I-765 Form – How to Get a Work Permit and Social Security Number (SSN)

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Last updated: August 12, 2025.

By Asel Williams, Esq. · Columbia Law School · Licensed immigration attorney

Form I-765, also known as “Application for Employment Authorization”, is an USCIS form used by foreign nationals looking to work lawfully in the United States.

The approval of Form I-765 leads to issuance of an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which grants the right to work in the U.S.

In this post, we will discuss Form I-765 eligibility categories, filing fees, filing address, and more.

What is Form I-765?

Form I-765 is a formal application used by foreign nationals seeking permission to work lawfully in the United States.

Once issued, the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) allows individuals to be employed in the U.S. and is valid for a set amount of time based on the applicant’s nonimmigrant status, for example:

OPT F-1 students – 1 year
OPT STEM F-1 students up to 3 years
Asylum seekers – 2 years
Applicants with pending Adjustment of Status applications – 2 years

Who is Eligible to File Form I-765?

The applicant’s present nonimmigrant status determines whether he or she is eligible to file Form I-765.

The following are some of the foreign national categories eligible for Employment Authorization Document:

Students with Optional Practical Training (OPT): F-1 visa holders seeking to work in their field of study can apply for OPT. OPT permits students to obtain practical experience in their major area of study.

Students with Curricular Practical Training (CPT): F-1 visa holders enrolled in a CPT program, which includes work experience as part of their academic curriculum, can also apply for an EAD.

Asylum Seekers: Individuals who have applied for asylum in the United States and are awaiting a decision are eligible to apply for EAD 150 days after the Form I-589 registration date.

Adjustment of Status Applicants: Individuals who have submitted Form I-485 to adjust their status to lawful permanent resident and are awaiting for their application to be processed. For additional details, see our Adjustment of Status guide.

DACA Recipients: Those granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) may apply for an EAD. For more details on DACA, check our DACA guide.
Certain Nonimmigrants: Various nonimmigrants, such as TPS applicants, Withholding of Removal status holders are eligible to file Form I-765. See the full list of eligible categories below.

Form I-765 Categories

The following categories of foreign nationals are eligible to apply for an Employment Authorization Document:

Eligible applicants	EAD Category
Pending Adjustment of Status (Form I-485)	(c)(9)
H-4 spouse of an H-1B Nonimmigrant	(c)(26)
K-1 Nonimmigrant Fiancé(e) of a U.S. Citizen or K-2 Dependent	(a)(6)
K-3 Nonimmigrant Spouse of a U.S. Citizen or K-4 Dependent	(a)(9)
F-1 student with a Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) Who is Seeking A 24-Month STEM Extension of Optional Practical Training	(c)(3)(C)
F-1 Student Seeking Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)	(c)(3)(A)
F-1 Student Seeking Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)	(c)(3)(B)
F-1 Student Who was Offered Off-campus Employment Under the Sponsorship of a Qualifying International Organization	(c)(3)(ii)
F-1 Student Seeking Off-Campus Employment Due to Severe Economic Hardship	(c)(3)(iii)
M-1 Student Seeking Post-Completion Practical Training After Completing Studies	(c)(6)
J-2 Spouse or Minor Child of an Exchange Visitor	(c)(5)
Pending Applicant for Asylum and Withholding of Removal	(c)(8)
Asylee (Granted Asylum)	(a)(5)
Refugee	(a)(3)
Paroled as a Refugee	(a)(4)
Granted Withholding of Deportation or Removal	(a)(10)
Temporary Protected Status (TPS)	(a)(12) and (c)(19)
Re-Registering for Temporary Protected Status (TPS)	(a)(12)
A Citizen of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, or Palau	(a)(8)
Under Deferred Enforced Departure (DED)	(a)(11)
Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (NACARA) Section 203 Applicant Who is Eligible to Apply for NACARA Relief with USCIS	(c)(10)
Dependent of a TECRO E-1 Nonimmigrant	(c)(2)
B-1 Nonimmigrant Who is the Personal or Domestic Servant of a Nonimmigrant Employer	(c)(17)(i)
B-1 Nonimmigrant Domestic Servant of a U.S. Citizen	(c)(17)(ii)
B-1 Nonimmigrant Employed by a Foreign Airline	(c)(17)(iii)
Spouse of an E-1 Treaty Trader, E-2 Treaty Investor, or E-3 Specialty Occupation Professional from Australia	(a)(17)
Spouse of an L-1 Intracompany Transferee	(a)(18)
Spouse of an E-2 Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Investor	(c)(12)
Principal Beneficiary of an Approved Employment-based Immigrant Petition Facing Compelling Circumstances	(c)(35)
Spouse or an Unmarried Child of a Principal Beneficiary of an Approved Employment-Based Immigrant Petition	(c)(36)
V-1, V-2, or V-3 Nonimmigrant	(a)(15)
Registry Applicant Based on Continuous Residence Since Jan. 1, 1972	(c)(16)
Physician Applying to Renew Your National Interest Waiver EAD
Legalization Temporary Resident Under INA Sections 245A or 210	(a)(2)
N-8 or N-9 Nonimmigrant	(a)(7)
Applicant for Cancellation of Removal	(c)(10)
Applicant for Legalization Under INA Section 210	(c)(20)
Applicant for Legalization Under INA Section 245A	(c)(22)
Parolee	(c)(11)
Granted Deferred Action	(c)(14)
Requesting Consideration Of Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals (DACA)	(c)(33)
Under a Final Order of Deportation or Removal, Including Deferral of Removal Under the Convention Against Torture	(c)(18)
LIFE Legalization Applicant	(c)(24)
T-1 Nonimmigrant (Replacement or renewal)	(a)(16)
T-2, T-3, T-4, T-5, or T-6 Nonimmigrant	(c)(25)
Approved as a T Nonimmigrant Adjustment of Status	(c)(9)
U-1 Nonimmigrant (Replacement or Renewal)	(a)(19)
U-2, U-3, U-4, or U-5 Nonimmigrant	(a)(20)
Under U Nonimmigrant Adjustment of Status	(c)(9)
Violence Against Women Act Self-Petitioner (Replacement or Renewal)	(c)(31)
A-3 or G-5 Nonimmigrant	(c)(14)

Form I-765 Filing Fee

Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) filing fee depends on your category:

I-765 Filing Category	Paper Filing Fee	Online Filing Fee
General Filing	$520	$470
If you filed Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, with a fee on or after April 1, 2024, and your Form I-485 is still pending.	$260	$260
If you are filing under the special ABC procedures for an initial Employment Authorization Document (EAD) for category (c)(8) as an asylum applicant with a pending Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal.	$520	$470
If you are requesting an EAD under category (a)(12) or (c)(19) as a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) applicant.	$520	$470
If you are filing under category (c)(33), on Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.	$520	$470
If you are filing for replacement EAD because the card we issued to you contains incorrect information due to our error.	$0	N/A
If you are filing for an initial EAD under category (c)(8), an asylum applicant with a pending Form I-589 including derivatives, and you are not filing under the special ABC procedures.	$0	N/A
If you are filing for an initial Employment Authorization Document (EAD) under one of the following categories: (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.	$0	N/A
If you are filing for a renewal EAD under one of the following categories: (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.	$0	N/A
If you are requesting a replacement EAD because your previously issued card was lost, stolen, or damaged, but has not expired, and you are filing under one of the following categories: (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.	$0	N

You might be eligible for a fee waiver. Learn more: Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver.

If filing Form I-765 online, you can pay the filing fee using a credit card.

If filing Form I-765 by mail, USCIS accepts the following payment methods:

Money order
Personal check
Cashier’s check
Credit card payment (submit Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions)

If you pay by check, it must be payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

You can use USCIS Fee Calculator to determine the correct amount of the filing fees.

USCIS fees are subject to change, check the latest Form I-765 filing fee on the USCIS website.

Who Can File Form I-765 Online?

You can file Form I-765 online if you fall into one of these categories:

(a)(12) – Temporary Protected Status (TPS) granted
(c)(3)(A) – F-1 student, pre-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)
(c)(3)(B) – F-1 student, post-completion OPT
(c)(3)(C) – F-1 student, 24-month extension of OPT for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students
(c)(8) – Application for Employment Authorization Based on Pending Form I-589, Application for Asylum or for Withholding of Removal for a minimum of 150 days
(c)(11) – Paroled for urgent humanitarian or significant public benefit purposes
(c)(19) – Certain pending TPS applicants whom USCIS has determined are prima facie eligible for TPS and who may then receive an EAD as a “temporary treatment benefit” under 8 C.F.R. 244.10(a)
(c)(33) – Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) (You must have a pending or approved Form I-821D in order to file Form I-765)

To file Form I-765 online, visit the USCIS online filing portal and create an online USCIS account.

Online filing allows for quicker processing and easier tracking of your application status.

Form I-765 Filing Address

Form I-765 filing address depends on your category:

Eligibility Category	Filing Address
(c)(9) – Pending family-based Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Resident or Adjust Status and: You filed your application with the USCIS Chicago Lockbox, AND your receipt number begins with “MSC” or “IOE” OR You filed your Form I-485 with the immigration judge	Visit USCIS Lockbox Filing Locations Chart for Certain Family-Based Forms page. Filing address depends on your state of residence
(c)(9) – Pending employment-based Form I-485	Go to USCIS Lockbox Filing Locations Chart For Certain Non-Family-Based Forms page. Filing address depends on the state of your residence.
(c)(9) – Pending Form I-485 based on: An approved Form I-360 as a battered spouse/child/parent; T nonimmigrant status; U nonimmigrant status; or As an abused spouse or abused child of a qualifying Cuban Adjustment Act of Nov. 2, 1966, eligible spouse or parent.	U.S. Postal Service (USPS): USCIS P.O. Box 87426 Lincoln, NE 68501-7526 FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries: USCIS Attn: I-765 VAWA 850 S St. Lincoln, NE 68508-1225
(c)(16) – Registry applicant based on continuous residence since Jan. 1, 1972	Go to USCIS Lockbox Filing Locations Chart for Certain Family-Based Forms page. Filing address depends on the state of your residence.

Eligibility Category	Filing Address
(a)(6) – K-1 nonimmigrant fiancé of a U.S. citizen or K-2 dependent	Go to USCIS Lockbox Filing Locations Chart For Certain Non-Family-Based Forms page. Filing address depends on the state of your residence. This employment authorization document (EAD) will only be valid for the 90-day K-1 admission period. After you marry, you may file for an EAD when you file Form I-485.
(a)(9) – K-3 nonimmigrant spouse of a U.S. citizen or K-4 dependent	Go to USCIS Lockbox Filing Locations Chart For Certain Non-Family-Based Forms page. Filing address depends on the state of your residence.
(a)(13) – IMMACT Family Unity granted	Go to USCIS Lockbox Filing Locations Chart For Certain Non-Family-Based Forms page. Filing address depends on the state of your residence.
(a)(14) – Act Family Unity granted	USCIS Chicago Lockbox U.S. Postal Service (USPS): USCIS Attn: V & L P.O. Box 7219 Chicago, IL 60680-7219 FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries: USCIS Attn: V & L (Box 7219) 131 South Dearborn-3rd Floor Chicago, IL 60603-5517
(a)(15) – V-1, V-2, or V-3 nonimmigrant	USCIS Chicago Lockbox U.S. Postal Service (USPS): USCIS Attn: V & L P.O. Box 7219 Chicago, IL 60680-7219 FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries: USCIS Attn: V & L (Box 7219) 131 South Dearborn-3rd Floor Chicago, IL 60603-5517

Eligibility Category	Filing Address
(a)(17) Spouse of an E-1/E-2 treaty trader or investor, or Spouse of an E-3 certain specialty occupation professional from Australia	Go to USCIS Lockbox Filing Locations Chart For Certain Non-Family-Based Forms page. Filing address depends on the state of your residence.
(a)(18) – Spouse of an L-1 intracompany transferee	Go to USCIS Lockbox Filing Locations Chart For Certain Non-Family-Based Forms page. Filing address depends on the state of your residence.
(c)(12) – Spouse of an E-2 CNMI Investor	Go to USCIS Lockbox Filing Locations Chart For Certain Non-Family-Based Forms page. Filing address depends on the state of your residence.
(c)(17)(i) – B-1 nonimmigrant who is the personal or domestic servant of a nonimmigrant employer	Go to USCIS Lockbox Filing Locations Chart For Certain Non-Family-Based Forms page. Filing address depends on the state of your residence.
(c)(17)(ii) – B-1 nonimmigrant who is a domestic servant of a U.S. citizen	Go to USCIS Lockbox Filing Locations Chart For Certain Non-Family-Based Forms page. Filing address depends on the state of your residence.
(c)(17)(iii) – B-1 nonimmigrant employed by a foreign airline	Go to USCIS Lockbox Filing Locations Chart For Certain Non-Family-Based Forms page. Filing address depends on the state of your residence.
(c)(26) – H-4 spouse of an H-1B nonimmigrant, and the receipt number of your H-1B principal spouse’s most recent Form I-797, Notice of Action, for Form I-129 begins with EAC or LIN or MCT	USCIS Dallas Lockbox U.S. Postal Service (USPS): USCIS Attn: H4 P.O. Box 660921 Dallas, TX 75266-0921 FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries: USCIS Attn: H4 (Box 660921) 2501 S. State Hwy. 121 Business Suite 400 Lewisville, TX 75067-8003
(c)(26) – H-4 spouse of an H-1B nonimmigrant, and the receipt number of your H-1B principal spouse’s most recent Form I-797, Notice of Action, for Form I-129 begins with WAC or SRC or IOE	USCIS Phoenix Lockbox U.S. Postal Service (USPS): USCIS Attn: H4 P.O. Box 20400 Phoenix, AZ 85036-0400 FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries: USCIS Attn: H4 (Box 20400) 2108 E. Elliot Rd. Tempe, AZ 85284-1806
(c)(35) – Principal beneficiary of an approved employment-based immigrant petition who is facing compelling circumstances	Go to USCIS Lockbox Filing Locations Chart For Certain Non-Family-Based Forms page. Filing address depends on the state of your residence.
(c)(36) – Dependent spouse or unmarried child of a principal beneficiary of an employment-based immigrant petition who is facing compelling circumstances	Go to USCIS Lockbox Filing Locations Chart For Certain Non-Family-Based Forms page. Filing address depends on the state of your residence.

Asylees/refugees and their spouses and children

Eligibility Category	Filing Address
(a)(3) – Refugee	Go to USCIS Lockbox Filing Locations Chart For Certain Non-Family-Based Forms page. Filing address depends on the state of your residence.
(a)(4) – Paroled as a refugee	Go to USCIS Lockbox Filing Locations Chart For Certain Non-Family-Based Forms page. Filing address depends on the state of your residence.
(a)(5) – Asylee (Granted asylum)	Go to USCIS Lockbox Filing Locations Chart For Certain Non-Family-Based Forms page. Filing address depends on the state of your residence.
(c)(8) – Asylum or withholding of removal applicants except ABC class members as outlined below. Do not submit Form I-765 together with Form I-589.	USCIS Dallas Lockbox U.S. Postal Service (USPS): USCIS Attn: I-765 C08 P.O. Box 650888 Dallas, TX 75265-0888 FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries: USCIS Attn: I-765 C08 (Box 650888) 2501 S. State Hwy. 121 Business Suite 400 Lewisville, TX 75067-8003
(c)(8) – Asylum applicants allowed to file Form I-589 under special ABC filing instructions may file Form I-589 together with Form I-765. Registered “ABC class members” who weren’t served with “Notice 5” in July 1995, and missed the requirement to file Form I-589 within the terms of the ABC settlement agreement, will receive and must follow special ABC filing instructions. For more information, visit the American Baptist Churches v. Thornburgh (ABC) Settle Agreement Page	Follow the instructions you will receive in the “Notice 5” letter. Mail your forms to the location indicated in the “Notice 5” letter.

Eligibility Category	Filing Address
F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT): (c)(3)(A), Pre-completion OPT (c)(3)(B), Post-completion OPT (c)(3)(C), 24-month extension for an F-1 student who has received a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) that appears on the STEM designated degree program list published on the SEVP website	If you are filing Form I-765 by itself. USCIS Chicago Lockbox U.S. Postal Service (USPS) USCIS Attn: I-765 C03 P.O. Box 805373 Chicago, IL 60680-5374 FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries: USCIS Attn: I-765 C03 (Box 805373) 131 South Dearborn – 3rd Floor Chicago, IL 60603-5517
	If you are filing Form I-907 for a pending Form I-765. U.S. Postal Service (USPS): USCIS Attn: I-907 P.O. Box 805501 Chicago, IL 60680-4116 FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries: USCIS Attn: I-907 (P.O. Box 805501) 131 South Dearborn, 3rd Floor Chicago, IL 60603-5517 Do not resubmit Form I-765.
	If you are filing Form I-765 with Form I-907. U.S. Postal Service (USPS): USCIS Attn: I-907 P.O. Box 88782 Chicago, IL 60680-1782 FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries: USCIS Attn: I-907 (Box 88782) 131 South Dearborn, 3rd Floor Chicago, IL 60603-5517
(c)(3)(ii) – F-1 offered off-campus employment under the sponsorship of a qualifying international organization	USCIS Chicago Lockbox U.S. Postal Service (USPS): USCIS Attn: I-765 C03 P.O. Box 805373 Chicago, IL 60680-5374 FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries: USCIS Attn: I-765 C03 (Box 805373) 131 South Dearborn – 3rd Floor Chicago, IL 60603-5517
(c)(3)(iii) – F-1 seeking off-campus employment due to severe economic hardship	USCIS Chicago Lockbox U.S. Postal Service (USPS): USCIS Attn: I-765 C03 P.O. Box 805373 Chicago, IL 60680-5374 FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries: USCIS Attn: I-765 C03 (Box 805373) 131 South Dearborn – 3rd Floor Chicago, IL 60603-5517
(c)(5) – Spouse/dependent of J-1 exchange visitor (J-2 nonimmigrant status)	Visit USCIS Lockbox Filing Locations Chart For Certain Non-Family-Based Forms page. Filing address depends on the applicant’s state of residence.
(c)(6) – M-1 student seeking practical training after completing studies	Visit USCIS Lockbox Filing Locations Chart For Certain Non-Family-Based Forms page. Filing address depends on the applicant’s state of residence.

Always verify the filing address on the USCIS Form I-765 Direct Filing Address page before mailing your application to avoid any delays.

Form I-765 Premium Processing

Premium processing is an additional service that shortens the processing time of Form I-765 to 30 business days.

USCIS premium processing fee is $2,805.

Only the following Form I-765 categories are eligible for premium processing:

Category	Description
(c)(3)(A)	F-1 student, pre-completion Optional Practical Training
(c)(3)(B)	F-1 student, post-completion Optional Practical Training
(c)(3)(C)	F-1 student, 24-month extension for STEM Optional Practical Training

If you want to request premium processing, file Form I-907 together with Form I-765 application.

Regular Form I-765 processing time can take anywhere from 2 months to 12 months.

Form I-765 Eligibility Category (c)(9)

Individuals who have filed Form I-485 to adjust their status to lawful permanent residence fall under the (c)(9) category of eligibility.

EADs issued in this category allows applicants to gain lawful employment in the United States while their green card applications are pending.

Form I-765 in the (c)(9) category can be filed together with Form I-485 or after Form I-485 is registered.

It can take anywhere from 2 months to 12 months to receive approval of Form I-765 application in the (c)(9) category.

See Also:

Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

Automatic EAD Extension

Form I-765 Instructions, How to Fill Out

F-1 OPT (Optional Practical Training)

I-765 Form – How to Get a Work Permit and Social Security Number (SSN)

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What is Form I-765?

Who is Eligible to File Form I-765?

Form I-765 Categories

Form I-765 Filing Fee

Who Can File Form I-765 Online?

Form I-765 Filing Address

If You Have a Pending Adjustment of Status Application

Family-based nonimmigrants

Employment-based nonimmigrants

Asylees/refugees and their spouses and children

Foreign students

Form I-765 Premium Processing

Form I-765 Eligibility Category (c)(9)

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