I-765 processing time: work permit (EAD)
Form I-765 is the application for an Employment Authorization Document, often called a work permit or EAD. Figures come from USCIS reports and are updated when USCIS publishes new data.
Average processing time, month by month
Months from receipt to decisionI-765 by type
April–June 2026, national figures.
| Type | Avg. months | Filed | Decided | Pending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asylum | 0.8 | 125,663 | 128,951 | 108,565 |
| Adjustment Of Status | 6.4 | 153,039 | 82,172 | 671,362 |
| DACA | 4.1 | 81,835 | 76,535 | 231,872 |
| All Other | 3.3 | 212,410 | 145,443 | 1,098,913 |
Is my case taking too long?
Enter the date to compare your wait with the 6.8-month average.
Questions
How long does I-765 take right now?
On average 6.8 months, from the date USCIS received the application to its decision, for cases decided in August 2026. Your case can be faster or slower depending on your office and on whether USCIS asks for more evidence.
Why is the USCIS website showing a different number?
The USCIS processing times tool shows how long it took to complete 80% of cases at a given office. The figures here are averages from USCIS reports to Congress and quarterly data. Both come from USCIS; they measure different things.
When can I ask USCIS about my I-765?
USCIS accepts a case inquiry once your case is outside the normal processing time for your form and office. Use the date on your receipt notice to compare.
Statuses you will see on an I-765
Sources: USCIS reports to Congress (August 2026); USCIS “Number of Service-wide Forms by Quarter, Form Status, and Processing Time” (April–June 2026). This page is general information, not legal advice.