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 mo
As of 2026-06-12
Category
employment
Mailed to applicant after I-765 approval
Processing time
Typical range: 3–7 months
Estimate based on USCIS data reviewed 2026-06-12. USCIS processing times change monthly and vary by service center and case specifics. Always check the live USCIS processing-times tool at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times for the current range for your specific case type and service center.
Estimate your timeline for this form
Enter your case received date to calculate your estimated completion window and case inquiry date.
Filing fee
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
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.