I-765 Eligibility Categories Explained
Form I-765 asks for an eligibility category code that identifies the legal basis for employment authorization. That code controls evidence, fees, and whether USCIS can approve the application. CivicNest helps you enter the category on the form. It does not determine which eligibility category applies to you.
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
What the eligibility category field is
USCIS identifies your work-authorization basis with a code such as (c)(9) for a pending green-card application or (c)(3)(B) for post-completion OPT. Form I-765 splits that code across letter, number, and optional suffix fields.
The category is not a preference or a CivicNest product setting. It is the classification USCIS uses to evaluate the application.
How category codes are written
Most codes look like (a)(12) or (c)(9). Some have a third part, such as (c)(3)(C) for STEM OPT. Leave the suffix blank when your code has only a letter and number.
Do not copy a friend’s code. Use the category that matches your own status or pending case, based on the Form I-765 instructions and the USCIS employment-authorization page.
Why the category controls evidence and fees
Photographs and identity documents show up often, but category-specific evidence changes. Pending I-485, OPT, asylum, DACA, TPS, and H-4 filings each point to different supporting documents.
Government filing fees also vary by category and filing channel. Confirm Form G-1055 for your situation.
CivicNest does not choose your category
CivicNest can help you search the curated category list while you prepare Form I-765, and it can fill the letter, number, and suffix fields once you select a code.
CivicNest does not determine which eligibility category applies to you. If you are unsure, read the official instructions or speak with a qualified immigration attorney or accredited representative.
Category (a) codes CivicNest currently lists
These short labels come from CivicNest’s curated I-765 eligibility-category list, sourced from USCIS employment-authorization materials. They are reference labels, not advice about your case.
(a)(2)
Lawful temporary resident
(a)(3)
Refugee
(a)(4)
Paroled refugee
(a)(5)
Asylee
(a)(6)
Fiancé(e) (K-1 or K-2 nonimmigrant)
(a)(7)
N-8 or N-9
(a)(8)
Citizen of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, or Palau
(a)(9)
K-3 or K-4
(a)(10)
Withholding of deportation or removal granted
(a)(11)
Deferred Enforced Departure
(a)(12)
Temporary Protected Status granted
(a)(13)
Family Unity Program (Section 301 of the Immigration Act of 1990)
(a)(14)
LIFE Legalization (Section 1504 of the Legal Immigrant Family Equity (LIFE) Act Amendments)
(a)(15)
V visa nonimmigrant
(a)(16)
T-1 nonimmigrant
(a)(17)
Spouse of an E nonimmigrant
(a)(18)
Spouse of an L nonimmigrant
(a)(19)
U-1 nonimmigrant
(a)(20)
U-2, U-3, U-4, or U-5 nonimmigrant
Category (c) codes CivicNest currently lists
The Form I-765 instructions remain the complete source. If a category you need is missing or worded differently, follow the official instructions.
(c)(1)
Spouse/dependent of A-1 or A-2 visa nonimmigrant
(c)(2)
Spouse/dependent of Coordination Council for North American Affairs (E-1) / Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO)
(c)(3)(A)
F-1 student, pre-completion Optional Practical Training
(c)(3)(B)
F-1 student, post-completion Optional Practical Training
(c)(3)(C)
F-1 student, 24-month extension for STEM students
(c)(3)(ii)
F-1 student, off-campus employment sponsored by a qualifying international organization
(c)(3)(iii)
F-1 student, off-campus employment due to severe economic hardship
(c)(4)
Spouse/dependent of G-1, G-3, or G-4
(c)(5)
J-2 spouse or child of J-1 exchange visitor
(c)(6)
M-1 student, Practical Training
(c)(7)
Dependent of NATO-1 through NATO-6
(c)(8)
Asylum application pending, including filings before or after January 4, 1995, exclusion or deportation proceedings, and applications under the ABC Agreement
(c)(9)
Pending adjustment of status under Section 245 of the Act
(c)(10)
Suspension of deportation applicants (filed before April 1, 1997), Cancellation of Removal applicants, or cancellation applicants under NACARA
(c)(11)
Public Interest parolee
(c)(12)
Spouse of an E-2 CNMI investor
(c)(14)
Deferred action
(c)(16)
Creation of record (adjustment based on continuous residence since January 1, 1972)
(c)(17)(i)
B-1 domestic servant of certain nonimmigrants
(c)(17)(ii)
B-1 domestic servant of certain U.S. citizens who are in the United States on a temporary basis
(c)(17)(iii)
Certain B-1 nonimmigrant employees of a foreign airline
(c)(18)
Order of supervision
(c)(19)
Certain pending TPS applicants whom USCIS has determined are prima facie eligible for TPS and who may then receive an EAD as a temporary treatment benefit
(c)(20)
Section 210 legalization (pending I-700)
(c)(21)
S visa nonimmigrant
(c)(22)
Section 245A legalization (pending I-687)
(c)(23)
Irish peace process (Q-2)
(c)(24)
LIFE legalization
(c)(25)
T-2, T-3, T-4, T-5, or T-6 nonimmigrant
(c)(26)
Spouse of an H-1B nonimmigrant
(c)(31)
VAWA self-petitioners with an approved Form I-360
(c)(33)
Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
(c)(35)
Principal beneficiary of an approved employment-based immigrant petition facing compelling circumstances
(c)(36)
Spouse or unmarried child of a principal beneficiary of an approved employment-based immigrant petition facing compelling circumstances
After you know the category
Gather the supporting documents that category requires, then prepare Form I-765. The supporting-documents and checklist pages organize that next step without choosing the category for you.
Official USCIS sources
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