Immigration form I-765 – 10 Tips

Immigration form I-765 – 10 Tips

Form I-765, also known as the Employment Authorization Document is a legal permit that grants the holder the right to work in the US. This document is given to all immigrants in the US who do not hold a green card. Though this document comes with an expiration date, it can be extended when the expiration date is near. Here are a few tips that we at RunRex.com think you should know about when applying for it. 

• You cannot work until the date specified o the form I-766

Once you apply for form I-765, the immigration department will issue with form I-766. This document will give you a right to work in the US. However, this document comes with a specific date on which you can begin employment. Thus, you must ensure that your employer understands this date. If you do not adhere to it, this could create problems for you later when you go to have it renewed.

• Ensure you have copies of all required documents with you

After you make your application, the USCIS may require that you provide some extra documentation. You should find out which documents these are and have them with you at all times. It is also important that you make copies of them, to shorten the time that it takes you to avail them to the officials. 

• You cannot apply for it if you have certain non-immigrant visas

Sometimes you may have a nonimmigrant visa that allows you to work for a specific employer. If that is the case, you are not supposed to apply for form I-765. Your application will ultimately be rejected. However, it could raise red flags in the system, which could compromise even your existing visa status. Later on, it could create problems for you when trying to renew your non-immigrant visa. 

• Provide proof of an employment opportunity

When filing for this visa, you will need to show that you have an existing job opportunity. For instance, if you are a student, you may have received a teaching assistant job at your university. Ensure that you provide documentation showing that the job opportunity is real. 

• Provide all specific documentation requested

Some of the documents that you may be requested to provide include a copy of your passport and a copy of form I-94 that you were issued upon arrival to the US. If you had been previously issued with an EAD form in the past, you need to come with that document to confirm that you gave correct details. 

• You can apply by mail or electronically

Form I-765 can be filled out and mailed to the USCIS or filled out online. Whichever process you choose, it is important that you provide accurate details. If you choose the physical mailing method, check to ensure that you provide an accurate mailing address. After applying, some extra documents could be requested from you, which can lead to delays.

• The waiting period

After you send your application, the USCIS will issue you a receipt a few days later to confirm that your application is being processed and fees were paid. The application approval takes about 90 days. If the renewal goes beyond 90 days, applicants should provide the receipt they were issued so that they can be issued with an interim card. The card can help you get employment as your application is confirmed. 

• Expect a biometric appointment

Once your application is approved, you are required for a biometric appointment. During this time, your unique physical traits are detected, and they are recorded as a way to confirm your identity. This notice will be titled the Application Support Center Appointment Notice. It will contain a date, time, and the location where the process will take place. Do not skip this date as it is part of your appointment. 

• The eligibility of the document

The EAD is eligible for two years. After that, you will need to renew it. In some cases, this period can be just one year, although the validity can be extended in such an instance. If you fail to renew your EAD after the period stated, you will be assumed an illegal worker in the US. As such, your employer will also be guilty of employing illegal workers. This could lead to you not being approved for a new EAD in future. 

• Replacing the EAD

If you lose or misplace your EAD card, you will have to apply for another one. That means you will have to file the form I-765 again. Besides that, you will need to pay all the required fees as recommended by the USCIS. Ensure that you report your card immediately it gets lost. This will also apply if any errors are noted on the card. For instance, if you gave out names that are not spelled correctly or made an error stating the location of your job.