If you’re applying for a green card through the adjustment of status (AOS) process from within the United States, you may need to file Form I-765 and Form I-131 in addition to your green card application (Form I-485). These forms help you work legally and travel internationally while your green card application is pending.
Form I-765:
- Form I-765 is officially called the Application for Employment Authorization. When you file this form during the green card process, you’re requesting a work permit (Employment Authorization Document, or EAD).
- Purpose:
It allows green card applicants to legally work in the U.S. while their permanent residency is under review.
- Who should file:
- Green card applicants who want to work while their Form I-485 is pending.
- Individuals filing through family, employment, or humanitarian-based categories.
- What you get:
- An EAD card, typically valid for one or two years, depending on your case type.
Form I-131:
Form I-131, titled Application for Travel Document, lets green card applicants apply for Advance Parole.
- Purpose:
Advance Parole allows you to leave and re-enter the U.S. while your green card application is pending, without abandoning your case. - Why it’s important:
If you travel outside the U.S. without Advance Parole, USCIS may consider your green card application abandoned which could result in denial. - What you get:
A travel document that permits international travel during the adjustment of status process.
New Costs for Work Authorization and Travel Permits:
USCIS implemented major fee changes across most immigration forms. While Forms I-765 and I-131 were previously free when filed with Form I-485, they now incur separate charges.
Here’s how the costs have changed:
| Form | Old Fee | New Fee | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) | $1,225 | $1,440 | +$215 |
| Form I-130 (Petition for Relative) | $535 | $675 | +$140 |
| Form I-765 (Work Permit) | $0 (if filed with I-485) | $260 | +$260 |
| Form I-131 (Advance Parole) | $0 (if filed with I-485) | $630 | +$630 |
| Total (Full AOS Package) | $1,760 | $3,005 | +$1,245 |
Pro Tip: If you haven’t filed your green card application yet, you’ll need to budget for these additional fees.
Key Takeaways:
- Form I-765 = Apply for a work permit during your green card process.
- Form I-131 = Apply for Advance Parole if you plan to travel abroad.
- Both forms are optional, but highly recommended.
- As of, these forms are no longer free with Form I-485.
- The total cost for an AOS package with all forms is now $3,005.
Frequently Asked Questions:
-
What happens if I travel without Advance Parole?
Leaving the U.S. without an approved Advance Parole document may result in automatic denial of your pending green card application.
-
Are any fee waivers available for Forms I-765 and I-131?
Possibly. You may request a fee waiver using Form I-912 if you meet certain income or financial hardship criteria. USCIS grants these waivers case-by-case.
-
Can I file all forms together?
Yes. You can file Form I-485, I-765, and I-131 together in one package. USCIS continues to accept concurrent filings.
