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Apply for a Work Permit (I-765 EAD) · United States

Verified against USCIS Contact Center on May 22, 2026.

Estimated fee
Free
✓ Verified
USCIS fees changed May 6, 2026. Many I-765 categories are FREE when filed with a pending I-485. Others have a base fee + biometric fee. Confirm the exact amount and category eligibility at uscis.gov/feecalculator.
Time
1–2 hours to prep · Typical 3–10 months depending on category and workload total
How to do it
Online · Mail
Free government serviceFree

Do not pay any website to do this for you.

Bring these documents

Step by step

  1. Identify your exact eligibility category code[1]

    The category (e.g. (c)(9), (c)(3)(B), (a)(5)) determines fees, evidence, and processing time. The wrong category code is an automatic rejection.

    Open official page Source: uscis.gov

  2. File online via myUSCIS (fastest)[1]

    Online I-765 is available for many categories. You can upload evidence and respond to RFEs digitally.

    Open myUSCIS → Source: uscis.gov

  3. Confirm the current fee BEFORE paying

    I-765 fees vary by category and filing method. Use the calculator the day you file.

    Fee Calculator →

  4. Attend biometrics if scheduled[6]

    Not all I-765 categories require biometrics; if needed, the notice arrives 2–6 weeks after filing.

    Open official page Source: uscis.gov

  5. Track and receive EAD by mail

    Approved EADs ship by USPS. Update your address through your myUSCIS account (NOT just AR-11) if you move.

    Case status →

Common reasons this gets rejected

  • Wrong category code

    Putting an incorrect eligibility code on Part 2 #1 (e.g. (c)(9) when you're actually F-1 OPT (c)(3)(B)) gets the application rejected with no refund.

  • Filing too early or too late (F-1 OPT)

    OPT applicants must file within 30 days of the DSO recommendation in SEVIS and no earlier than 90 days before program end. Missing the window = denial.

  • Missing biometric fee where required

    Some categories require both a filing fee AND a biometric fee. The calculator shows the combined total — don't underpay.

  • Wrong fee post-May-2026

    Old fee schedules circulate online. Always pull the live amount from uscis.gov/feecalculator.

Talk to a human

USCIS Contact Center

1-800-375-5283

Mon–Fri 8 AM – 8 PM local time

Open the official United States page →

Sources

  1. [1]Form I-765 — USCIS
  2. [2]USCIS Fee Calculator
  3. [3]Case status
  4. [4]myUSCIS
  5. [5]https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/
  6. [6]https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-guidance/preparing-for-your-biometric-services-appointment

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Last verified: May 22, 2026 · Spot something wrong? Report a correction →