Form I-765 Work Permit (EAD) Guide: Status, Renewal and Replacement

What Is a Work Permit, and How Does Form I-765 Fit In?

In the U.S., a work permit is the Employment Authorization Document (EAD), a photo card proving you may work in the U.S. for a set period. You ask for it on Form I-765, the Application for Employment Authorization, which USCIS decides.

The form and the card are different things

Form I-765 is the application. The card it produces is officially Form I-766, though most people call it an EAD card, a work card or an employment card. Some searches even say "worker permit status".

Where this page fits

This guide covers what the card is, how to check its status, and how to renew or replace it. Other filings are listed in our uscis forms hub. Fees and timing get short summaries here, with links to the pages that cover them in full.

Who Needs a Work Permit in the USA?

You need a work permit if you are not a U.S. citizen or green card holder and your status does not already allow work. Many people get one while another case is pending, such as an adjustment of status, an asylum claim or Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

People who usually do not need one

• U.S. citizens never need an EAD.
• Green card holders use their Form I-551 card to show work permission.
• Many H-1B, L-1 and O-1 workers can work for their sponsor because of their status, not an EAD.

People who often do

• Applicants with a pending Form I-485 green card case
• Asylum applicants and asylees
• TPS holders and some parolees
• Certain spouses of visa holders, such as H-4 and L-2 spouses
• F-1 students on Optional Practical Training (OPT)
• DACA recipients

Which EAD Categories Are Most Common?

Every EAD category is a code, such as (c)(9) or (a)(12), that tells USCIS the legal basis for your request. You enter it in the eligibility box of Form I-765, and it later appears on the card. Using the wrong code is a frequent reason for denial.

Common category codes

The table pairs each common code with who uses it. Find your basis first, then copy the code exactly, including the letters and parentheses, into the form.

How to confirm your code

Read the eligibility list in the official Form I-765 instructions. If you held an EAD before, the code printed on that card is a starting point, but your basis may have changed.

Work Permit vs Green Card vs Visa: What Is the Difference?

A work permit proves temporary permission to work. A green card proves permanent residence, which already includes work rights. A visa is a travel document for entering the U.S. Searches like "employment authorization green card" mix them up. Many people hold two of these at once.

Why an EAD is not a green card

An EAD expires and must be renewed. It does not count toward naturalization time and does not make you a permanent resident. If your green card case is pending, the EAD only covers work until that decision is made.

When a pending I-485 replaces the EAD

If your EAD comes from a pending I-485, approval of that case replaces the EAD with a green card. For card renewals after that, see our green card renewal guide.

Why an EAD is not a visa

An EAD cannot be used to enter the U.S. Travel permission comes from a separate document, explained in our advance parole guide. Leaving the country without that document can end a pending application.

What Changed for Form I-765 in 2025 and 2026?

Four dated changes affect EAD applicants as of October 2026: extensions, the form edition, fees and one exemption. Some are in litigation, so recheck uscis.gov. The biggest one for renewals: most no longer get an automatic extension while pending, with a few exceptions covered in the work-while-pending section below. File renewals early, use the 08/21/25 (the 09/15/26 edition is NOT accepted because of a Sept. 14, 2026 court order) edition, and confirm the fee on the day you file.

The four changes in brief

1. Automatic extension: the up-to-540-day extension ended for renewals filed on or after October 30, 2025.
2. Form edition: 08/21/25 (the 09/15/26 edition is NOT accepted because of a Sept. 14, 2026 court order).
3. Fees: Form G-1055, Edition 10/16/26 took effect October 16, 2026, with new H.R. 1 amounts for some EAD types.
4. Exemption: Ms. L. settlement class: exempt from H.R. 1 parole, parolee-EAD and asylum fees since Feb. 5, 2026.

Which Edition of Form I-765 Does USCIS Accept?

As of October 2026, USCIS accepts only one version: 08/21/25 (the 09/15/26 edition is NOT accepted because of a Sept. 14, 2026 court order). If you file a newer or older edition, USCIS can reject the whole packet and return it.

How to check your copy

• Look at the footer of each page for "Edition 08/21/25".
• Download the form fresh from uscis.gov rather than reusing an old file.
• Do not mix pages from two editions in one application.

What the court order means for you

USCIS says it is following its earlier regulations until the court order changes. For you, the practical rule is simple: use the 08/21/25 edition and recheck the I-765 page before mailing.

How Can I Check My Work Permit Status?

You can check your work permit status with the 13-character receipt number on your Form I-797C notice. Enter it at Case Status Online: egov.uscis.gov, or sign in to your USCIS online account to see the full case history. Both are free.

How can I check the status of my work permit online?

1. Find your receipt number on the Form I-797C receipt notice. The format is 3 letters + 10 digits (13 characters), e.g. EAC2512345678; leave out dashes.
2. Open Case Status Online and enter the number.
3. Read the full update and its date.

If your receipt number will not load

Check for a missing prefix or mistyped character. Our uscis receipt number guide covers other format errors and missing notices. New receipts can take a few days to appear online, so wait about a week before treating it as a problem.

Doing a work permit check for a family member

Anyone with the receipt number can see the public status, so you can check for a spouse or parent with permission. Only the applicant or a representative can change the case.

Checking Employment Authorization Status in Your USCIS Online Account

A USCIS online account is the best way to check employment authorization status over time. As of October 2026, USCIS describes it as offering Free USCIS online account: case status updates, notices, link paper-filed cases. You can also link a paper-filed case there.

Linking a paper-filed I-765

USCIS mails an Account Access Notice for many paper filings. Use the code on it to add the case to your account. Our uscis online account number guide explains how that number differs from your receipt number.

How Can I Track My Work Permit by Phone or Mail?

You can track a work permit case by phone through the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283, and by mail through the paper notices USCIS sends. Phone agents see the same record you see online, so call when you need an explanation or a service request, not just the status. Have the receipt number ready.

Calling the Contact Center

Live calls and chat: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern. Callers abroad use 212-620-3418 (callers outside the U.S.), and the hearing-impaired line is TTY: 800-767-1833. Our uscis contact number page explains the phone menus.

Using mailed notices to track progress

Each notice for your EAD case repeats the same receipt number. If a notice and the online status ever disagree, follow the notice. Keep every notice in one folder by date.

Watching for the card with USPS Informed Delivery

For mail-based tracking of the card itself, sign up for USPS Informed Delivery at your address. It previews incoming letter mail, so you can spot the USCIS envelope early. The service is free.

Form I-765 Status Sequence: From Receipt to Card

Most Form I-765 cases move through the same status updates in the same order: receipt, biometrics if needed, review, decision, card production and mailing. The order shows whether your case is moving normally. A skipped step, such as no biometrics notice, is usually fine.

Status sequence table

Use the table to place your latest update in the normal order. The takeaway: an approval is followed by production and mailing before the card is actually in your hands.

When the order looks different

Some renewals reuse earlier biometrics, so they skip the appointment step. A step that seems missing is not a problem by itself; only a long stall past the official time calls for action.

What Does Each I-765 Status Update Mean?

Each I-765 status update describes the last action USCIS recorded. "Case Was Received" means acceptance, "Case Was Approved" means your EAD request was granted, and "Card Was Mailed To Me" means the card left the production facility. Read the full message text.

Updates early in the case

• Case was received: your packet passed intake and has a receipt number.
• Case is being actively reviewed: an officer has the file, though it may not mean a decision is close.

Updates near the end

When the status reads new card is being produced, the approval is final and printing has begun. The case was approved and card was mailed to me pages explain what to expect next.

Work Permit Status for Pending Green Card Applicants

If you filed Form I-765 with or after a Form I-485, your EAD request is a separate case with its own receipt number. It can be decided before or after the green card. Track both receipt numbers rather than assuming they move together.

Family and employment cases

The EAD process is the same whether the green card is family-based or employment-based. Family cases start with the Form I-130 petition, while many job-based cases start with a form i 140 filed by the employer.

Is There a Reduced EAD Fee for Pending Green Card Applicants?

Yes. Adjustment applicants use category (c)(9). As of October 16, 2026, the fee schedule gives a reduced I-765 fee to applicants whose I-485 was filed on or after April 1, 2024 and is still pending: $260. Our i 485 guide covers the green card case itself.

How to File Form I-765: Step-by-Step Overview

To file Form I-765, confirm your category, download the 08/21/25 edition, gather photos and evidence, pay the correct fee and submit online or by mail. Online filers upload the same evidence instead of mailing copies. Before you send anything, compare the category code on the form with the evidence you attach, since a mismatch is the most avoidable error.

Preparing the I-765 packet

1. Confirm eligibility and your category code.
2. Download the form and instructions from uscis.gov.
3. Gather evidence, such as ID, I-94 and your current or most recent EAD.

Paper filers then sign in ink and mail the packet to the address listed for their category.

Paying, submitting and saving the receipt

4. Pay the base fee plus any H.R. 1 add-on that applies.
5. Submit online if your category allows it, or mail to the address in the instructions.
6. Save the receipt notice when it arrives.

Filing with another form

Some people file Form I-765 in the same packet as another application, such as an I-485 or an I-821D. Each form still gets its own fee line and receipt number. Keep a list showing which receipt belongs to which form.

Form I-765 Filing Checklist You Can Copy

This filing checklist covers the items most often missing from a work permit packet. Missing items cause most rejections. Go through it twice: once while gathering documents and once just before sealing the envelope or pressing submit online. Each unchecked item is a likely reason for a returned packet.

Form, photos and ID

• Form I-765, edition 08/21/25, every page
• Correct eligibility category in the category box
• Two identical passport-style photos, name written lightly on the back
• Copy of your government ID (passport or prior EAD, front and back)
• Copy of your I-94 record or status document, if relevant

Evidence, payment and signature

• Evidence for your category (receipt of the linked case, approval, SEVIS form)
• Payment for the base fee and any H.R. 1 add-on, paid as the instructions require
• Signature in the applicant box
• Optional Form G-1145 for e-notification of acceptance
• A full copy of the packet for your own records

After you send it

Write down the mailing date and tracking number. If you filed online, save the confirmation page as a PDF. Expect the receipt notice in a few weeks by mail, or right away in your account.

Online vs Paper Filing for Form I-765

Many EAD categories can be filed online through a USCIS online account, while others must be filed on paper. Online filing usually costs less and gives you an IOE receipt and digital notices right away. Check the online filing list on uscis.gov first.

Side-by-side comparison

The table sets the two filing channels next to each other. If your category is offered online, that route is usually cheaper and gives faster notices.

Choosing a channel

If your category is offered online, filing there saves money and mail time. If you also need to file a paper-only form in the same packet, it may be simpler to file everything on paper together.

Biometrics and Photos for an EAD

Most first-time EAD applicants attend a biometrics appointment so USCIS can capture fingerprints, a photo and a signature for the card. As of October 2026, USCIS lists: Biometrics included in most fees (separate $30 for TPS I-821 and some EOIR forms).

What to bring

Bring the appointment notice and a valid photo ID. Our biometrics appointment guide explains rescheduling and the visit. Arrive a little early. Missing the visit without rescheduling can lead to denial, so reschedule ahead if you cannot attend.

Photos in the packet

Paper filers still send two passport-style photos. Follow the photo rules in the form instructions, including size, background and recent capture. Write your name and A-Number lightly on the back in pencil.

Renewing Your EAD: When and How

Renewing your EAD means filing a new Form I-765 and selecting the renewal option before your current card expires. Since October 30, 2025, most new renewals do not get an automatic extension, so filing early is now the main way to avoid a gap in work authorization.

How to file the renewal

1. Download the accepted edition and mark "renewal of my permission to accept employment".
2. Use the same category as before, unless your basis changed.
3. Attach a copy of the front and back of your current card.
4. Pay the base fee and any H.R. 1 renewal add-on.

How Early Can You File an EAD Renewal?

USCIS sets the earliest filing date in the form instructions for each category. Read that section before you file, since filing too early can lead to a rejection. Then compare the gap with the expected time on our how long does it take to get a work permit page.

Can I Work While My EAD Renewal Is Pending?

For most renewals filed on or after October 30, 2025, the answer is no once your current card expires. As of October 2026, USCIS states: Ended: renewals filed on or after Oct. 30, 2025 no longer get the up-to-540-day automatic extension (exceptions: TPS by law/Federal Register notice; STEM OPT 180 days). Some workers still have another basis to work, so check your own case.

Who may still keep working

• TPS holders, when a Federal Register notice extends their EADs
• STEM OPT students with a timely extension, for up to 180 days
• People whose extension was granted before October 30, 2025, which USCIS says is not affected
• People whose status itself allows work, such as some H-1B workers

What employers will ask for

Your employer will need valid proof on or before the card's expiration date to keep you working. Without it, many employers must stop your work until a new card arrives.

Automatic Extension Rules After October 30, 2025

The change began as a DHS interim final rule, and the Oct. 14, 2026 final rule (91 FR 65306) made permanent the end of automatic EAD extensions for renewals filed from Oct. 30, 2025. Those renewals no longer receive the up-to-540-day extension, with exceptions for TPS and STEM OPT. Extensions granted before that date remain in effect until they run out.

TPS EADs and the one-year limit

Under H.R. 1, TPS EAD validity is limited to one year or the TPS period, whichever is shorter. Our tps status guide lists the current designations. Plan TPS renewals early, as soon as the filing period opens.

Does an Old I-797C Notice Still Extend Your Work Permit?

Older I-797C renewal notices may mention an automatic extension. That language applies only if you filed before the cutoff and met the rules then. Our EAD automatic extension guide walks through each scenario and shows what an employer can accept.

Replacing a Lost, Stolen or Damaged EAD Card

To replace an employment authorization card that was lost, stolen or damaged, file a new Form I-765 and select the replacement option. You pay the filing fee again in most cases. If the card is wrong because of a USCIS error, you usually ask for a correction without a new fee instead; the table below shows the difference.

Steps for a lost or stolen card

1. If stolen, file a police report and keep a copy.
2. Find any photocopy of the old card and your I-94.
3. File the 08/21/25 edition and mark the replacement box.
4. Track the new receipt as you would any EAD case.

If the card is damaged

Send the damaged card with your application if the instructions ask for it. Do not try to repair or laminate an EAD. Replace it early, since employers may refuse it.

What If Your Work Permit Card Has an Error?

If your work permit card shows a wrong name, birth date or category, contact USCIS quickly and keep the card until told what to do. The form instructions explain how to ask for a corrected card. If the mistake came from your application, you will usually need to file again.

USCIS error vs applicant error

The table shows how fees and steps differ by who made the mistake. If USCIS made the error, you usually do not pay a new fee.

Why to fix it quickly

An error can cause trouble with Form I-9, a driver's license or Social Security records. Employers rely on the card for Form I-9, and a wrong date or category can cost a job. Ask for the correction as soon as you spot the error.

H-4 EAD: Work Authorization for H-1B Spouses

The H-4 EAD lets certain spouses of H-1B workers work in the U.S. It is usually available when the H-1B worker has an approved Form I-140 or has extended H-1B status under specific green card rules. The spouse files Form I-765 under category (c)(26).

Filing with Form I-539

Many H-4 spouses file Form I-765 together with a Form I-539 to extend H-4 status. Each form has its own receipt number. The EAD often cannot be approved until the I-539 is decided, so watch both cases.

Evidence the spouse needs

• Proof of the marriage
• Proof of the spouse's H-4 status, such as an I-94
• Proof of the H-1B worker's qualifying basis, such as the I-140 approval notice

Our h1b visa status guide covers the worker's side of the case.

How Do You Track an H-4 EAD Application?

To track an H-4 EAD, use the receipt number from its own Form I-797C, not the I-539 or the H-1B receipt. Enter it in Case Status Online or your online account. The H-4 EAD often moves on a different timeline from the extension.

Reading the two cases together

If the I-539 is approved but the EAD is not, the card may still be in review. If the EAD shows "Case Was Approved", watch for card production. A long gap past the posted time justifies an inquiry.

OPT EAD for F-1 Students

Optional Practical Training (OPT) gives F-1 students temporary work authorization tied to their field of study. The student files Form I-765 after a Designated School Official (DSO) recommends OPT in SEVIS. The approved card shows category (c)(3)(B) for post-completion OPT.

What the student needs

• A new Form I-20 showing the DSO's OPT recommendation
• Copies of prior I-20s, the I-94 and passport ID page
• Any earlier EADs

Send the I-765 within 30 days of the DSO entering the recommendation in SEVIS, or USCIS can deny it.

When Can F-1 Students File for an OPT Work Permit?

OPT has strict filing windows tied to your program end date and the DSO's recommendation. Your school's international office will give you the exact dates. Filing outside them is a common reason for denial. Ask the DSO early.

Is There a USCIS OPT Portal?

There is no separate "USCIS OPT portal". Students file Form I-765 for OPT through a regular USCIS online account or on paper. The SEVP Portal that students also use is run by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, not USCIS.

Two systems, two jobs

OPT students deal with two separate online systems. The table shows which one handles your application and which one handles employment reporting.

Avoiding look-alike sites

Search results sometimes show paid "OPT portal" services. They cannot speed up a USCIS decision. File only through uscis.gov links or with your school's guidance. Your DSO can confirm the correct links.

STEM OPT and the 180-Day Rule

STEM OPT is an extension of OPT for students with a qualifying science, technology, engineering or math degree. The employer must use E-Verify and sign a training plan. A timely filed STEM OPT extension keeps one of the few remaining automatic extensions, for up to 180 days.

What makes the filing "timely"

The student must file before the current OPT EAD expires and follow the DSO's recommendation dates. If the deadline passes, the 180-day extension does not apply. Check dates carefully.

Using the extension at work

The employer can usually accept the expired OPT card plus the receipt notice for the extension. Confirm with your DSO first. Keep the receipt notice at hand, since the employer may need to update Form I-9.

Asylum, TPS and Parolee EADs Under H.R. 1

H.R. 1 (Public Law 119-21) added extra fees for EADs based on a pending asylum claim, TPS or parole. As of October 16, 2026, those add-ons apply on top of the base fee, change each year, and cannot be waived.

Who is affected

• Asylum applicants filing in category (c)(8), initial or renewal
• TPS holders filing initial or renewal EADs
• Parolees filing for work permission
• Ms. L. settlement class members are exempt from the parolee EAD fee since February 5, 2026

For the asylum case itself, see our asylum status guide.

Paying the add-on correctly

USCIS says H.R. 1 fees must be paid separately from the base fee. If a packet is rejected for a missing fee, the filing date is lost, so check before mailing.

DACA and the (c)(33) Work Permit

DACA recipients get their work permit through Form I-765 under category (c)(33), filed together with the DACA request on Form I-821D. As of October 2026, USCIS states: DACA: renewals processed; initial requests accepted but not processed. The EAD validity follows the DACA grant.

What this means for renewals

A DACA renewal and its EAD are decided together. Our daca status guide covers renewal timing, the court cases and how to check a DACA case. Delays affect both together.

Can You Get an Initial DACA Work Permit Now?

Because initial requests are not being processed, an initial (c)(33) EAD is also on hold. Talk to an immigration attorney or DOJ-accredited representative before you file or pay for an initial request. Paying now means waiting with no decision in sight.

What Does a New EAD Card Show?

A new EAD card shows your photo, name, USCIS number, category code, card number, and the "valid from" and "card expires" dates. Check each one as soon as the card arrives. Errors are easier to fix early, and employers will rely on these fields.

Fields to check on arrival

• Name spelled as on your passport
• Date of birth and country of birth
• Category matching your application
• Expiration date matching what you expected

If any field is wrong, follow the error steps in the section on correcting your card.

Can You Use an EAD Card in the USA as ID?

Many people use the EAD card in the USA to get a Social Security number, a driver's license or a state ID. Form I-765 includes questions that let USCIS share data with the Social Security Administration, which can save a separate office visit.

EAD Processing Time (Summary)

EAD processing time depends on your category and the office handling the case. USCIS posts current estimates at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times. Its last historical factsheet uses data from March 2024, so it is too old to plan around. For recent medians, I-765 (all other categories): median 3.3 months (USCIS data, Apr.-June 2026).

Where to find full timing details

For category-by-category timing and H-4 or OPT estimates, read our page on EAD processing times. That page also explains how to read the official tool's estimates, what the case inquiry date means, and when you can ask USCIS about a slow case.

When timing becomes a status issue

Once your case passes the posted time, you can submit a case inquiry. Before that, most delays are normal. You can submit an 'outside normal processing time' request only after your case inquiry date.

Work Permit Fee Summary for October 2026

The work permit fee depends on your category and how you file. As of October 16, 2026, USCIS Form G-1055 lists the I-765 fee as $520 (paper) / $470 (online); $260 with a pending I-485 filed on or after Apr. 1, 2024. H.R. 1 add-ons: initial asylum-applicant (c)(8) EAD $0 + $570; initial TPS/parolee EAD base fee + $570; renewal TPS/parolee base fee + $280; renewal (c)(8) base fee + $275. Many humanitarian categories pay nothing, while H.R. 1 categories pay extra.

Fee details elsewhere on this site

Payment methods, waivers and the full cost for each category are on our work permit and H-1B visa fees page. The uscis fees hub covers other forms. Check both before paying.

One fee rule to remember

H.R. 1 fees cannot be waived and change every year. Always check the fee schedule on the day you file. A wrong total gets your packet rejected, so recheck the amount just before you pay.

What Should You Do If Your EAD Is Delayed?

If your EAD is delayed, first compare your receipt date with the official processing time for your category. If it is outside that time, take the steps below, ending with a case inquiry. Gather your receipt notice and category code first.

Order of actions

1. Check the processing times tool for your category and office.
2. Sign in to your account and read every notice.
3. Call the Contact Center or use the online inquiry if you are outside normal time.
4. Ask for help from the USCIS Ombudsman or your member of Congress if nothing changes.

If the status has not moved

A status that sits on one step for weeks is common. Our page on case status not updating explains why the online tool can lag behind real work on your file.

Can You Expedite a Work Permit?

Yes, USCIS accepts expedite requests for EAD cases, but only for specific reasons. You make the request through the Contact Center and must back it with evidence. Approval is at USCIS's discretion and is never guaranteed. Ask once, after the receipt notice arrives.

Reasons USCIS considers

• Severe financial loss to you or a company
• An urgent humanitarian situation
• A clear USCIS error that caused the delay

Each reason needs written proof, such as a job offer letter, a medical record or a USCIS notice showing the error.

How to ask

Our uscis expedite request guide lists the evidence to gather and how to describe the urgency. Losing a job offer may count, but "I want it sooner" does not. Make one request only.

What Gets an EAD Application Rejected or Denied?

A rejection means USCIS did not accept the packet, usually because of a wrong edition, a missing fee or a missing signature. A denial means USCIS reviewed the case and decided you are not eligible. A rejection lets you refile quickly.

Common reasons

The table separates problems that stop a packet at the door from those that end in a denial. Rejections are usually fixable by refiling the same week.

After a denial

Read the denial notice for the reason and any appeal or motion rights. Our case was denied explainer covers what that status means, and our i 485 denied page explains options after a decision.

What Happens If the Card Is Mailed but Never Arrives?

If the status says the card was mailed but nothing arrives, check the USPS tracking number shown in the status, look for a delivery notice, and ask your post office. If the post office cannot find it, contact USCIS and confirm the mailing address on file.

Waiting periods to respect

Delivery can take several days after the status changes. Do not refile right away, since a second I-765 costs another fee. Contact USCIS if the card has not arrived after the period they advise.

If the card goes back to USCIS

Our card was returned to uscis page explains how to ask USCIS to resend it, which usually starts with updating your address. Update your address before asking for the resend.

When Should You Get Legal Help With an EAD Case?

Talk to an immigration attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative if your category is unclear, your EAD was denied, you have a criminal record, or your work permission depends on a case in court. This guide is general information, not legal advice.

Situations that call for help

• Asylum, TPS or parole EADs with changing rules
• A denial or a notice of intent to deny
• Gaps in status or unauthorized work in the past

In these cases, see an immigration attorney or DOJ-accredited representative before you file.

Other forms you may face later

Many EAD holders later move to a green card and then to citizenship. When that time comes, our n-400 citizenship application guide explains the next step.

Frequently Asked Questions

casestatuscompass.com is an independent publication and is not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency. This page is general information, not legal advice. For denials, court or asylum matters, consult an immigration attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative.