I-765 Supporting Documents

Evidence follows your eligibility category

Form I-765 asks for an eligibility category code such as (c)(9) or (c)(3)(B). That code is the strongest signal for which supporting documents USCIS expects.

Use the I-765 eligibility categories page to understand what the field means, then gather only the evidence the instructions list for that code.

Identity evidence

USCIS generally wants photographs and a way to confirm identity. If you already have an Employment Authorization Document, a copy of that card is usually part of the package. If you do not, another government photo ID can fill that role.

• Passport-style photographs

  Two identical passport-style photographs are listed as required initial evidence for Form I-765.

• Prior EAD or other government photo ID

  Include your last EAD when you have one. Otherwise submit a government ID with your photo, name, and date of birth.

Immigration or status basis

Most categories also need proof of the immigration status, pending case, or temporary benefit behind the request. Common examples include an I-94, passport biographic page, I-797 receipt or approval notice, I-20, asylum filing proof, or TPS evidence.

Which of those apply depends on the category. Do not send every possible status document by default.

Prior employment authorization

Renewal and replacement filings usually need a copy of the prior EAD. An initial application under a new basis can still mention earlier work authorization history on the form, but the evidence package follows the instructions for the current category.

Category-specific evidence examples

These examples come from CivicNest’s curated filing guide for common categories. They are not a complete catalog of every USCIS category.

• Pending I-485 — (c)(9)

  File with Form I-485 or include a copy of the I-485 receipt notice.

• F-1 OPT — (c)(3)(A)/(c)(3)(B)

  Usually includes a Form I-20 signed by your designated school official within the timing the instructions require.

• STEM OPT — (c)(3)(C)

  Adds STEM degree evidence, a recently signed I-20, and employer E-Verify information.

• Pending asylum — (c)(8)

  Needs proof the asylum application was lodged or filed with USCIS or EOIR.

• DACA — (c)(33)

  Filed with Form I-821D and the worksheet USCIS lists for that category.

• TPS — (a)(12) or (c)(19)

  Needs TPS filing or approval evidence plus nationality and identity documents.

• H-4 spouse — (c)(26)

  Needs proof of H-4 status and that the H-1B principal meets the I-140 or time requirements listed in the instructions.

Photographs and translations

Photographs are a baseline item for most I-765 filings. Foreign-language documents need a complete English translation and a translator certification.

Special circumstances

Some categories ask for court dispositions, arrest records, or other additional evidence. The Form I-765 instructions call those situations out by category. If your case involves criminal history, complex employment-based facts, or overlapping immigration filings, read the official instructions carefully and consider qualified legal help. CivicNest is not a law firm.

Official USCIS sources

• USCIS Form I-765
• Form I-765 instructions
• USCIS I-765 evidence checklist
• USCIS Employment Authorization
• USCIS filing fees (G-1055)