Form I-765 Processing Times in June 2026: What to Expect and How to Prevent Delays
- As of June 2026, processing times for Form I-765 span from 1-19.5 months.
- Form I-765, also known as the Application for Employment Authorization, allows certain foreign nationals to request a work permit.
- Processing times vary by category, with AOS candidates often receiving a decision within 8 to 10.5 months.
- To avoid delays, file early and include complete and accurate documentation.
Processing times for Form I-765 currently span between 1-19.5 months. Also known as the application for employment authorization, this petition helps certain foreign nationals obtain the ability to have a job in the U.S.
| Important Update: On August 21, 2025, USCIS released a new version of Form I-765. Starting March 5, 2026, USCIS will only accept the new version of Form I-765. Applications that do not use the new version will be rejected. |
Work permits are a life-changing document for many foreign nationals, as they often bring increased financial stability and career advancement. This can make the wait times feel agonizing, whether you’re the spouse of a H-1B worker, a foreign F-1 student, or someone going through the Green Card process.
Luckily, the wait times for Form I-765 are often within a year for most candidates, and you can take certain steps to mitigate unnecessary delays.
| Example: Picture that you’re filing or have already filed for an adjustment of status through Form I-485. Most people receive full employment authorization after receiving their Green Card, but this process typically takes several months to a few years. Through Form I-765, you can skip some of the wait and obtain an employment authorization document (EAD), which lets you legally work without permanent residence. This can be a huge unlock for anyone immigrating to the U.S., as a permit offers you more financial flexibility as your Green Card remains pending. Form I-765 can also be filed concurrently with your I-485 petition. In some cases, you can request a work permit in addition to “advance parole,” which gives you travel authorization as well. |
Current June 2026 processing times for Form I-765
As of June 2026, these are the current processing times for an I-765 petition. Depending on which category you fall under, you may experience longer wait times:
| Filer | Processing Times |
| H-4 spouses (filed w/ I-539) | 6 months |
| L-2 spouses | 11.5 months |
| Refugees | 19.5 months |
| Approved asylum seekers | 4 months |
| Application for suspension of deportation | 9.5 months |
| Based on parole | 14 months |
| Noncitizen w/ final order of deportation under OSUP | 13 months |
| H-4 spouses (not filed w/ I-539) | 13.5 months |
| Qualifying F-1 student | 3.5 months |
| Approved, concurrently filed I-821D | DACA currently suspended |
| Pending asylum – renewal/replacement EAD | 13 months |
| Pending asylum – initial EAD | 1 month |
| Pending I-485 adjustment | 8.5 to 11 months |
| TPS for El Salvador | 12.5 months |
| All other applications | 9 to 13.5 months |
For a greater breakdown, check out our current USCIS processing times guide.
Form I-765 processing time in 2026: How long does it take?
The wait time for an employment authorization document (also known as an EAD) depends primarily on your current status. On average, those with a pending adjustment of status often receive their work permits in half a year. Compare that to F-1 students, who typically receive an EAD within 4.5 months.
Manifest immigration attorney Ana Gabriela Urizar says that waiting for a work permit can be frustrating, especially for those with tighter financial struggles. She explains, “Most people do not know that they are allowed to request an expedited processing of their work permit. However, they must include supporting evidence. We created a guide at Manifest Law walking people step by step on how to do this.”
See Urizar’s guide to submitting an expedited EAD request.
Factors that influence Form I-765 processing times
Below, immigration attorney Urizar breaks down three common scenarios that can delay the adjudication of an I-765 work permit petition.
Your underlying status
Wait times differ significantly across filing categories. For example, F-1 students often receive a decision in their I-765 petitions within 4.5 months, while pending Green Card holders may receive a decision within 6-8.5 months. However, even within different Green Card categories there may be a variety of time, explains Urizar.
USCIS does not explicitly state why times differ greatly across categories, but Urizar notes it likely has to do with evidentiary requirements. “Each I-765 category has different initial evidence criteria,” she says. “This makes it harder for USCIS officers to adjudicate some categories with speed, like H-4 spouses and refugees.”
USCIS center workload
Case backlogs can also negatively impact wait times. If your designated USCIS center experiences a surge in filings, they may not have enough officers to adjudicate your petition quickly.
Case completeness and strength
If you file an incomplete Form I-765, USCIS may issue a denial notice or Request for Evidence (RFE). This can add months to your wait time, as you’ll either need to refile or submit an additional set of documents to address the concerns of your USCIS officers.
Tips to minimize delays in Form I-765
To reduce the risk of avoidable delays, immigration attorney Urizar suggests:
- Organizing documents early: Having the necessary materials already on hand, such as your I-94 arrival/departure record, can mitigate last-minute issues with evidence.
- Submitting forms promptly: This helps decrease the wait time for your work permit.
- Double-checking before filing: Make sure your I-765 petition has been completed fully and with accurate answers. Consult with an attorney if you have any questions or concerns.
- Respond quickly to government requests: Requests for evidence should be handled with the utmost urgency, as USCIS will not give you much time to respond.
How Manifest Law can help
Filing an I-765 petition can feel overwhelming, especially if you need work authorization right away. Whether you’re a pending Green Card holder or an F-1 student requesting work authorization, Manifest’s immigration attorneys can guide you through each step required to get an EAD.
If you’re ready to take the next step or need assistance with Form I-765, request a consultation with Manifest today. Our team can help you obtain a work permit with confidence and no stress.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if my Form I-765 processing time is taking longer than expected?
Through the e-Request portal, you can check the status of your USCIS case. Before you can file a request, you’ll need to enter your receipt date. The website will then let you know if enough time has passed for you to submit an inquiry.
Are I-765 petitions processed in the order they’re received?
USCIS does not offer guidance in how it orders Form I-765 processing. Several factors could affect this, including case backlogs and the category you’re filing under.
How do I know when my I-765 petition has been approved?
USCIS will issue you an I-797 approval notice. In some cases, you may be able to see an update on your myUSCIS account or through the federal agency’s case status portal.
How does USCIS calculate processing times for Form I-765?
USCIS calculates Form I-765 processing times by taking the average time 80% of petitions are completed in. Remember that these are estimates, and that your individual wait time may differ due to several factors.
Are USCIS’s Form I-765 processing times accurate?
It depends. USCIS processing times can help you estimate how long your I-765 petition may take, but they are not guarantees. The published time frames are based on recently completed cases and can vary by service center and application category. Use them as a general planning tool, not as a promise of when your employment authorization document (EAD) will be issued.
