Applying for work authorization can be a bit tricky, and one of the key documents you'll need is your I-765 form. But just submitting the form isn't always enough. You often need a strong cover letter to go with it. This article will walk you through what makes a good I 765 Cover Letter Sample, so you can feel confident when sending yours in.
Why Your I-765 Cover Letter Matters
Think of your I-765 cover letter as your introduction to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It's your chance to clearly explain why you're eligible for work authorization and to make sure they have all the information they need in one place. A well-written cover letter can help speed up the process and avoid unnecessary delays.
Here's what's usually important to include:
- Your personal information (name, address, A-Number).
- The specific category under which you are applying for work authorization.
- A clear statement of your request for employment authorization.
- A list of all the documents you are submitting with your I-765 form.
Making sure all your details are accurate and easy to find is key. It's like giving them a helpful roadmap to your application. Here’s a quick look at some common reasons people apply:
- Asylum applicant
- Student seeking optional practical training (OPT)
- Spouse of certain visa holders
Here's a table showing the importance of different elements:
| Element | Importance Level | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Clarity | High | USCIS officers process many applications; clear information saves time. |
| Accuracy | High | Mistakes can lead to requests for more evidence or denial. |
| Completeness | Medium | Ensures all required documents are present. |
Sample Cover Letter for Initial Application
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[Appropriate Service Center Address]
Subject: Application for Employment Authorization - Form I-765 - [Your A-Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
Please accept this letter and the enclosed Form I-765 for an Application for Employment Authorization. I am applying for work authorization under [State the specific eligibility category, e.g., Category (c)(8) for asylum applicants, or Category (c)(3)(B) for STEM OPT].
I am requesting permission to accept employment in the United States. I have attached all necessary supporting documents, including:
- Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
- Copy of my Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record
- Copy of my passport biographic page
- [List any other required documents, e.g., Passport-style photos, approval notices, etc.]
I have carefully reviewed the requirements for this category and believe I meet all eligibility criteria. Thank you for your time and consideration of my application.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
Sample Cover Letter for F-1 OPT
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[Appropriate Service Center Address]
Subject: Application for Employment Authorization - Form I-765 - F-1 OPT - [Your A-Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
This letter accompanies my Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, for Optional Practical Training (OPT) as an F-1 student. My Designated School Official (DSO) has recommended me for OPT, and I am seeking authorization to work in a field related to my degree.
My program of study was [Your Major] at [Your University Name]. I expect to graduate on [Your Graduation Date]. I am applying for [e.g., Post-Completion OPT, or Pre-Completion OPT].
The documents enclosed with this application include:
- Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
- Copy of my Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status (with OPT recommendation)
- Copy of my passport biographic page
- Copy of my most recent Form I-94
- [If applicable, list any previous EAD cards]
I have reviewed all USCIS requirements for F-1 OPT and believe my application is complete and accurate. Thank you for processing my request.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
Sample Cover Letter for Spouse of L-1 Visa Holder
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[Appropriate Service Center Address]
Subject: Application for Employment Authorization - Form I-765 - Spouse of L-1 Visa Holder - [Your A-Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am submitting Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, based on my status as the spouse of an L-1 visa holder. My spouse, [Spouse's Full Name], holds an L-1A/L-1B visa, and I am seeking employment authorization as an L-2 dependent.
Enclosed please find the following supporting documents:
- Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
- Copy of my marriage certificate
- Copy of my spouse's L-1 visa stamp
- Copy of my spouse's Form I-797 Approval Notice for their L-1 visa
- Copy of my passport biographic page
- Copy of my most recent Form I-94
I meet the eligibility requirements for an L-2 dependent to apply for work authorization. I appreciate your careful review of my application.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
Sample Cover Letter for Asylum Applicant
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[Appropriate Service Center Address]
Subject: Application for Employment Authorization - Form I-765 - Asylum Applicant - [Your A-Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
This letter is submitted with my Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. I am an asylum applicant and am eligible to apply for work authorization pursuant to 8 C.F.R. § 274a.12(c)(8).
My asylum application was filed on [Date of Asylum Filing], and I have been waiting for adjudication for more than 150 days. I have not been granted asylum yet and have not intentionally caused any delays in my case.
The documents included are:
- Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
- Copy of my asylum application receipt notice
- Copy of my passport biographic page
- Copy of my most recent Form I-94
- [If applicable, copy of any previous EAD card]
I am respectfully requesting that you grant me employment authorization. Thank you for your prompt attention to my application.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
Sample Cover Letter for EAD Renewal
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[Appropriate Service Center Address]
Subject: Application for Renewal of Employment Authorization - Form I-765 - [Your A-Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
Please accept this letter and the enclosed Form I-765 for the renewal of my Employment Authorization Document (EAD). My current EAD, card number [Your Current EAD Number], expires on [Your Current EAD Expiration Date].
I am eligible for renewal under the same category as my previous application: [State the eligibility category again, e.g., Category (c)(8) for asylum applicants]. I continue to meet all the requirements for this category.
The supporting documents submitted are:
- Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization (Renewal)
- Copy of my current Employment Authorization Document (front and back)
- Copy of my passport biographic page
- Copy of my most recent Form I-94
- [List any other documents required for renewal, e.g., updated I-20 for OPT renewal]
I request that you process my renewal application in a timely manner to avoid any interruption in my ability to work legally in the United States. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
Sample Cover Letter for STEM OPT Extension
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[Appropriate Service Center Address]
Subject: Application for Employment Authorization - Form I-765 - STEM OPT Extension - [Your A-Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to apply for a STEM OPT Extension of my Employment Authorization Document (EAD) as an F-1 student. My current OPT EAD expires on [Your Current OPT EAD Expiration Date]. I am seeking this extension to continue my training in a field directly related to my STEM degree.
My degree is in [Your STEM Major], awarded by [Your University Name] on [Your Graduation Date]. My employer, [Employer's Full Name], has confirmed their participation in E-Verify and agrees to the terms of the STEM OPT extension program.
The following documents are enclosed:
- Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
- Copy of my Form I-20 with the DSO's STEM OPT recommendation
- Copy of my previous EAD card (front and back)
- Copy of my passport biographic page
- Copy of my most recent Form I-94
- Form I-983, Training Plan for STEM OPT Students
I have met all eligibility requirements for the STEM OPT extension. I kindly request that you approve my application.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
Sample Cover Letter for Adjustment of Status Applicant
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[Appropriate Service Center Address]
Subject: Application for Employment Authorization - Form I-765 - Adjustment of Status Applicant - [Your A-Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
This letter is submitted with my Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. I am an applicant for Adjustment of Status and am eligible to apply for work authorization under 8 C.F.R. § 274a.12(c)(9).
My Adjustment of Status application (Form I-485) is concurrently filed with this application, or was filed on [Date of I-485 Filing]. I am requesting employment authorization while my Adjustment of Status application is pending.
The enclosed documents are:
- Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
- Copy of my Form I-485 receipt notice (if applicable) or concurrent filing documentation
- Copy of my passport biographic page
- Copy of my most recent Form I-94
- [If applicable, copy of your previous EAD card]
I appreciate your review of my application for employment authorization.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
Writing a cover letter for your I-765 might seem daunting, but by following these examples and focusing on clarity and accuracy, you can create a strong application. Remember to always check the latest USCIS guidelines for the most up-to-date requirements for your specific situation. Good luck!