EAD Processing Time (Form I-765, August 2026)
How long USCIS takes to decide an employment authorization application, by eligibility category — pending adjustment (c)(9), H-4 spouses (c)(26), F-1 OPT (c)(3), L-2 spouses (a)(18) and more. Figures are the time within which 80% of cases were completed.
I-765 by eligibility category
| Category | Office | 80% of cases completed within | vs last month |
|---|---|---|---|
| (c)(9) pending I-485 · Based on a pending I-485 adjustment application [(c)(9)] | National Benefits Center | 12 months | ▲ 1 month longer |
| (c)(9) pending I-485 · Based on a pending I-485 adjustment application [(c)(9)] | Service Center Operations (SCOPS) | 12.5 months | — No change |
| (c)(26) H-4 · Based on being an H-4 spouse of an H-1B nonimmigrant (Standalone; not filed with I-539 H4) [(c)(26)] | Service Center Operations (SCOPS) | 17.5 months | ▲ 0.5 months longer |
| (c)(26) H-4 with I-539 · Based on being an H-4 spouse of an H-1B nonimmigrant (filed with I-539 H4) [(c)(26)] | Service Center Operations (SCOPS) | 6.5 months | — No change |
| (c)(3) F-1 OPT · Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student [(c)(3)] | Service Center Operations (SCOPS) | 5 months | ▲ 1 month longer |
| (a)(18) L-2 · Based on being an L-2 spouse of an L-1 nonimmigrant [(a)(18)] | Service Center Operations (SCOPS) | 18 months | ▲ 0.5 months longer |
| Based on being admitted as a Refugee [(a)(3)] | Service Center Operations (SCOPS) | 18.5 months | ▼ 0.5 months shorter |
| Based on an approved asylum application [(a)(5)] | Service Center Operations (SCOPS) | 2.5 months | ▼ 1 month shorter |
| Application for Suspension of Deportation/Sec.244/NACARA/Cancel of Removal [(c)(10)] | National Benefits Center | 10 months | ▲ 0.5 months longer |
| Based on parole | National Benefits Center | 13.5 months | — No change |
| Alien with Final Order of Deportation Under an OSUP [(c)(18)] | National Benefits Center | 16.5 months | ▲ 0.5 months longer |
| Based on a pending asylum application [(c)(8)] -renewal/replacement | Service Center Operations (SCOPS) | 18.5 months | ▲ 3 months longer |
| Based on a pending asylum application [(c)(8)] – Initial Application | Service Center Operations (SCOPS) | 1 month | was 1 week |
| Based on TPS for El Salvador [(c)(19), (a)(12)] | Service Center Operations (SCOPS) | 18.5 months | ▲ 0.5 months longer |
| All other applications for employment authorization | National Benefits Center | 10.5 months | ▲ 1 month longer |
| All other applications for employment authorization | Service Center Operations (SCOPS) | 16 months | ▲ 1 month longer |
Category descriptions are USCIS's own wording; the bracketed code is the eligibility category on your application.
FAQ
How long does a (c)(9) EAD take with a pending I-485?
For August 2026, USCIS reports: 12 months (National Benefits Center), 12.5 months (Service Center Operations (SCOPS)) — the time within which 80% of cases were completed. Which office handles yours depends on where your I-485 is being processed.
How long does an H-4 EAD take?
USCIS reports H-4 spouse EADs [(c)(26)] separately depending on how they are filed: 6.5 months when filed together with an I-539 H-4 application; 17.5 months when filed standalone.
Can I work while my EAD renewal is pending?
For most categories, including (c)(9) and (c)(26), only if you filed before October 30, 2025. A DHS interim final rule ended the automatic extension (up to 540 days) for renewals filed on or after that date, so your current EAD must still be valid, or the new card approved, for you to keep working. The rule is being challenged in court; check USCIS for the latest status and file renewals as early as allowed.
Related: I-485 processing time · all USCIS forms. Source: USCIS Check Case Processing Times ↗. Information only, not legal advice.