How to Apply for a Work Permit

1. Understand what an EAD is

An Employment Authorization Document is the card many people mean when they say work permit. Form I-765 is the USCIS application used to request, renew, or replace that card in the categories the form lists.

Not every person who can work in the United States files Form I-765. Some statuses already authorize employment without a separate EAD. This guide covers the Form I-765 path.

2. Determine whether Form I-765 applies

Form I-765 is for people who need employment authorization in a listed eligibility category, or who need to renew or replace an EAD. If another form or status already covers your work authorization, I-765 may not be the right filing.

Only USCIS decides whether an I-765 should be approved. CivicNest does not make that determination.

3. Identify the applicable eligibility category

Every I-765 filing needs an eligibility category code. That code is the foundation for evidence and fees. Read the official category list, then enter the matching code on the form.

See the I-765 eligibility categories page for how codes are written and what CivicNest currently lists. Do not ask CivicNest to choose the category for you.

4. Gather supporting documents

Common items include photographs, identity evidence, proof of the status or pending case behind your category, translations, and the correct fee or fee exemption. Category-specific evidence can add more.

Use the supporting-documents page and document checklist to organize the package without treating every item as universal.

5. Prepare Form I-765

Complete the form carefully, including the reason for applying and the eligibility category fields. CivicNest walks through those questions and produces a downloadable official PDF for you to review.

6. Review fees and the submission method

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.

Some categories can file online through a USCIS account; others use paper. Preparing the form in CivicNest is not electronic filing with USCIS. See the online-filing page for that distinction.

7. Submit according to USCIS instructions

File the completed form, fee, and evidence through the channel USCIS accepts for your category. Follow the current Form I-765 page and instructions for mailing addresses, online account steps, and any biometrics appointment notices.

8. Keep copies and monitor the case

Keep copies of the form, evidence, payment record, and any receipt notices. Track the case in your USCIS account or with the receipt number USCIS issues.

If you are renewing an EAD, also read the renewal page before you choose the reason for applying.

Official USCIS sources

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