Action steps to apply for US work permit

Step 1
Contact USCIS, 1-800-375-5283 and get a copy of the I-765 or you can file electronically

Step 2
Complete questions 1 through 17 on form I-765 (date/sign and mail to the appropriate USCIS address)

Step 3
Submit these required documents and appropriate filing fee. You can find out filing fee by calling or going to uscis.gov, (you may be able to get filing fee waived if you show economic necessity-you can submit a list of your assets, income, and expenses).

Submit a copy of the form I-94, Arrival-Departure record (front and back)-if you are filing form (I-765) under the (c) (9) category- form I-94 is not required. What is (c) (9) category? This is a renewal of your EAD (employment authorization document) card. This means if you already have an EAD card and you are just renewing it, then you do not need to submit a copy of your I-94.

Send a copy of your Federal Government issued identity document, such as a passport showing your picture, name and date of birth, a birth certificate with photo ID, a visa issued by a foreign consulate, or a national ID document photocopy must clearly show the facial features of the applicant and the biographical information.

Submit two identical color photographs of yourself taken within 30 days of filing your application. The photos must have a white to off-white background, printed on thin paper with a glossy finish, and be unmounted and unretouched. The passport-style photos must be 2” by 2”. The photos must be in color with full face, frontal view on a white to off-white background. Head height should measure 1” to 1-3/8” from top to bottom of chin, and eye height is between 1- 1/8” to 1-3/8” from bottom of photo. Your head must be bare unless you are wearing a headdress as required by a religious order of which you are a member. Lightly print (using a pencil or felt tip pen) write your name and alien receipt number on the back of the photo.

USCIS will mail an EAD card to you if you are approved. If you are denied, USCIS will mail a denial letter to you.

Speak to an attorney to find out if you qualify to file for an EAD card/I-765 for employment in the United States.

If you have any questions about completing the I-765 form or another USCIS form, please post.