Work Legally in the U.S.

Work Permit (Form I-765)

Apply for Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to work legally in the United States. Complete I-765 service with attorney review and expedite requests when eligible.

$350
Our Fee (Attorney Included)
$260-$520
Government Fee
2-5 mo
Processing Time

Get Work Authorization

  • Attorney Review Included
  • Complete I-765 Preparation
  • Expedite Request (if eligible)
  • Renewal Assistance
Schedule Free Consultation

Important 2025 Work Permit Updates

  • Fee Increase: I-765 fees increased April 1, 2024: $470 for online filing (recommended), $520 for paper filing. Fee is $260 if filed with pending I-485 adjustment of status.
  • Automatic Extension Period Increased: Effective January 13, 2025, automatic extension period increased from 180 days to 540 days for qualifying categories. This helps bridge gaps while renewals process.
  • Additional H.R. 1 Fees Starting July 22, 2025: New supplemental fees apply for certain employer-based work permits. Does not affect most individual applications.
  • Processing Times: Initial applications: 2-5 months. Renewals: ~2 months average. File 120-180 days before current EAD expires to avoid gaps.

Who Can Apply for a Work Permit?

Multiple eligibility categories—each with different requirements

Pending I-485 (AOS)

Filed adjustment of status application (green card). Most common category.
Fee: $260 (reduced rate)

Asylum Applicants

Filed affirmative asylum or pending asylum case. Can apply 150 days after filing (receive 30 days later).

F-1 Students (OPT)

Optional Practical Training for F-1 students after graduation. Pre-completion or post-completion OPT.

H-4 Dependents

Spouses of H-1B visa holders (if H-1B holder has approved I-140 or in 6th year extension).

DACA Recipients

Approved Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Must renew every 2 years.

TPS Beneficiaries

Temporary Protected Status holders from designated countries. Work authorization included with TPS.

L-2 & E-2 Dependents

Spouses of L-1 (intracompany transferees) and E-2 (treaty investors) visa holders.

K-1/K-2 Visa Holders

Fiancé visa holders and their children can apply after entering the U.S.

Other Categories

J-2 dependents, parolees, withholding of removal, deferred enforced departure, and more.

Not Sure If You Qualify?

Form I-765 has over 30 eligibility categories, each with specific requirements. Schedule a free consultation and we'll determine your eligibility, identify the correct category code, and prepare your application correctly.

What's Included in Our $350 Service

Complete work permit application support

I-765 Application Preparation

  • Complete Form I-765
  • Correct eligibility category
  • Document compilation
  • Accuracy verification

Attorney Document Review

  • Licensed attorney review
  • Eligibility verification
  • Legal strategy
  • Personalized guidance

Expedite Request (if eligible)

  • Eligibility assessment
  • Request preparation
  • Supporting documentation
  • Follow-up

Renewal Assistance

  • Renewal timeline tracking
  • Automatic extension guidance
  • Deadline reminders
  • Updated documents

Ongoing Support

  • USCIS correspondence
  • RFE response assistance
  • Case status monitoring
  • Email/phone support

SSN & Employment Guidance

  • Social Security card application
  • I-9 employment verification
  • Work authorization limits
  • Employer communication

The Work Permit Process: Step by Step

Your journey to legal employment authorization

1

Consultation & Eligibility Determination

Day 1

Free consultation to determine your eligibility category (there are 30+ categories), verify requirements, and create your application strategy.

2

Document Collection

Week 1

Gather required documents: passport, I-94, underlying petition approval (if applicable), passport photos, and category-specific documents.

3

Prepare Form I-765

Week 1-2

Complete Form I-765 with correct eligibility category code. Our attorney reviews for accuracy and completeness.

4

File Application with USCIS

Week 2

Submit I-765 online ($470) or by paper ($520). If with pending I-485, fee is only $260. Receive receipt notice with case number.

5

Biometrics Appointment (if required)

2-6 weeks after filing

Some categories require biometrics appointment for fingerprinting. Others reuse previous biometrics or are waived.

6

USCIS Processing

2-5 months

USCIS reviews application. Average processing: initial applications 2-5 months, renewals ~2 months. We monitor your case.

7

EAD Card Issued

2-5 months total

Receive Employment Authorization Document (EAD card) by mail. Typically valid for 1-2 years depending on category.

8

Apply for Social Security Number

After EAD received

Visit Social Security office with EAD card and documents to apply for SSN (if don't have one). Needed for employment and taxes.

9

Start Working Legally

After EAD received

Present EAD card to employer for I-9 employment verification. Can work for any U.S. employer.

10

Plan for Renewal

120-180 days before expiry

File I-765 renewal 120-180 days before current EAD expires. Automatic 540-day extension available for qualifying categories.

Required Documents Checklist

Documents vary by eligibility category

Required for All Applicants

  • Completed Form I-765
  • Copy of passport (biographical pages)
  • Copy of I-94 arrival/departure record
  • Two passport-style photos
  • Copy of previous EAD (if renewal)
  • Filing fee ($260-$520 depending on category)

For Pending I-485 Applicants

  • Copy of I-485 receipt notice
  • Copy of underlying petition approval (I-130, I-140)
  • Evidence I-485 is still pending
  • Reduced fee of $260

For Asylum Applicants

  • Copy of asylum application receipt
  • Evidence 150 days have passed since filing
  • Copy of asylum interview notice (if applicable)
  • Any correspondence from asylum office

For F-1 Students (OPT)

  • Copy of Form I-20 with OPT recommendation
  • Copy of I-94
  • Copy of F-1 visa
  • Proof of degree completion (or near completion)
  • Must file within 30 days of DSO recommendation

For H-4, L-2, E-2 Dependents

  • Copy of principal visa holder's approval notice
  • Copy of your dependent visa
  • Copy of marriage certificate (for spouses)
  • Proof of principal's status (I-94, visa)

For DACA/TPS Applicants

  • Copy of DACA or TPS approval notice
  • Evidence of continuous eligibility
  • Updated passport photos
  • For DACA: must renew 120-150 days before expiry

Important Tips

  • • File online for faster processing and lower fees ($470 vs $520)
  • • For renewals, file 120-180 days before current EAD expires
  • • Qualifying categories get automatic 540-day extensions (effective Jan 13, 2025)
  • • Keep copies of everything you submit to USCIS
  • • SSN application is separate—visit Social Security office after receiving EAD

Avoid These Work Permit Mistakes

Common errors that delay or deny I-765 applications

Wrong Eligibility Category

Selecting incorrect category code on Form I-765. There are 30+ categories—each has different requirements and documentation.

RFE or denial

Filing Too Late

Not filing renewal 120-180 days before expiration. This causes gaps in work authorization and potential job loss.

Gap in work authorization

Incorrect Fee

Paying wrong amount. Fee is $470 online, $520 paper, or $260 if with pending I-485. Some categories are fee-exempt.

Application rejected

Missing Supporting Documents

Not including required category-specific documents like underlying petition approval, I-20, asylum receipt, etc.

RFE or denial

Working Before EAD Received

Starting employment before receiving physical EAD card. Receipt notice alone does not authorize work (except specific categories).

Unauthorized employment, jeopardizes future applications

Not Tracking Expiration

Letting EAD expire without filing renewal. Some categories lose eligibility if gap occurs.

Loss of work authorization and potentially status

How We Ensure Your Success

With attorney review, we select the correct eligibility category, calculate fees accurately, include all required documents, file at the optimal time, and track your renewal dates. Our systematic approach minimizes delays and maximizes approval.

Get Expert Work Permit Help

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a work permit in 2025?
Initial I-765 applications typically take 2-5 months to process. Renewals average about 2 months. Processing time varies by USCIS service center and eligibility category. Some categories (like pending I-485) may process faster. Expedite requests are available for severe financial loss or emergent circumstances.
What are the I-765 fees in 2025?
Filing fees as of April 1, 2024: $470 for online filing (recommended), $520 for paper filing, or $260 if filed with pending I-485 adjustment of status. Some categories (asylum applicants, TPS initial registration) are fee-exempt. Our attorney-reviewed service fee is $899.
Can I work while waiting for my EAD?
Generally, no. You must wait for physical EAD card before starting employment. The receipt notice does NOT authorize work (except very specific categories with automatic extensions). Working before receiving EAD is unauthorized employment and can jeopardize future immigration applications. Exception: If you have existing valid work authorization, you can continue working.
What is the 540-day automatic extension?
Effective January 13, 2025, certain I-765 renewal applicants receive automatic 540-day EAD extensions (up from 180 days). This applies if you: 1) timely filed renewal (before expiry), 2) filed under same category, and 3) category qualifies. The extension allows you to keep working while renewal is processed. Applies to categories (c)(9) pending I-485, (c)(8) asylum, and others.
Do all work permit categories get automatic extensions?
No. Only specific categories qualify for automatic extensions. Common qualifying categories: (c)(9) pending I-485, (c)(8) asylum-based, (c)(10) withholding of removal. DACA renewals do not get automatic extensions—must file 120-150 days before expiry. We help determine if your category qualifies.
Can I expedite my I-765 application?
Yes, but only if you meet specific criteria: 1) severe financial loss to company or person, 2) emergent situation, 3) humanitarian reasons, 4) nonprofit furthering U.S. cultural/social interests, or 5) USCIS error. Expedites are granted at USCIS discretion. Medical emergencies, urgent family matters, or job loss threats may qualify. We assess eligibility and prepare compelling expedite requests.
What if my EAD expires before renewal is approved?
If you filed timely renewal and qualify for automatic extension, you can continue working for up to 540 days using your expired EAD + receipt notice. If you don't qualify for automatic extension, you must stop working when EAD expires. File renewals 120-180 days before expiration to avoid gaps. Some employers may require updated documentation—we provide guidance.
Can my work permit be denied?
Yes. Common denial reasons: no longer eligible for category, missing documentation, incorrect fee, underlying petition denied/revoked, criminal issues, or unauthorized employment history. If denied, you may be able to file motion to reconsider/reopen or reapply if still eligible. Our attorney review prevents most denial issues.
Do I need a Social Security Number with my EAD?
You need an SSN to work legally and pay taxes. If you don't have one, apply at your local Social Security office after receiving EAD. Bring: EAD card, passport, I-94, and Form SS-5. SSN typically issues within 2 weeks. You can request SSN on I-765 form, but it's often faster to apply in person. We provide SSN application guidance.
Can I work for any employer with an EAD?
Yes, with few exceptions. EAD allows unrestricted employment—any employer, any field, any location in the U.S. You can work multiple jobs, be self-employed, or start a business. Exception: Certain nonimmigrant visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1) are employer-specific even if you have EAD. We advise on any restrictions.

Transparent Pricing Breakdown

Complete cost breakdown—no hidden fees

Complete Work Permit Package

$350

Our Attorney-Reviewed Service Fee

What You Pay Us ($350):

  • Complete Form I-765 preparation
  • Eligibility category determination
  • Licensed attorney document review
  • Supporting documentation compilation
  • Expedite request (if eligible)
  • Renewal timeline tracking
  • USCIS correspondence & RFE responses
  • SSN application guidance

Government Fees (Paid to USCIS):

Online Filing (recommended):$470
Paper Filing:$520
With Pending I-485:$260

*Some categories (asylum, initial TPS) are fee-exempt

Total Investment:

Standard (Online):$820
With Pending I-485:$610

Payment Options: We offer flexible payment plans for our $350 service fee. Government fees are paid directly to USCIS when filing (or fee-exempt for certain categories). Ask about our payment options during your free consultation.

Ready to Get Your Work Permit?

Start your I-765 application with expert guidance. Work legally in the United States with confidence.

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Legal Disclaimer: This page provides general information about the I-765 work permit process. It is not legal advice. Processing times, fees, and requirements are subject to change by USCIS. Individual cases and eligibility categories vary significantly. Approval is not guaranteed. Schedule a consultation for personalized assessment of your specific situation.