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I-765 Checklist: Employment Authorization Document Requirements

Immigration Attorney and Employment Authorization Resource

Streamline I-765 Employment Authorization Document (EAD) applications with our comprehensive checklist. For immigration attorneys, paralegals, and applicants filing for work authorization based on DACA, adjustment of status, OPT, L2, H4 EAD, asylum, TPS, or other eligible categories. Ensure complete Form I-765 and I-765WS (when required), supporting evidence, photos, and fees to avoid RFEs and processing delays.

I-765 Checklist: Employment Authorization Document Requirements form template preview

Key Benefits

Cover all I-765 eligibility categories (c)(3)(C), (c)(33), (a)(6), etc.
Ensure Form I-765 and I-765WS are complete and correct
Avoid RFEs and delays with organized evidence
Passport-style photos and fee requirements in one place
Step-by-step document organization by category
Professional immigration workflow

Common Use Cases

Immigration attorneys preparing EAD applicationsParalegals assembling I-765 packages (DACA, AOS, OPT)Applicants self-filing for work authorizationNonprofits and legal aid assisting with I-765Employers and HR supporting L2 or H4 EAD filingsLaw firms handling asylum or TPS work authorization

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Form I-765 used for?
Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) is used to request an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS. Eligibility depends on your immigration status—e.g., DACA, pending adjustment of status, OPT, L2 or H4 EAD, asylum, or TPS. Our checklist helps you gather the right forms and evidence for your category.
When do I need Form I-765WS?
Form I-765WS (Worksheet) is required when the basis for employment authorization requires you to show economic need (e.g., certain DACA and asylum-based filings). USCIS uses it to evaluate need for work authorization. The checklist indicates when to include it.
What supporting documents do I need for I-765?
Requirements vary by eligibility category. Common items include proof of identity (passport, I-94), evidence of status (approval notice, I-797), two passport-style photos, and filing fee or fee waiver. Category-specific evidence (e.g., DACA, pending I-485) is listed in the checklist.
How long does I-765 processing take?
Processing times vary by service center and category. Submitting a complete package with this checklist helps avoid requests for evidence and can reduce delays. Check current USCIS processing times for your form and office.

Checklist

USCIS Forms

Complete Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)
Required

Signed and dated. Use current edition from USCIS. Select correct eligibility category (e.g., (c)(3)(C), (c)(33), (a)(6)).

Complete Form I-765WS (Worksheet) if required for your category

Required for DACA and certain other categories where economic need must be shown. Check eligibility instructions.

Form G-1145 (e-Notification of Application Acceptance)

Optional; allows email/SMS when case is accepted.

Identity Documents

Two identical passport-style photographs
Required

USCIS specs: 2x2 inches, color, white background, taken within 30 days.

Copy of government-issued photo ID (passport or driver's license)
Required

Front and back if both have information. Must be unexpired or show validity.

Status Documents

Copy of I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) or I-94 printout

Required for many noncitizen categories. Get at CBP.gov if needed.

Evidence of current immigration status or eligibility category
Required

Varies by category: e.g., I-797 approval notice, I-485 receipt, DACA approval, asylum grant, TPS designation.

Copy of prior EAD (front and back) if renewing or replacing

Include when filing for renewal or replacement to show previous authorization.

Financial Requirements

Filing fee payment or Form I-912 (Fee Waiver Request)
Required

Check current fee on USCIS website. Some categories or concurrent filing may have no fee or reduced fee.

Supporting Documents

Certified English translation for any document not in English

Translator certification required. Include original or certified copy of non-English document.

Category-specific evidence (see form instructions for your eligibility category)
Required

E.g., I-485 receipt for (c)(9); I-589 or asylum grant for (a)(5); I-797 for (c)(3)(C) OPT; marriage certificate and spouse status for (a)(18) L2/H4 EAD.

USCIS Process

Prepare for biometrics appointment if scheduled
Required

USCIS will send notice. Bring photo ID and appointment notice.