A work permit (employment authorization document, EAD) from Form I-765 took a median of 3.3 mo (all other), 6.4 mo (adjustment of status), 4.1 mo (daca), 0.8 mo (asylum) in Apr–Jun 2026.
EAD category
Median
Year earlier
Pending
All Other
3.3 mo
3.2 mo
1,098,913
Adjustment of Status
6.4 mo
2.3 mo
671,362
DACA
4.1 mo
0.9 mo
231,872
Asylum
0.8 mo
0.8 mo
108,565
Work permit processing time since 2021
Median months from receipt to decision by fiscal quarter. Source: USCIS quarterly all-forms report.
How long does it take to get a work permit in 2026?
It depends on the category. In Apr–Jun 2026 USCIS decided half of all EAD applications within 6.4 mo for green card applicants (adjustment of status), 0.8 mo for asylum applicants, 4.1 mo for DACA, 3.3 mo for all other categories. The monthly report shows an average of 6.8 mo for EADs decided in August 2026.
Can I work while my EAD renewal is pending?
In many categories, a timely filed renewal automatically extends your current EAD for a period set by USCIS. Check the current rules for your category on uscis.gov, because the extension length and eligible categories have changed several times.
How many work permit applications are pending?
2,110,712 I-765 applications were pending at the end of Apr–Jun 2026; the monthly report for August 2026 counted 1,921,541.
Figures are copied from the official files without changes; derived numbers (changes, backlog estimates) are explained on the methodology page. Not legal advice.