Form I-765: Work Permit and Travel Authorization

Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is a work permit that allows you to work legally in the United States while your green card application is pending. Key facts: • You cannot work until you receive your EAD card • EAD is valid for 2 years (as of 2025) • You can renew EAD if your I-485 is still pending • EAD does not guarantee a job — you still need to find employment

Filing Form I-765 together with I-485 allows you to: • Work legally while waiting for your green card • Avoid gaps in employment authorization • Receive a combo card (EAD + Advance Parole) in one document Recommendation: Always file I-765 and I-131 together with I-485 unless you already have valid work/travel authorization.

I-765 processing times (2025 estimates): • Marriage-based: 5-8 months • Employment-based: 3-6 months • Asylum-based: 6-12 months You can check current processing times at: uscis.gov/processing-times Expedited processing may be available for: • Severe financial loss • Humanitarian reasons • US government interests

Advance Parole allows you to travel abroad while your I-485 is pending without abandoning your application. ⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING: Do NOT travel outside the US without Advance Parole while I-485 is pending — your application will be considered abandoned and denied. Exception: Those with valid H-1B, L-1, or K-3/4 visas may travel without Advance Parole. Advance Parole is typically issued together with EAD as a "combo card".

A combo card combines EAD (work authorization) and Advance Parole (travel permission) on one card. Benefits: • Only one card to carry • Can work and travel with the same card • Valid for 2 years (as of 2025) The card will have "Serves as I-512 Advance Parole" written on it — this means you can travel abroad.

Do NOT leave the United States while I-485 is pending without Advance Parole (unless you have valid H-1B, L-1, or K-3/4 status). Leaving without Advance Parole may cause USCIS to consider your I-485 abandoned — resulting in denial. Wait for your combo card or separate Advance Parole document before international travel.

You can renew your EAD if: • Your current EAD is expiring within 180 days • Your I-485 is still pending • You file Form I-765 with supporting documents Tip: File for renewal early — processing can take 3-6 months. You can continue working for up to 540 days after expiration if you filed for renewal on time (auto-extension rule).

⚠️ You CANNOT work before receiving your EAD card — even if you have filed I-765. Consequences of unauthorized work: • May make you inadmissible for adjustment of status • Can result in I-485 denial • May affect future immigration benefits Exception: If you previously had valid work authorization (e.g., OPT, H-1B) and it is still valid, you can continue working under that status.