Information on work permits for asylum seekers – USCIS

Some foreign nationals in the United States may use Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to apply for employment authorization and a Employment Authorization Document. Other foreign nationals whose immigration status allows them to work in the United States without restrictions may also use Form I-765 to request an EAD that demonstrates such authorization.

If you have not yet started the employment authorization application process (EAD), you can begin here by creating a USCIS online account and submitting the I-765 Form. If we approve your application, we will send your work permit to the address you provided in your application. If necessary, you may submit your Form I-765 in printed format instead of filing it online.

After we approve Form I-765, your EAD card will be produced within 2 weeks. We will mail your EAD card via the United States Postal Service (USPS) Priority Mail service.

Make sure that you have the correct mailing address registered with USCIS. If your mailing address changes after you submit your application, you must update your address with USCIS and USPS as soon as possible. If you do not update your address promptly, your case may be delayed, your documents may be lost, and you may have to refile your application and pay the fee.

The time it takes to receive your EAD card may vary based on USPS delivery times. Please allow a total of 30 days from the approval before sending an inquiry to USCIS. We encourage you to use the Online Case Status tool to find your USPS tracking number for the delivery of the EAD card. If you have not received your EAD card within this timeframe, please visit the e-Request – Self-Service Tools page for instructions on how to submit an inquiry. 

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For more information visit: https://www.uscis.gov/i-765

Notice: Noah's Ark is not affiliated with USCIS. This resource is shared for informational and educational purposes only. The information provided does not constitute legal advice and does not replace the guidance of a qualified immigration attorney.