Florida residents can apply for work permits while awaiting green cards

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) allows individuals residing in Florida who have filed an I-485 application to adjust their status to apply for a work permit. This provision enables eligible applicants to obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) while their green card application is pending.

To secure this work permit, applicants must complete Form I-765. This application can be submitted concurrently with the I-485 or at any point after the immigration process has begun. Applicants who file the I-765 after their I-485 must include a copy of their I-797C notice, confirming that their adjustment of status application is actively being processed.

USCIS outlines specific requirements for the I-765 application. The agency permits filing at any time as long as the immigration case remains open. This means that submitting the I-485 and I-765 forms on the same day is not mandatory. Processing times for these applications can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the specific USCIS office handling it, though adjustment of status cases generally take around nine months.

The cost for applying for a work permit varies based on eligibility category, filing method, and the timing of related immigration filings. USCIS has specific instructions regarding payment methods, no longer accepting personal or business checks, money orders, or cashier's checks unless an exemption applies. Payments must be made via credit/debit card using Form G-1450 or ACH transactions using Form G-1650. Failure to properly sign the form will result in rejection, potentially requiring the applicant to restart the process.