10 Steps for Expediting Your I-765 Application

Form I-765, or Application for Employment Authorization, is an important document that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues to working immigrants in the U.S. This document lets people legally work while waiting for their immigration cases to wrap up processing.

However, the waiting time for getting the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) can be long and stressful. It may worsen when you have a job offer or need to keep working. The good thing is there are many ways to expedite your application so that you can get your EAD right away.

Key Takeaways:

• EAD allows people to work in the United States legally
• You can drop by your local USCIS office or call them to follow up with your application
• EAD is available for a wide range of people, including asylum seekers and refugees

Form I-765: Application Basics

Before learning how to get expedited processing, you need to understand Form I-765 more:

• Purpose: The form is used to obtain employment authorization, which gives you the legal right to get a job and work in the United States.
• Eligibility: Those waiting for status adjustments, asylum seekers, refugees, Deferred Action of Childhood Arrivals recipients, certain non-immigrant visa holders, and fiancé or fiancee of U.S. Citizens are eligible for application.
• Processing Times: Waiting time may vary depending on the applicant’s category and the present workload of USCIS.
• Validity: EADs are usually valid for two years. They are sometimes valid for five years, as per USCIS. Check the official USCIS government website for updates.

Expedite Your I-765 Application

Follow these tips for USCIS to expedite your application:

1. Prepare Your Application Thoroughly

In addition to the form, you need two passport-size photos, your passport and visa, and the document certifying your employment authorization eligibility.

Make sure your application is complete and accurate to avoid delays. Here’s how you can do it:

• Double Check the Form: Take one last look at the form to see if it’s completed correctly. Any missing information can cause delays.
• Include Documents: Gather all the documents you need for your application.
• Proof of Eligibility: Attach the evidence proving your eligibility for EAD in the category you’re applying for.

2. Submit Your Application Online

While you can submit your I-765 application to the USCIS office, sending your application online can hasten the process. USCIS has a more efficient online filing system, minimizing the chances of your application getting delayed or lost in transit.

3. Request Expedited Processing

These situations can warrant expedited treatment of the I-765 application:

• Suffer severe financial loss: Give USCIS proof of loss of income, eviction notice, or any document that details your financial hardship.
• Emergencies or Urgent Humanitarian Reasons: If you need to obtain medical treatment for critical conditions or any personal emergency, submit a doctor’s letter or hospital records along with your application.
• USCIS error: USCIS can expedite your case if they made an administrative error.
• Government Interests: If your future job is important to the U.S. government or the country’s national security interests, USCIS can process your application immediately.

4. Monitor Processing Times

Track the current USCIS processing times for your I-765 application on the USCIS website. Stay informed so you can plan for what to do to avoid unnecessary delays.

5. Contact Your Local USCIS Office

If you want to expedite your application, visit the local USCIS office in your state. Explain your situation to the immigration officer, and ask for any steps you need to take for faster processing.

While it’s not guaranteed, this approach might be effective. Some applicants have expedited their cases through USCIS visits. It might be worth the try.

6. Get Legal Help

Getting an experienced immigration attorney will help you understand immigration law and assist you in filing your I-765 application. They’ll make sure you have a correct and complete form before submission. They can also prepare a strong case and give you legal representation to expedite your application.

Hire a competent lawyer specializing in immigration cases. Ask for references from family members and friends when hiring the best lawyer. Contact your prospects one by one and get a lawyer who fits the requirements you set.

7. Request Premium Processing

Premium processing for I-765 is only available for F-1 and J-1 visa holders. Not all categories of I-765 are covered.

For F-1 or student visas, those undergoing optional practical training pre- or post-completion are covered. A 24-month STEM OPT extension is also available for premium processing. Certain categories of J-1 or exchange visa holders are covered with premium processing services.

Suppose your I-765 category isn’t available for premium processing, and you have another pending petition that qualifies for the service. In that case, your EAD application may be indirectly expedited along with the other petition when using the service. Check the USCIS website for the corresponding fees for premium processing.

8. Follow Up with USCIS

If your application is pending beyond the usual processing time, you can inquire about its status by submitting an inquiry to the USCIS online or calling the USCIS contact center.

Be polite and persistent with follow-ups, even if the waiting time has already gotten the best of you. Making your case known might help you process it faster.

9. Ask for Help from a Local Congressional Office

Contact your local congressional office for assistance with your I-765 application. Many of these offices employ staff who are tasked with helping constituents with federal agencies.

Give them details of your case and why expediting it is necessary. These offices help speed up your application.

10. Stay Organized and Keep Records

Keeping records will help you save time in looking for them when you need to re-submit your application or if USCIS needs additional documents. Make a copy of everything you submit to the USCIS. Keep all the documents you get, such as a receipt notice and a handful of letters. Record all the details of any phone calls with USCIS representatives.

Final Words

To expedite your I-765 application, you must be proactive, persistent, and thoroughly prepared. Following these steps can help increase your chances of getting EAD more quickly. The I-765 processing time may vary on a case-by-case basis, but it’s faster if you’re requesting expedited processing.

Your case is unique from other applicants, and what works for you may not work for them. You have to stay informed, get professional legal advice, and politely prompt USCIS to expedite requests.