Employment Authorization Document (EAD / Work Permit)
The physical card proving a non-citizen has the right to work in the U.S. — issued after an approved I-765.
Filing fee
No fee
Typical processing
3-7 months
As of 2026-06-12
Category
employment
Mailed to applicant after I-765 approval
How Form EAD compares across PetitionPace forms
Total USCIS fee rank
#19 of 26
total fee no USCIS fee
Vs median fee
-$540
median $540 across 26 forms
Processing high-end rank
#16 of 19
-11 mo vs median high end
Fee comparisons use only the in-repo PetitionPace USCIS form records and the cited USCIS fee schedule/form pages. They do not imply eligibility, legal strategy, or a guarantee that USCIS will accept a filing.
Processing time
This is a point-in-time estimate. USCIS changes published ranges frequently and the live tool can vary by service center and case type.
Typical range: 3-7 months
Estimate based on USCIS data reviewed 2026-06-12. Always check the live USCIS processing-times tool at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times before making decisions.
Filing fee
Filing fees shown here are based on the USCIS fee schedule effective April 1, 2024. USCIS fees can change; always confirm the current fee at uscis.gov before submitting a form.
No USCIS filing fee
Source: USCIS — card issued on I-765 approval; see I-765 for filing fee
Fees and form details last reviewed June 2026 against the USCIS fee schedule (Form G-1055, effective April 1, 2024). Always confirm the current fee at uscis.gov before filing.
Where to file
Processing times are estimates based on USCIS historical data and change frequently. Always check the live USCIS processing-times tool at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times for current official ranges before making any decisions.
Mailed to applicant after I-765 approval
Always confirm the current filing location and instructions at uscis.gov official EAD page .
Common questions
- What is Form EAD?
- The physical card proving a non-citizen has the right to work in the U.S. — issued after an approved I-765.
- How much does it cost to file Form EAD?
- There is no USCIS filing fee for Form EAD.
- How long does EAD take?
- USCIS reports a typical processing range of 3-7 months for Form EAD as of 2026-06-12. Processing times change monthly; always check egov.uscis.gov/processing-times for the current range.