Processing times
How long is I-765 taking right now?
Each form has a published range for every office, and where yours is handled can change it by months.
I-765 · Application for Employment Authorization
USCIS published these on September 17, 2026
USCIS posts
0.9 to 1 months
Based on a pending asylum application [(c)(8)] – Initial Application · Service Center Operations (SCOPS)
I-765 by category - fastest first
Pick one to see its dates above.
- Based on a pending asylum application [(c)(8)] – Initial ApplicationService Center Operations (SCOPS)0.9–1 mo
- Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student [(c)(3)]Service Center Operations (SCOPS)5–6.5 mo
- Based on being an H-4 spouse of an H-1B nonimmigrant (filed with I-539 H4) [(c)(26)]Service Center Operations (SCOPS)6.5–10 mo
- Based on an approved asylum application [(a)(5)]Service Center Operations (SCOPS)2.5–17 mo
- All other applications for employment authorizationNational Benefits Center10.5–14.5 mo
- Based on a pending I-485 adjustment application [(c)(9)]National Benefits Center12–16.5 mo
Forms decided centrally, at the National Benefits Center or Service Center Operations. Here the category of work is what changes the answer, not the office.
USCIS publishes the time by which 80% and 93% of cases were completed. Confirm on Check on USCIS's processing times page.