Often I’m asked about applying for a work permit, or what an I-765 is. An I-765 is the application to apply for a work permit. I know that most people just want the work permit, if anything else, in the United States. Unfortunately, you can only apply for a work permit on the form I-765 if you have an application pending with Immigration.
Generally, that means some type of green card application. In certain circumstances, an asylum application pending, or if you’ve been ordered removed and are reporting to immigration on a regular basis, they’ll allow you to apply for a work permit. If you’re illegally here in the United States and have no way of legalizing your status, there’s no method for you to just to apply for a work permit on an I-765.
Cheryl David is an experienced immigration attorney in New York City. If you have questions as to whether you’re eligible to apply for a work permit, or you have questions as to whether you’re eligible for a green card which would then allow you to apply for a work permit, please contact the office, and we’d be happy to discuss your situation with you.