Form I-765 Document Checklist
Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, does not use one fixed evidence packet. What you need depends on your eligibility category and whether you are applying for, renewing, or replacing an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Use this checklist as a preparation map, not as a personal eligibility decision.
Based on official USCIS sources
CivicNest editorial. CivicNest is not a law firm and is not affiliated with USCIS.
- Form
- I-765
- Edition
- 08/21/25
- Last reviewed
- September 30, 2026
Build your I-765 checklist
Select the eligibility category you plan to enter on Form I-765. CivicNest uses it to filter the preparation checklist. CivicNest does not choose the category for you.
Need help understanding category codes? Review I-765 eligibility categories
How to use this checklist
Start with the common items. Then add only the category-specific evidence that matches your eligibility code and the Form I-765 instructions. Do not assemble every item on this page.
CivicNest can help you prepare the form. It does not decide which eligibility category applies to you and does not file with USCIS.
Form I-765
Complete the current Form I-765 edition CivicNest supports, including the eligibility category that matches your basis for employment authorization.
Completed Form I-765
Answer every applicable question, including Part 1 reason for applying and the eligibility category fields. Review the PDF before you file.
Commonly required
USCIS lists these as required initial evidence for many Form I-765 filings. Confirm the official evidence checklist and instructions for your category.
Two identical passport-style photographs
USCIS lists passport-style photographs as required initial evidence for Form I-765.
Form I-94, passport, or travel document
A copy of the front and back of Form I-94, an electronic I-94 printout, or your passport or travel document, as the instructions describe.
Last EAD or other government photo ID
If you already have an EAD, include a copy. If you never had one, USCIS generally wants another government ID showing your photo, name, and date of birth.
Correct USCIS filing fee or fee exemption
Current G-1055 scenarios CivicNest tracks include paper $520 · online $470 (other amounts apply in some situations). Many initial, renewal, and replacement filings are $520 on paper and $470 online, but pending I-485, DACA, humanitarian, and fee-exempt situations use other amounts. H.R. 1 initial asylum, parole, or TPS employment authorization fee is $560 when postmarked before October 16, 2026; $570 when postmarked on or after October 16, 2026. This add-on is not the general filing fee. CivicNest does not use today's date as the postmark. H.R. 1 renewal or extension parole EAD fee remains $280. The October 16, 2026 inflation notice did not change it. H.R. 1 renewal or extension asylum applicant EAD fee remains $275. The October 16, 2026 inflation notice did not change it. Confirm Form G-1055 for your category before you pay. CivicNest preparation is not a USCIS filing fee.
Certified English translations
Any document not in English generally needs a complete English translation and a translator certification.
Depends on your eligibility category
These items apply only in some situations. Skip them unless your category and the Form I-765 instructions say they are required.
Pending Form I-485
Pending or concurrent Form I-485
Category (c)(9) generally needs this I-765 filed with Form I-485, or a copy of the I-485 receipt notice.
F-1 OPT and STEM OPT
Form I-20 signed by your DSO
Post-completion OPT generally needs a Form I-20 signed within the timing window the I-765 instructions describe.
STEM degree and E-Verify employer evidence
STEM OPT extension filings generally need the STEM degree, a recently signed I-20, and employer E-Verify information.
Asylum-related categories
Proof your asylum application is pending
Category (c)(8) needs evidence that Form I-589 was lodged or filed with USCIS or EOIR, as the instructions require.
Proof asylum was granted
Category (a)(5) needs evidence such as an I-94 showing asylee status, a USCIS asylum grant letter, an immigration-judge order, or an I-797 granting derivative asylum.
DACA
Form I-821D and I-765 worksheet
Category (c)(33) is filed with Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and the worksheet USCIS lists for that category.
Temporary Protected Status
TPS filing or approval evidence
File with Form I-821 or include proof USCIS accepted or approved your TPS, plus nationality and identity documents the instructions list.
Renewal filings
A renewal is for an EAD that is expiring or expired under the same eligibility basis. Bring your prior EAD and the category-specific evidence the instructions still require. See the I-765 renewal page for the difference between renewal and a new basis.
Final review before submission
Check that the eligibility category on the form matches the evidence you are sending, that names and dates are consistent across documents, and that you are using the current USCIS fee or fee request for your situation.
Keep copies of everything you file. CivicNest helps you prepare the form PDF; you review it and submit it according to USCIS instructions.
Official USCIS sources
Free during Alpha
USCIS filing fees are separate.