An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) confirms the right to work in the United States. Applications are filed on Form I-765, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) publishes processing times broken down by individual form and office. According to USCIS, processing times indicate how long case review generally takes and from what point inquiries about a case may be submitted.
How the System Works
USCIS displays processing times for individual forms and locations to show how long case review generally takes and from what point inquiries may be submitted. According to USCIS, processing-time data is updated on its website monthly based on the most recent available information, and the times shown reflect data that is approximately one month old.
USCIS notes that processing times generally reflect how long the agency has been taking to complete applications, petitions, or requests. As USCIS describes it, the processing time covers the full period from when a request is received to when it is completed. That period includes time for biometrics collection, time an applicant, petitioner, or requesting party spends responding to requests for additional evidence, and any interview rescheduling.
More detail about the document itself is available in the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) section.
Why Processing Times Differ
According to USCIS, many factors can affect how long review takes — for example, the volume of applications, petitions, or requests the agency receives. USCIS notes that the relevant form, category, and office are indicated on the receipt notice.
How Long Does Form I-765 (EAD) Take?
USCIS does not publish a single fixed timeframe. Instead, the agency displays processing times by individual form and location and updates them monthly. According to USCIS, the figures shown reflect data that is approximately one month old, and the processing time covers the full period from receipt of the request to its completion.
Why Do EAD Processing Times Vary?
According to USCIS, various factors can affect processing time, including the volume of applications, petitions, and requests the agency receives. In addition, the overall timeframe incorporates time for biometrics collection, an applicant's response to requests for additional evidence, and any interview rescheduling.
Where Are Current USCIS Processing Times Shown?
USCIS publishes processing times for individual forms and locations on its website and updates them monthly based on the latest available data. To identify the applicable form, category, and office, USCIS points applicants to their receipt notice.