forces service members.

• EAD card (front and back)

• Passport (biographic page)
• U.S. visa
• National ID (front and back), plus English translation
• Birth certificate with photo ID

• Two identical passport-style photographs (in color) of the applicant that have been taken recently

Print your name name and A-Number (if any) on the back of the photo

• Printout of your electronic Form I-94

• Form I-485 notice (only if filing I-765 after I-485 is registered)

• Evidence that either your spouse is the beneficiary of an approved Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, or your spouse received H-1B status based on the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-First Century Act (AC21) sections 106(a) and (b);
• Evidence of your current nonimmigrant status, such as a copy of your Form I-94 showing your admission in (or change of status to) H-4 nonimmigrant status or file this form concurrently filed with Form I-539, Application to Change/Extend Nonimmigrant Status (if applicable); and
• Your marriage certificate, or if not available, other secondary evidence of the marriage.

• Evidence of your admission (for example, a copy of your Form I-94, passport, or other travel document); and
• A copy of your K visa.

• Evidence of your most recent admission (for example, a copy of your Form I-94, passport, or other travel document); and
• Your Form I-797C, Notice of Action.

• Evidence of the degree that is the basis for the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension and is currently listed on the STEM Designated Degree Program List;
• A copy of your Form I-20 signed by the designated school official (DSO) within 60 days before filing your Form I-765; and
• Evidence that the institution is currently accredited by the U.S. Department of Education and certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) if you are seeking a STEM OPT extension based on a previously earned STEM degree

• Evidence of having been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for one full academic year at a college, university, conservatory, or seminary approved by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) for attendance by F-1 foreign students;
• All previously used Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) numbers in the Additional Information section of the form;
• Evidence of any previously authorized Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) and the academic level at which each was authorized; and
• A copy of your Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status, signed by the designated school official (DSO).

• All previously used Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) receipt numbers and any previously authorized Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) and the academic level in which it was authorized in Part 6, Additional Information; and
• A copy of your Form I-20 signed by the designated school official (DSO) within 30 days before filing your Form I-765.

• The international organization’s letter of certification that the proposed employment is within the scope of its sponsorship; and
• A copy of your Form I-20 with the employment page completed by the designated school official (DSO) certifying your eligibility for employment.

• A copy of your Form I-20 with the employment page completed by the designated school official (DSO) certifying your eligibility for off-campus employment due to severe economic hardship;
• Evidence you have been in valid F-1 status for one full academic year, are a student in good standing, and are enrolled in a full course of study;
• Evidence that accepting employment will not interfere with your enrollment in a full course of study;
• Evidence the employment is necessary to avoid severe economic hardship; and
• Evidence that on-campus employment is not available or is not sufficient to meet the needs that have arisen due to the unforeseen circumstances.

• A copy of your Form I-20 signed by the designated school official (DSO); and
• This form concurrently filed with Form I-539, Application to Change/Extend Nonimmigrant Status (if applicable), that requests an extension of stay that covers the requested period of post-completion Practical Training and a 30-day departure period.

• A copy of your Form DS-2019;
• Evidence the J-1 principal noncitizen is currently maintaining status;
• Evidence that any income from this employment authorization will not be used to support the J-1 principal noncitizen;
• Evidence you are currently maintaining status; and
• Evidence of all previously authorized periods of J-2 employment (if applicable).

• Evidence of a lodged or filed Form I-589 with USCIS or EOIR:
  • If filed with USCIS, provide a copy of your USCIS Acknowledgment of Receipt and USCIS Asylum Interview Notice; or 
  • Your Form I-797C application support center appointment notice; 
  • Any other evidence of a filed Form I-589;
  • If lodged with EOIR, provide a legible copy of Form I-589 containing the Received Date stamp and Lodge/Receipt Stamp; or
  • If filed with EOIR, provide acknowledgment you received Form I-589 (such as receipt stamp) or any other available evidence. 
• If an immigration judge denied your Form I-589, evidence of a timely appeal of the denied asylum application with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA).
• If the BIA remanded your Form I-589 to an immigration judge for further adjudication of your underlying asylum claim: 
  • A copy of the BIA decision and order remanding your case to the immigration judge; and 
  • Evidence that your asylum claim remains under review by the immigration judge.
• If a federal court remanded your asylum claim to the BIA for further action, and your claim is still pending with the BIA: 
  • A copy of the federal court’s remand order. 
• Proof of arrests and convictions (if applicable).

• Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, indicating asylee status;
• A USCIS asylum grant letter;
• Order signed by immigration judge granting asylum status; or
• Form I-797, Notice of Action, granting derivative asylum status.

• A copy of your Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record;
• A copy of your final notice of eligibility for resettlement (approval letter); or
• A copy of your Form I-797, Notice of Action, approving derivative refugee status (Form I-730 approval).

• A copy of your Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record
• Passport, or 
• Travel document.

• Order signed by immigration judge granting withholding of deportation or removal.

• This application concurrently filed with Form I-821 
• Evidence that USCIS registered or approved your Form I-821;
• Evidence of your nationality and identity (birth certificate, passport, national ID); and
• A copy of the order granting TPS with your Form I-765, such as a copy of your Form I-821 that the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) judge or Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA)approved, if an EOIR immigration judge or the BIA granted TPS and you are requesting your first Employment Authorization Document or are re-registering for the first time.

• This application concurrently filed with Form I-821;
• A letter indicating this application is for TPS re-registration; and
• A copy (front and back) of your last available TPS document (for example, an Employment Authorization Document, Form I-94, a passport, a travel document, or a Form I-797, Notice of Action).

• Evidence you were admitted as a citizen of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, or Palau under agreements between the U.S. and the former trust territories.

• Evidence of your identity and nationality (if you are without nationality, submit evidence of your residence in the last country in which you habitually resided); and
• Statement of your basis for claiming that you are covered by DED, and evidence (if available) to support your claim.

• This form filed together with Form I-881

• Certification from the American Institute in Taiwan if you are the spouse or unmarried dependent son or daughter of an E-1 employee of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office.

• Evidence of your lawful B nonimmigrant status (for example, a copy of your Form I-94, passport, or other travel document);
• Evidence your employer is a B, E, F, H, I, J, L, M, O, P, Q, or TN nonimmigrant;
• Evidence you worked for the employer for at least one year before the employer entered the United States, or your employer regularly employs personal and domestic servants and has done so for a period of years before coming to the United States;
• Evidence you have either worked for this employer as a personal or domestic servant for at least one year, or evidence you have at least one year of experience as a personal or domestic servant; and
• Evidence you have a residence abroad that you have no intention of abandoning.

• Evidence or your lawful B nonimmigrant status (for example, a copy of your Form I-94, passport, or other travel document);
• Evidence that your employer is a U.S. citizen (unexpired US passport, US birth certificate, naturalization certificate or Consular Report of Birth Abroad);
• Evidence your employment has a permanent home abroad or is stationed outside the United States and is temporarily visiting the United States, or evidence that your employer’s current assignment in the United States will not be longer than four years; and
• Evidence your employer has employed you as a domestic servant abroad for at least six months before your admission to the United States.

• Evidence of your lawful B nonimmigrant status (for example, a copy of your Form I-94, passport, or other travel document); and
• A letter from the airline fully describing your duties and stating your position would entitle you to E nonimmigrant status except for the fact that you are not a national of the same country as the airline, or because there is no treaty of commerce and navigation in effect between the United States and that country.

• Evidence of your lawful E nonimmigrant status (for example, a copy of your Form I-94, passport, or other travel document);
• Evidence of your spouse’s lawful E nonimmigrant status (for example, copy of your spouse’s Form I-94, passport, or other travel document); and
• Your marriage certificate, or if not available, other secondary evidence of the marriage.

• Evidence of your lawful L nonimmigrant status (for example, a copy of your Form I-94, passport, or other travel document);
• Evidence of your spouse’s lawful L nonimmigrant status (for example, a copy of your spouse’s Form I-94, passport, or other travel document); and
• Your marriage certificate, or if not available, other secondary evidence of the marriage.

• Evidence of a legal marriage;
• Evidence you and your spouse legally terminated any prior marriages (if applicable);
• Evidence you reside in the CNMI;
• Evidence your spouse obtained E-2C status;
• Evidence you obtained E-2C status as a dependent; and
• A copy of your spouse’s CNMI issued Long-Term Business Certificate or Foreign Investment Certificate.

• Proof you are in the United States in E-3, H-1B, H-1B1, O-1, or L-1 nonimmigrant status;
• Proof of your approved Form I-140;
• Evidence you are facing compelling circumstances while you wait for your immigrant visa to become available; and
• Proof of arrests and convictions (if applicable).

• Proof of your nonimmigrant status;
• Proof of relationship to the principal beneficiary of the approved Form I-140 (marriage certificate or birth certificate);
• Proof that the spouse or parent principal beneficiary was granted employment authorization or has a pending Form I-765 under eligibility category (c)(35); and
• Proof of arrests and convictions (if applicable).

• Evidence of your valid V status (for example, an approval notice, your Form I-94, passport, or this form filed concurrently with your application for V status).

• This form filed concurrently with Form I-485, or 
• Evidence of a pending I-485 (for example, a copy of your Form I-485 receipt notice or biometrics notice).

• Evidence of your meaningful progress toward completing the national interest waiver obligations; and
• If you did not work as a national interest waiver physician during any period of the previous year, submit an explanation why and provide a statement of future intent to work as a physician in a qualifying location.

• Evidence that USCIS approved Form I-687; or 
• Form I-700, Application for Status as a Special Agricultural Worker; or
• A copy of your Employment Authorization Document showing your temporary resident status.

• Evidence of your lawful N status (for example, a copy of your Form I-94, passport, or other travel document).

• Evidence that EOIR-42A or EOIR-42B is currently pending with the Executive Office for Immigration Review, and
• Evidence you paid the application filing fee.

• Evidence your Form I-700, Application for Status as a Temporary Resident Under Section 210 of the INA, is currently pending (for example, a copy of a receipt notice or other evidence).

• Evidence your Form I-687, Application for Status as a Temporary Resident Under 245A of the INA, is pending (for example, a copy of a receipt notice or other evidence).

• Evidence you were paroled into the United States for urgent humanitarian reasons or reasons of significant public benefit (for example, a copy of your Form I-94, passport, or other travel document).

If you were paroled into the United States after establishing a credible fear of persecution or torture under INA 235(b)(1)(A), you are not eligible for either an initial or renewed Employment Authorization Document under the (c)(11) eligibility category. You may still be eligible to apply for work authorization based on the (c)(8) eligibility category if your asylum application has been pending for more than 365 days and you meet the remaining eligibility requirements.

• Evidence of a grant of deferred action (for example, a copy of an order, notice or other document); and
• Proof you have an economic necessity to work (financial information).

• This form concurrently filed with Form I-821D; and
• Your completed Form I-765 Worksheet.

• A copy of the Executive Office for Immigration Review immigration judge’s Order of Removal, and
• Form I-220B, Order of Supervision (if any).

• Evidence you were a Catholic Social Services (CSS), League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), or Zambrano class member applicant before Oct. 1, 2000; and
• Evidence your Form I-485 is currently pending (for example, a receipt notice or other evidence).

• Evidence of your valid T-1 nonimmigrant status.

• Evidence of your valid T derivative status:
  • A copy of the approval notice for your T nonimmigrant status if you obtained T nonimmigrant status while in the United States, or
  • A copy of your passport with your T nonimmigrant visa if you were admitted to the United States as a T nonimmigrant.

• Evidence of your valid T; and
• This application if filed concurrently with Form I-485, or 
• Evidence of a pending I-485 (for example, a copy of your Form I-485 receipt notice or biometrics notice).

• A copy of your passport with your U nonimmigrant visa.

• Evidence of your valid U derivative status:
  • A copy of the approval notice for your U nonimmigrant status if you obtained U nonimmigrant status while in the United States, or
  • A copy of your passport with your U nonimmigrant visa if you were admitted to the United States as a U nonimmigrant.

• Evidence of your valid U status; and
• This form if filed concurrently with Form I-485, or 
• Evidence of a pending I-485 (for example, a copy of your Form I-485 receipt notice or biometrics notice).

• Evidence of the principal beneficiary’s approved Form I-360 self-petition.

• A copy of the civil complaint filed in court;
• Proof of lawful admission to the United States in A-3 or G-5 status (for example, a copy of your passport with your A-3 or G-5 nonimmigrant visa); and
• Evidence the civil case is still pending (if requesting renewal).