Navigating the I-765 Form: A Comprehensive Guide to Part 1 and Part 2

Introduction

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has various forms that individuals need to navigate when seeking employment authorization. Among these, Form I-765, also known as the Application for Employment Authorization, is a crucial document that allows eligible individuals to request permission to work legally in the United States. Understanding the intricacies of this form, particularly Part 1 (“Reason for Applying”) and Part 2 (“Information About You”), is essential to ensure a smooth and successful application process.

Part 1, which deals with the “Reason for Applying,” and Part 2, which focuses on “Information About You,” are conveniently located on the first and second pages of the I-765 form. These two sections are pivotal components of the document, requiring applicants to provide essential details regarding the purpose of their application and their personal information.

Part 1: Reason for Applying

Part 1 of Form I-765 presents applicants with three distinct options, each serving a specific purpose:

• 1.a. Initial Permission to Accept Employment: This option is for individuals who are applying for the first time for authorization to work in the United States. It is important for those who have not held employment authorization before.
• 1.b. Replacement of Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Employment Authorization Document: The second option, 1.b., is for individuals who have had their employment authorization document lost, stolen, or damaged. It’s worth noting that this option is not applicable if the need for a replacement is due to a mistake made by USCIS.
• 1.c. Renewal of Permission to Accept Employment: The third option, 1.c., is for those who already possess employment authorization and are seeking to renew it. Renewal applicants must attach a copy of their previous employment authorization document to their application.

It’s essential to carefully consider your circumstances and select the appropriate option in Part 1. In the case of a replacement (1.b.), it’s crucial to determine whether the need for replacement is due to USCIS error or not, as the requirements differ. If the replacement is needed due to a USCIS error, a new Form I-765 and filing fee may not be necessary.

Part 2: Information About You

Part 2 of the I-765 form focuses on the applicant’s personal details. These include:

• Full Legal Name:
  • 1.a. Family Name (Last Name): This is where you provide your family name or last name.
  • 1.b. Given Name (First Name): Here, you enter your given name or first name.
  • 1.c. Middle Name: If applicable, you can include your middle name in this section.
• Other Names Used:
  • 2.a. Family Name (Last Name): You should list any other family names or last names you have used in the past, including maiden names or any other surnames.
  • 2.b. Given Name (First Name): Include any other given names or first names you have used.
  • 2.c. Middle Name: If you have used other middle names, you can include them here.
• Your US Mailing Address:
  • 5.a In Care Of Name: If your mail is delivered to someone else, you can include their name here. If not, you can leave it blank.
  • 5.b Street Number and Name: This is where you enter your street address, including the house or building number and the street name.
  • 5.c. Apt. Ste. Flr.: If you live in an apartment, suite, or floor, you should include that information in this section.
  • 5.d. City or Town: Provide the name of the city or town where your mailing address is located.
  • 5.e. State: Specify the state where your mailing address is situated.
  • 5.f. ZIP Code: Enter the ZIP code of your mailing address.
• Is your mailing address the same as your physical address?
  • In this section, you need to indicate whether your mailing address is the same as your physical address. If your mailing and physical addresses are different, you should answer “No” and provide details for your U.S. Physical Address in the sections that follow.
• U.S. Physical Address:
  • 7.a Street Number and Name: If your physical address is different from your mailing address, provide the street address details here.
  • 7.b. Apt. Ste. Flr.: If you live in an apartment, suite, or floor at your physical address, include that information.
  • 7.c. City or Town: Mention the city or town of your physical address.
  • 7.d. State: Specify the state of your physical address.
  • 7.e. ZIP Code: Enter the ZIP code of your physical address.

It’s important to fill out these sections accurately and thoroughly, ensuring that the information provided matches your legal documents. Be consistent in using the same names and addresses throughout the form.

Fictitious Persona Example

To better illustrate how to complete the I-765 form’s Part 2, “Information About You,” we will introduce a fictitious persona. Let’s meet our imaginary applicant, “Sarika Patel.”

Part 1: Reason for Applying

• I am applying for: Initial permission to accept employment
  • Explanation: Sarika Patel is a recent graduate of a U.S. university on an F-1 visa. She is now seeking her first Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to begin her career in the United States.

Sarika Patel’s Full Legal Name:

• Family Name (Last Name): Patel
• Given Name (First Name): Sarika
• Middle Name: N/A

Other Names Used:

• Family Name (Last Name): Choudhury
• Given Name (First Name): Aparna
• Middle Name: N/A
• Family Name (Last Name): Singh
• Given Name (First Name): Meera
• Middle Name: N/A

US Mailing Address:

• In Care Of Name: John Doe
• Street Number and Name: 123 Elm Street
• Apt. Ste. Flr.: Apt 4B
• City or Town: Albany
• State: NY
• ZIP Code: 62701

Is your mailing address the same as your physical address?

• No

U.S. Physical Address:

• Street Number and Name: 456 Oak Avenue
• Apt. Ste. Flr.: Apt 2C
• City or Town: Springfield
• State: Illinois (IL)
• ZIP Code: 62701

Sarika Patel, also known as Aparna Choudhury and Meera Singh, exemplifies the process of providing personal information.

The Edition Date

As you embark on your Form I-765 journey, one element you must pay close attention to is the Edition Date. The Edition Date is a critical aspect of the form, and its significance cannot be overstated. This date is typically found at the bottom of the form and plays a pivotal role in the processing of your application.

Edition Date (mm/dd/yy): 10/31/22

The Edition Date indicates the version of the form you are using. It is essential to ensure that the edition date on the form you complete and print matches the version specified. Additionally, all pages of the form must be from the same edition. Any inconsistencies, missing pages, or the use of different editions may result in the rejection of your application.

Before completing Form I-765, it is highly recommended to double-check the edition date and page numbers, ensuring that they are visible at the bottom of all pages. This small but crucial detail can make a significant difference in the success of your application.