The I-765 form is an application for employment authorization in the United States. This form allows individuals to request permission to work legally while they navigate their immigration status. Understanding the I-765 process is crucial for those seeking to secure their right to employment; take the first step by filling out the form below.
The I-765 form, officially known as the Application for Employment Authorization, serves a critical function for individuals seeking permission to work in the United States. This form is primarily used by non-citizens who are eligible to apply for employment authorization based on their immigration status. Applicants can select various reasons for applying, including initial requests for work authorization, renewals of existing permissions, or replacements of lost or damaged employment authorization documents. The form requires detailed personal information, such as the applicant's full legal name, mailing address, and immigration status. Additionally, it includes sections to disclose any previous filings of the I-765, as well as questions regarding criminal history and lawful entry into the U.S. The form also prompts applicants to provide information about their eligibility category, which determines their qualifications for employment authorization. Furthermore, the I-765 includes an applicant's statement, contact information, and a declaration that certifies the accuracy of the provided information. A careful and complete submission of this form is essential, as incomplete applications may lead to denial by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Application For Employment Authorization
USCIS
Department of Homeland Security
Form I-765
OMB No. 1615-0040
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Expires 07/31/2022
Authorization/Extension
Fee Stamp
Action Block
Valid From
For
Valid Through
Use
Only
Alien Registration Number A-
Remarks
To be completed by an attorney or
Select this box if Form G-28
Attorney or Accredited Representative
Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA)-
is attached.
USCIS Online Account Number (if any)
accredited representative (if any).
►START HERE - Type or print in black ink. Answer all questions fully and accurately. If a question does not apply to you (for example, if you have never been married and the question asks, “Provide the name of your current spouse”), type or print “N/A” unless otherwise directed. If your answer to a question which requires a numeric response is zero or none (for example, “How many children do you have” or “How many times have you departed the United States”), type or print “None” unless otherwise directed.
Part 1. Reason for Applying
I am applying for (select only one box):
1.a. 1.b.
1.c.
Part 2. Information About You
Your Full Legal Name
1.a. Family Name
(Last Name)
1.b. Given Name
(First Name)
1.c. Middle Name
Other Names Used
Provide all other names you have ever used, including aliases, maiden name, and nicknames. If you need extra space to complete this section, use the space provided in Part 6. Additional Information.
2.a.
2.b.
2.c.
3.a.
3.b.
3.c.
4.a.
4.b.
4.c.
Form I-765 Edition 08/25/20
Page 1 of 7
Part 2. Information About You (continued)
Your U.S. Mailing Address
(USPS ZIP Code Lookup)
5.a. In Care Of Name (if any)
5.b.
Street Number
and Name
5.c.
Apt.
Ste.
Flr.
5.d.
City or Town
5.e.
State
5.f.
ZIP Code
6.Is your current mailing address the same as your physical
address?
Yes
No
NOTE: If you answered “No” to Item Number 6.,
provide your physical address below.
U.S. Physical Address
7.a.
7.b.
7.c.
7.d.
7.e.
Other Information
8.Alien Registration Number (A-Number) (if any)
► A-
9.USCIS Online Account Number (if any)
►
10. Gender
Male
Female
11.Marital Status
Single
Married
Divorced
Widowed
12.Have you previously filed Form I-765?
Yes No
13.a. Has the Social Security Administration (SSA) ever officially issued a Social Security card to you?
NOTE: If you answered “No” to Item Number 13.a., skip to Item Number 14. If you answered “Yes” to Item Number 13.a., provide the information requested in Item
Number 13.b.
13.b. Provide your Social Security number (SSN) (if known).
14.Do you want the SSA to issue you a Social Security card? (You must also answer “Yes” to Item Number 15., Consent for Disclosure, to receive a card.)
NOTE: If you answered “No” to Item Number 14., skip to Part 2., Item Number 18.a. If you answered “Yes” to Item Number 14., you must also answer “Yes” to Item
Number 15.
15.Consent for Disclosure: I authorize disclosure of information from this application to the SSA as required for the purpose of assigning me an SSN and issuing me a
Social Security card.
NOTE: If you answered “Yes” to Item Numbers
14.- 15., provide the information requested in Item Numbers 16.a. - 17.b.
Father's Name
Provide your father's birth name.
16.a. Family Name (Last Name)
16.b. Given Name (First Name)
Mother's Name
Provide your mother's birth name.
17.a. Family Name (Last Name)
17.b. Given Name (First Name)
Your Country or Countries of Citizenship or Nationality
List all countries where you are currently a citizen or national. If you need extra space to complete this item, use the space provided in Part 6. Additional Information.
18.a. Country
18.b. Country
Page 2 of 7
Place of Birth
List the city/town/village, state/province, and country where you were born.
19.a. City/Town/Village of Birth
19.b. State/Province of Birth
19.c. Country of Birth
20. Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
Information About Your Last Arrival in the United States
21.a. Form I-94 Arrival-Departure Record Number (if any)
21.b. Passport Number of Your Most Recently Issued Passport
21.c. Travel Document Number (if any)
21.d. Country That Issued Your Passport or Travel Document
21.e. Expiration Date for Passport or Travel Document (mm/dd/yyyy)
22.Date of Your Last Arrival Into the United States, On or
About (mm/dd/yyyy)
23.Place of Your Last Arrival Into the United States
24.Immigration Status at Your Last Arrival (for example, B-2 visitor, F-1 student, or no status)
25.Your Current Immigration Status or Category (for example, B-2 visitor, F-1 student, parolee, deferred action, or no status or category)
26.Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Number (if any)
►N-
Information About Your Eligibility Category
27.Eligibility Category. Refer to the Who May File Form I-765 section of the Form I-765 Instructions to determine the appropriate eligibility category for this application.
Enter the appropriate letter and number for your eligibility category below (for example, (a)(8), (c)(17)(iii)).
(
) (
)
28.(c)(3)(C) STEM OPT Eligibility Category. If you entered the eligibility category (c)(3)(C) in Item Number 27., provide the information requested in Item Numbers 28.a. - 28.c.
28.a. Degree
28.b. Employer's Name as Listed in E-Verify
28.c. Employer's E-Verify Company Identification Number or a Valid E-Verify Client Company Identification Number
29.(c)(26) Eligibility Category. If you entered the eligibility category (c)(26) in Item Number 27., provide the receipt number of your H-1B spouse's most recent Form I-797 Notice for Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker.
30.(c)(8) Eligibility Category If you entered the eligibility category (c)(8) in Item Number 27., provide the information requested in Item Numbers 30.a. - 30.g.
30.a. Have you EVER been arrested for, and/or charged with, and/or convicted of any crime in any country?
NOTE: If you answered “Yes” to Item Number 30.a., refer to Special Filing Instructions for Those With Pending Asylum Applications (c)(8) of the Form I-765 Instructions for information about providing court dispositions.
30.b. Did you enter the United States lawfully through a U.S. port of entry and were you inspected and admitted or paroled after inspection by an immigration officer? (If you answer “Yes,” you MUST provide evidence of your lawful entry.)
30.c. If you answered “No” to Item Number 30.b., did you present yourself to the Secretary of Homeland Security or his or her delegate (DHS) within 48 hours of entry or attempted entry AND express an intention to seek asylum within the United States or express a fear of persecution
or torture in your home country?
Page 3 of 7
If you answered “Yes” to Item Number 30.c., provide the following information:
30.d. Date you presented yourself to DHS
30.e. Location where you presented yourself to DHS
30.f. Country of claimed persecution
30.g. Provide an explanation for why you did not enter the United States lawfully through a U.S. port of entry. If you need extra space to complete this item, use the space provided in Part 6. Additional Information.
NOTE: Refer to the Special Filing Instructions for Those With Pending Asylum Applications (c)(8) section of the Form
I-765 Instructions for more information.
31.a. (c)(35) and (c)(36) Eligibility Category. If you entered the eligibility category (c)(35) in Item Number 27., please provide the receipt number of your Form I-797 Notice for Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker. If you entered the eligibility category (c)(36) in Item Number
27., please provide the receipt number of your spouse's or parent's Form I-797 Notice for Form I-140.
31.b. If you entered the eligibility category (c)(35) or (c)(36) in Item Number 27., have you EVER been arrested for
and/or convicted of any crime?
NOTE: If you answered “Yes” to Item Number 31.b., refer to Employment-Based Nonimmigrant Categories, Items 8. - 9., in the Who May File Form I-765 section of the Form I-765 Instructions for information about providing court dispositions.
Part 3. Applicant's Statement, Contact
Information, Declaration, Certification, and
Signature
NOTE: Read the Penalties section of the Form I-765 Instructions before completing this section. You must file Form I-765 while in the United States.
Applicant's Statement
NOTE: Select the box for either Item Number 1.a. or 1.b. If applicable, select the box for Item Number 2.
1.a. I can read and understand English, and I have read and understand every question and instruction on this application and my answer to every question.
1.b. The interpreter named in Part 4. read to me every question and instruction on this application and my answer to every question in
,
a language in which I am fluent, and I understood everything.
2. At my request, the preparer named in Part 5.,
prepared this application for me based only upon information I provided or authorized.
Applicant's Contact Information
3.Applicant's Daytime Telephone Number
4.Applicant's Mobile Telephone Number (if any)
5.Applicant's Email Address (if any)
6. Select this box if you are a Salvadoran or Guatemalan national eligible for benefits under the ABC settlement agreement.
Applicant's Declaration and Certification
Copies of any documents I have submitted are exact photocopies of unaltered, original documents, and I understand that USCIS may require that I submit original documents to USCIS at a later date. Furthermore, I authorize the release of any information from any and all of my records that USCIS may need to determine my eligibility for the immigration benefit that I seek.
I furthermore authorize release of information contained in this application, in supporting documents, and in my USCIS records, to other entities and persons where necessary for the administration and enforcement of U.S. immigration law.
Page 4 of 7
Signature (continued)
I understand that USCIS may require me to appear for an appointment to take my biometrics (fingerprints, photograph, and/or signature) and, at that time, if I am required to provide biometrics, I will be required to sign an oath reaffirming that:
1)I reviewed and understood all of the information contained in, and submitted with, my application; and
2)All of this information was complete, true, and correct at the time of filing.
I certify, under penalty of perjury, that all of the information in my application and any document submitted with it were provided or authorized by me, that I reviewed and understand all of the information contained in, and submitted with, my application and that all of this information is complete, true, and correct.
Applicant's Signature
7.a. Applicant's Signature
7.b. Date of Signature (mm/dd/yyyy)
NOTE TO ALL APPLICANTS: If you do not completely fill out this application or fail to submit required documents listed in the Instructions, USCIS may deny your application.
Part 4. Interpreter's Contact Information, Certification, and Signature
Interpreter's Mailing Address
3.d.
3.e.
3.f.
Province
3.g.
Postal Code
3.h.
Country
Interpreter's Contact Information
4.Interpreter's Daytime Telephone Number
5.Interpreter's Mobile Telephone Number (if any)
6.Interpreter's Email Address (if any)
Provide the following information about the interpreter.
Interpreter's Full Name
1.a. Interpreter's Family Name (Last Name)
1.b. Interpreter's Given Name (First Name)
2.Interpreter's Business or Organization Name (if any)
Interpreter's Certification
I certify, under penalty of perjury, that:
I am fluent in English and
which is the same language specified in Part 3., Item Number 1.b., and I have read to this applicant in the identified language every question and instruction on this application and his or her answer to every question. The applicant informed me that he or she understands every instruction, question, and answer on the application, including the Applicant's Declaration and Certification, and has verified the accuracy of every answer.
Interpreter's Signature
7.a. Interpreter's Signature
Page 5 of 7
Part 5. Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature of the Person Preparing this Application, If Other Than the Applicant
Provide the following information about the preparer.
Preparer's Full Name
1.a. Preparer's Family Name (Last Name)
1.b. Preparer's Given Name (First Name)
2.Preparer's Business or Organization Name (if any)
Preparer's Mailing Address
Preparer's Contact Information
4.Preparer's Daytime Telephone Number
5.Preparer's Mobile Telephone Number (if any)
6.Preparer's Email Address (if any)
Preparer's Statement
I am not an attorney or accredited representative but
have prepared this application on behalf of the
applicant and with the applicant's consent.
I am an attorney or accredited representative and my
representation of the applicant in this case
extends
does not extend beyond the
preparation of this application.
NOTE: If you are an attorney or accredited representative, you need to submit a completed Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, with this application.
Preparer's Certification
By my signature, I certify, under penalty of perjury, that I prepared this application at the request of the applicant. The applicant then reviewed this completed application and informed me that he or she understands all of the information contained in, and submitted with, his or her application, including the Applicant's Declaration and Certification, and that all of this information is complete, true, and correct. I completed this application based only on information that the applicant provided to me or authorized me to obtain or use.
Preparer's Signature
8.a. Preparer's Signature
8.b. Date of Signature (mm/dd/yyyy)
Page 6 of 7
Part 6. Additional Information
If you need extra space to provide any additional information within this application, use the space below. If you need more space than what is provided, you may make copies of this page to complete and file with this application or attach a separate sheet of paper. Type or print your name and A-Number (if any) at the top of each sheet; indicate the Page Number, Part Number, and Item Number to which your answer refers; and sign and date each sheet.
1.a.
Family Name
1.b.
Given Name
Middle Name
2.
A-Number (if any) ►A-
Page Number 3.b. Part Number 3.c. Item Number
4.a. Page Number 4.b. Part Number 4.c. Item Number
4.d.
5.a. Page Number 5.b. Part Number 5.c. Item Number
6.a. Page Number 6.b. Part Number 6.c. Item Number
6.d.
7.a. Page Number 7.b. Part Number 7.c. Item Number
Page 7 of 7
Filling out Form I-765 is a crucial step in your journey towards obtaining employment authorization. After completing the form, you will need to gather any required supporting documents and submit your application to the appropriate USCIS office. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you fill out the form accurately.
Once you’ve completed the form, double-check all entries for accuracy. Gather any necessary supporting documents and prepare your application for submission. Following these steps carefully will help ensure a smoother process as you move forward.
Form I-765 is an application used to request employment authorization in the United States. This form is officially known as the Application for Employment Authorization. It allows eligible individuals to apply for permission to work legally while they are in the U.S. This form can be used for various reasons, including initial requests for employment authorization, renewals, and replacements of lost or damaged employment authorization documents.
Eligibility to apply for employment authorization through Form I-765 depends on your immigration status. Some categories of individuals who may apply include:
It is important to check the specific eligibility categories outlined in the instructions for Form I-765 to determine if you qualify.
When submitting Form I-765, you must include several supporting documents. These may include:
It is crucial to review the instructions for Form I-765 carefully to ensure you include all necessary documentation to avoid delays in processing.
The processing time for Form I-765 can vary based on several factors, including the applicant's eligibility category and the current workload of USCIS. Generally, processing times can range from a few months to over six months. Applicants can check the USCIS website for current processing times specific to their category. It's advisable to apply as early as possible, especially if you are seeking employment authorization for a specific opportunity.
Filling out the I-765 form can be a daunting task, and many applicants make mistakes that can delay the process. One common error is not providing complete and accurate information. Each section of the form must be filled out thoroughly. For instance, if a question does not apply to you, simply writing "N/A" is essential. Failing to do this can lead to confusion and potential denial of your application.
Another frequent mistake is neglecting to check the eligibility category. It's crucial to select the correct box that corresponds to your reason for applying. Many applicants inadvertently choose the wrong category, which can complicate their application. Always refer to the instructions to ensure you are selecting the right option for your situation.
Many people also forget to include necessary documentation. When applying for employment authorization, it’s important to attach copies of any required documents, such as your previous employment authorization document if you are renewing your application. Without these attachments, USCIS may reject your application or request additional information, which can significantly slow down the process.
Moreover, not signing the form is a common oversight. An unsigned application is considered incomplete and will not be processed. Always double-check to ensure that you have signed and dated the form before submission. This simple step can save you from unnecessary delays.
Lastly, applicants often overlook the importance of keeping a copy of their completed form and all supporting documents. Having a record of what you submitted can be invaluable if there are any questions or issues later on. It’s a good practice to maintain a personal copy for your records. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can enhance the likelihood of a smooth application process.
When applying for employment authorization in the United States, the Form I-765 is a crucial document. However, there are several other forms and documents that often accompany it to ensure a complete application. Understanding these additional documents can help streamline the process and improve the chances of a successful application.
By preparing these additional documents alongside the Form I-765, applicants can present a comprehensive application. This preparation can significantly enhance the likelihood of a favorable outcome in securing employment authorization.
Things to Do When Filling Out Form I-765:
Things Not to Do When Filling Out Form I-765:
Many people believe that the I-765 form is only needed for those applying for employment authorization for the first time. In reality, this form can also be used for renewals and replacements of lost or stolen documents. It’s essential to understand that you can submit this form multiple times, depending on your circumstances.
Some applicants think they can file the I-765 without attaching any additional documentation. However, it’s crucial to include the necessary supporting documents, such as a copy of your previous employment authorization document, especially for renewals. Failing to provide required documents can lead to delays or denials.
Many individuals mistakenly assume that submitting the I-765 guarantees approval for employment authorization. Approval is not guaranteed, as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will review your application and determine eligibility based on various factors. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that you meet all requirements before applying.
Some applicants believe they can file the I-765 while outside the United States. However, this form must be filed while you are physically present in the U.S. This requirement is crucial, as it affects your eligibility for employment authorization.
Many people think that there is no cost associated with filing the I-765. However, there is typically a filing fee unless you qualify for a fee waiver. It's important to check the current fee structure and any applicable waivers to avoid unexpected costs.
When filling out the Form I-765, which is used to apply for employment authorization in the United States, there are several important points to keep in mind. Understanding these key aspects can help ensure that your application is completed accurately and efficiently.