How to Apply for Form I-765 and Get Your EAD Card Faster: U Visa & H-4 Guide

If you're in the U.S. on a visa and need to work legally, getting an Employment Authorization Document (EAD card)—often called a work permit—is your first step. This guide breaks down how to apply for Form I-765, who qualifies, how long it takes, and how Pro Se Pro helps you get your EAD faster—especially if you’re stuck waiting as a U visa or H-4 visa holder.

What Is Form I-765?

Form I-765, officially known as the Application for Employment Authorization, is used to request permission to work legally in the U.S. It’s submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and, if approved, results in you receiving an EAD card.

At Pro Se Pro, we created a tool you can use to complete your I-765 form. Check it out here.

What Is an EAD Card?

An EAD (Employment Authorization Document) is proof from the U.S. government that you are authorized to work. It looks like a driver’s license and includes your photo, date of birth, and the dates during which you’re allowed to work in the U.S.

Who Should File Form I-765?

You should file Form I-765 if:

You’re applying for a green card and want to work while waiting
You have asylum, refugee status, or are applying for Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
You’re on a U visa, H-4 visa, or other eligible nonimmigrant status
You’re in the U.S. under deferred action, parole, or DACA (although we won’t cover DACA in this article)

How Long Does It Take to Get an EAD Card?

USCIS processing times vary, but most applications take 1.5 to 4 months. However, many U.S. visa holders experience delays—especially U visa applicants and H-4 spouses—who can be stuck waiting much longer after completing their application. Unreasonable delays are common for most visa types due to several reasons.

How Pro Se Pro Helps You Expedite Your EAD Application

Delays happen. But if you’ve been waiting too long, you might be eligible to expedite your EAD card—and Pro Se Pro can help.

For U Visa Applicants Waiting 90+ Days

If you've applied for a U visa and it's been over 90 days since you filed Form I-765, you may qualify to expedite your U visa EAD effectively with a Mandamus lawsuit.

Pro Se Pro makes it easy:

We provide the tools and resources you need to create your mandamus for your application delay.
You collect the information we need to complete your documents and serve the mandamus.
With some help from our team, you file a attorney's proven legal documents.
We provide status updates every step of the way as we receive information from the government.
The government has 60 days to make a decision after we file the mandamus. 90% of cases settle on their own.

For H-4 Visa Holders Waiting 4+ Months

H-4 spouses often wait 4–8+ months for their standalone H-4 EAD approval, sometimes due to backlogs or missed biometrics.

Pro Se Pro helps H-4 visa holders: Our H-4 EAD Mandamus service is designed to fast-track your journey to a fulfilling career, ensuring you can contribute to your family's success. Learn more about the H-4 EAD processing time.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Don’t work without your EAD—even short gigs can jeopardize your immigration case
Double-check your application—missing signatures or documents can delay or deny your request
Know your eligibility—if you already have work authorization via another visa, an EAD might not be necessary
I you’re facing unreasonable delays, consider a mandamus lawsuit

Why Choose Pro Se Pro?

We help you get your EAD without a lawyer, and without the stress.

✔️ Real-time support and smart forms ✔️ Lower cost than traditional immigration services/lawyers ✔️ Designed for immigrants—friendly, clear, and mobile-friendly