Important:
To avoid paying higher immigration fees, submit your complete application by April 1, 2024. Find out how we can help you.
What are Forms I-765 and I-131?
If you apply for a green card from the United States (otherwise known as “status adjustment” process), you may have heard of Form I-765 and Form I-131.
Form I-765, officially titled “Application for Work Authorization,” is commonly used during the green card process. Submitting Form I-765 along with a green card application provides applicants with the opportunity to legally work in the United States while awaiting a decision on their permanent resident status. This is a separate application from the green card itself and requires its own processing by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once approved, the individual will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), commonly referred to as a work permit, which will allow them to work in the United States while their green card is pending.
Form I-131, officially titled “Application for Travel Document,” is another form that may be useful for those going through the adjustment of status process. Form I-131 allows green card applicants to apply for a travel document, called an Advance Parole, which grants them permission to travel outside of and re-enter the United States while their green card application is still pending. on hold.
Forms I-765 and I-131 have long been free to be included in a family green card (adjustment of status) application. This means that green card applicants can complete Forms I-765 and I-131 along with their Adjustment of Status Form (Form I-485), at no additional cost.
On April 1, 2024, USCIS is increase filing fees for almost all visa categories and immigration forms, including Form I-765 and Form I-131. In the section below, we will detail the costs to expect for your adjustment of status request under New USCIS Fee Structure.
Fee Changes for Form I-765 and Form I-131
COST CHANGES AT A GLANCE
Form I-765 will now cost $260 (half the total filing fee for a standalone Form I-765) when filed as part of a family or marriage green card application, and Form I- 131 will cost $630.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the current filing fees for an adjustment of status (green card) application, and the fees you can expect to pay starting April 1:
| Form type | Current Fees | New fees (April 2024) | Increase in fees |
| Form I-485 Adjustment of Status (Standalone) | $1,225 | $1,440 | $215 |
| Form I-130 Petition for Alien Parent | $535 | $675 | $140 |
| Form I-765 Work Permit (optional) | $0 when filed with an adjustment of status | $260 when filed with an adjustment of status | $260 |
| Form I-131 Travel Permit (optional) | $0 when filed with an adjustment of status | $630 | $630 |
| Adjustment of Status (with Form I-485, Form I-130, Form I-765, Form I-131) | $1,760 | $3,005 | $1,245 |
Do I need to include these forms in my green card application?
Including Form I-765 and/or Form I-131 in your adjustment of status (green card) application is optional. USCIS does not require applicants to include either form in their completed application, so it is up to your discretion to decide whether to complete and file the work permit and travel forms during the process. green card. Now that the forms have additional fees, some individuals and families may choose not to include them on their application to save on filing fees.
It is important to note that the green card process can be lengthy, depending on the USCIS field office processing your application and the details of your specific case. USCIS processing times change often, but for many applicants, it can take several months or even years to have a green card in hand – and with it, the ability to work and travel freely.
Work in the United States
If you would like to have the opportunity to work and earn a living in the United States while waiting for your green cardyou will need to complete Form I-765 and include it in your application for adjustment of status.
Important:
To work in the United States, you must have official work authorization from USCIS. Any unauthorized work could have serious consequences on your immigration process and your ability to remain in the country.
Learn more about working in the United States with a pending green card application. The limitless guide.
International travel planning
If you think you might need it travel outside the United States for any reason while your green card is pending, it may be beneficial to file Form I-131. Obtaining the Advance Parole Travel Document provides the freedom and flexibility to leave and re-enter the United States in the event of a family event or overseas emergency, without jeopardizing your green card application.
Important:
Without a valid travel document, your green card application will be terminated if you leave the United States while your application is still pending.
Learn more about traveling abroad with a pending green card application in The limitless guide.