Welcome to our monthly blog where we gather and present processing times data for various US immigration applications. Please note that all of the processing times mentioned in this blog are collected directly from the USCIS Case Processing Times website. Our team manually checks these numbers every month to ensure their accuracy. This information is intended to help applicants in understanding the current processing landscape for their applications. Let’s begin with this month’s data.
The I-765 form, also known as the Application for Employment Authorization, is a crucial document for individuals seeking temporary employment in the United States. In this blog post, we will discuss the processing time for the I-765 form and provide essential tips to help you navigate through this process seamlessly.
Overview of Form I-765
Before diving into the processing time, let’s briefly discuss what Form I-765 is and its purpose. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) uses Form I-765 to grant eligible foreign nationals temporary work authorization in the country. This form is commonly used by:
* F1 students seeking Optional Practical Training (OPT)
* Asylees and refugees
* Spouses of certain visa holders
* Individuals with pending Adjustment of Status applications
* DACA recipients
Factors Affecting the I-765 Processing Time
The processing time for an I-765 application can vary significantly based on several factors:
USCIS Service Center Workload
There are multiple USCIS service centers across the United States responsible for processing Form I-765 applications. The workload at each center can impact how quickly your application is processed. Generally speaking, if there is a high volume of applications at your designated service center, it may take longer for your case to be reviewed.
Applicant’s Immigration Category
As mentioned earlier, various immigration categories use Form I-765 to apply for work authorization. Some categories may have specific requirements or additional forms that need to be submitted along with their application which might affect the processing time.
Application Accuracy
Submitting an accurate and complete application is crucial for a quicker processing time. Incomplete or incorrect applications may result in delays or even denial of your work authorization.
Average I-765 Processing Time
| Category | Office | 80% of cases are completed within |
|---|---|---|
| Based on being an H-4 spouse of an H-1B nonimmigrant (filed with I-539 H4) [(c)(26)] | California Service Center | 5.5 Months |
| Based on being an H-4 spouse of an H-1B nonimmigrant (filed with I-539 H4) [(c)(26)] | Nebraska Service Center | 5 Months |
| Based on being an H-4 spouse of an H-1B nonimmigrant (filed with I-539 H4) [(c)(26)] | Texas Service Center | 6 Months |
| Based on being an H-4 spouse of an H-1B nonimmigrant (filed with I-539 H4) [(c)(26)] | Vermont Service Center | 3.5 Months |
| Based on being an L-2 spouse of an L-1 nonimmigrant [(a)(18)] | California Service Center | 11.5 Months |
| Based on being an L-2 spouse of an L-1 nonimmigrant [(a)(18)] | Texas Service Center | 12.5 Months |
| Based on being an L-2 spouse of an L-1 nonimmigrant [(a)(18)] | Vermont Service Center | 19.5 Months |
| Based on being admitted as a Refugee [(a)(3)] | Nebraska Service Center | 4.5 Months |
| Based on an approved asylum application [(a)(5)] | Nebraska Service Center | 5 Months |
| Based on an approved asylum application [(a)(5)] | Texas Service Center | 4.5 Months |
| Application for Suspension of Deportation/Sec.244/NACARA/Cancel of Removal [(c)(10)] | National Benefits Center | 12 Months |
| Alien with Final Order of Deportation Under an OSUP [(c)(18)] | National Benefits Center | 7.5 Months |
| Based on being an H-4 spouse of an H-1B nonimmigrant (Standalone; not filed with I-539 H4) [(c)(26)] | California Service Center | 6.5 Months |
| Based on being an H-4 spouse of an H-1B nonimmigrant (Standalone; not filed with I-539 H4) [(c)(26)] | Nebraska Service Center | 6.5 Months |
| Based on being an H-4 spouse of an H-1B nonimmigrant (Standalone; not filed with I-539 H4) [(c)(26)] | Texas Service Center | 6.5 Months |
| Based on being an H-4 spouse of an H-1B nonimmigrant (Standalone; not filed with I-539 H4) [(c)(26)] | Vermont Service Center | 3.5 Months |
| Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student [(c)(3)] | Potomac Service Center | 4 Weeks |
| Based on an approved, concurrently filed, I-821D [(c)(33)] | California Service Center | Seenotes |
| Based on an approved, concurrently filed, I-821D [(c)(33)] | Nebraska Service Center | lessthan 3 months |
| Based on an approved, concurrently filed, I-821D [(c)(33)] | Vermont Service Center | 23 Months |
| Based on a pending asylum application [(c)(8)] | Nebraska Service Center | |
| Based on a pending asylum application [(c)(8)] | Potomac Service Center | Seenotes |
| Based on a pending asylum application [(c)(8)] | Texas Service Center | Seenotes |
| Based on a pending I-485 adjustment application [(c)(9)] | California Service Center | 18.5 Months |
| Based on a pending I-485 adjustment application [(c)(9)] | National Benefits Center | 11.5 Months |
| Based on a pending I-485 adjustment application [(c)(9)] | Nebraska Service Center | 17 Months |
| Based on a pending I-485 adjustment application [(c)(9)] | Texas Service Center | 17 Months |
| Based on a pending I-485 adjustment application [(c)(9)] | Vermont Service Center | 15 Months |
| Based on TPS for El Salvador [(c)(19), (a)(12)] | Texas Service Center | 6.5 Months |
| Based on TPS for El Salvador [(c)(19), (a)(12)] | Vermont Service Center | 2.5 Months |
| Haiti extension [(c)(19), (a)(12)] | California Service Center | 16.5 Months |
| All other applications for employment authorization | California Service Center | 14.5 Months |
| All other applications for employment authorization | National Benefits Center | 6.5 Months |
| All other applications for employment authorization | Nebraska Service Center | 7.5 Months |
| All other applications for employment authorization | Potomac Service Center | 18.5 Months |
| All other applications for employment authorization | Texas Service Center | 5.5 Months |
| All other applications for employment authorization | Vermont Service Center | 6 Months |
While the processing time varies, most applicants can expect their Form I-765 to be processed within 90 days from the date of receipt. However, it’s essential to note that this is just an average estimate and not a guarantee. The USCIS website provides current processing times for each service center, which you can check for more accurate estimates based on your specific case.
Tips for a Successful I-765 Application Process
To ensure that your I-765 application process goes smoothly, consider the following tips:
Submit a Complete and Accurate Application
Double-check all the information provided in your application and ensure that you’ve submitted all required supporting documents. This will help avoid unnecessary delays due to requests for additional evidence or corrections.
Keep Track of Your Case Status Online
USCIS provides an online tool where you can check your case status using your receipt number. Regularly monitoring your case status will keep you informed about any updates or potential issues with your application.
Consult an Immigration Lawyer if Needed
If you’re uncertain about any aspect of the I-765 application process or need assistance with complex immigration matters, it’s always wise to consult with an experienced immigration lawyer like Min Hwan Ahn at EZ485.
Conclusion
Understanding the factors affecting the I-765 processing time and following our tips can help you navigate through this process with ease. Always remember to stay informed, submit accurate applications, and seek professional guidance when necessary. Good luck!