What Is the Purpose of This Form?
Certain aliens who are temporarily in the United States may file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to request an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Other aliens who are authorized to work in the United States without restrictions must also use this form to apply to USCIS for a document that shows such authorization. Review Eligibility Categories to determine whether you should use this form.
If you are a lawful permanent resident, a conditional resident, or a nonimmigrant authorized to be employed with a specific employer under 8 CFR 274a.12(b), do not use this form.
Definitions
Employment Authorization Document (EAD): Form I-688, Form I-688A, Form I-688B, Form I-766, or any successor document issued by USCIS as evidence that the holder is authorized to work in the United States.
Renewal EAD: An EAD issued to an eligible applicant upon the expiration of a previous EAD issued under the same category.
Replacement EAD: An EAD issued to an eligible applicant when the previously issued EAD has been lost, stolen, mutilated, or contains erroneous information, such as a misspelled name.
Interim EAD: An EAD issued to an eligible applicant when USCIS has failed to adjudicate an application within 90 days of a properly filed EAD application, or within 30 days of a properly filed initial EAD application based on an asylum application filed on or after January 4, 1995. The interim EAD will be granted for a period not to exceed 240 days and is subject to the conditions noted on the document. The Interim EAD provisions apply to individuals filing Form I-765 based on Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals only after a determination on deferred action is reached.