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Employment Authorization Document (EAD, I-765)

USCIS work-permit card authorizing certain non-citizens to work for a set period. Applied for/renewed via Form I-765.

Do it on the official site

USCIS — uscis.gov/i-765. File online or by mail.

Fees

I-765 $520 paper / $470 online; H.R.1 fee $275 for some asylum/parolee/TPS renewals [confirmed — verify feecalculator]

Processing time

Varies widely by category/service center — check egov.uscis.gov/processing-times (speed now directly affects whether you keep working)

How long it lasts

Typically 1–2 years (some categories up to 5) depending on category

What to know first

  • MAJOR CHANGE: the automatic extension of work authorization for timely-filed renewals ENDED for renewals filed on/after 2025-10-30 — no auto-extension; file early to avoid a work gap.
  • Renewals filed before 2025-10-30 in eligible categories could still get up to 540 days.
  • EAD is category-specific (the code, e.g. C09, A05) — rules vary by category.
  • H-4 EAD is the (c)(26) category — same card, same rule change.

How to do it

  1. 1Apply/Renew (I-765): confirm category → complete online/paper → photos + category evidence + fee → biometrics if scheduled → card mailed.
  2. 2File renewal as early as allowed (generally up to 180 days before expiry) since auto-extension ended.
  3. 3Replace (lost/error): file a new I-765; DHS-error corrections may be free.

What you need to bring

  • Completed I-765 with the correct eligibility-category code
  • Two passport-style photos
  • Copy of prior EAD (renewal) and/or I-94/visa/status evidence
  • Category-specific supporting evidence; fee or exemption

In person

Nearest USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) for biometrics; filing online/by mail

Questions people ask

Will my renewal auto-extend?
No, if filed on/after 2025-10-30. File early.
When to file?
As early as allowed (~180 days before expiry).
File online?
Yes, and it's cheaper ($470 vs $520).

Documents that travel with it

Save this deadline

Dociya will remind you on the first day you can file — not the day it expires.

EAD renewal calculator (Form I-765)

Sources

  • uscis.gov/i-765
  • uscis.gov DHS-ends-automatic-extension news release (accessed 2026-06-26)