Streamlined Process for Initial Employment Authorization Documents for Refugees
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has implemented a streamlined process for Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to more efficiently provide Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) to eligible refugees after they are admitted to the United States. The new process applies to individuals admitted to the United States as refugees on or after Dec. 10, 2023.
Key Changes
Under U.S. law, a refugee is legally authorized to work as soon as they arrive in the United States. Obtaining proof of this work authorization in the form of an EAD, however, was previously a cumbersome paper-based process that led to undue delays.
The new process is fully automated and no longer requires refugees to apply for an EAD, allowing for more efficient processing and adjudication of Form I-765 and quicker delivery of EADs after we approve them.
USCIS will now digitally create a Form I-765 for each arriving refugee. As soon as the refugee is admitted into the United States, we will begin adjudicating the refugee’s Form I-765. After we approve the Form I-765, refugees will generally receive their EAD within one to two weeks. We will mail it via U.S. Postal Service Priority Mail to the refugee’s address of record. The time frame for a refugee to receive their EAD card may vary, depending on delivery times. Please allow a total of 30 days before inquiring.
USCIS will also electronically provide the Social Security Administration with the information required to assign a Social Security number. The Social Security Administration will mail a Social Security card to the refugee.
This streamlined process does not apply to following-to join refugees admitted into the United States based upon an approved Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition. Additionally, refugees seeking a replacement or renewal EAD will still need to complete and submit Form I-765.
More Information
We recognize that documents such as an EAD and Social Security card are critical to a newly arrived refugee’s ability to integrate into the United States. This new process is the result of coordination across the U.S. government to support the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and refugee integration.
We are committed to streamlining and digitizing our processes to make them more efficient. We launched this process on Dec. 10, 2023, following a successful trial period. It is fully digital and allows for efficient processing of Form I-765 and delivery of EADs after approval.