I-765 at Service Center Operations (SCOPS)
Application for Employment Authorization
From USCIS data captured July 22, 2026
Based on being an H-4 spouse of an H-1B nonimmigrant (filed with I-539 H4) [(c)(26)]
6 – 9.5 months
Case inquiry possible for receipt dates on or before October 21, 2025.
Based on being an L-2 spouse of an L-1 nonimmigrant [(a)(18)]
16.5 – 26 months
Case inquiry possible for receipt dates on or before June 05, 2024.
Based on being admitted as a Refugee [(a)(3)]
19 – 22.5 months
Case inquiry possible for receipt dates on or before September 18, 2024.
Based on an approved asylum application [(a)(5)]
4.5 – 15 months
Case inquiry possible for receipt dates on or before April 29, 2025.
Based on being an H-4 spouse of an H-1B nonimmigrant (Standalone; not filed with I-539 H4) [(c)(26)]
16.5 – 18 months
Case inquiry possible for receipt dates on or before January 21, 2025.
Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student [(c)(3)]
3.5 – 5.5 months
Case inquiry possible for receipt dates on or before February 18, 2026.
Based on an approved, concurrently filed, I-821D [(c)(33)]
No posted time
Consistent with the July 16, 2021 order from the Southern District of Texas that prohibits DHS from granting initial DACA requests, USCIS has suspended calculations of processing times for initial DACA requests. https://www.uscis.gov/DACADecisionStateofTexas
Based on a pending asylum application [(c)(8)] -renewal/replacement
15 – 17.5 months
Case inquiry possible for receipt dates on or before February 11, 2025.
USCIS posts 1 processing time for any service center location that processes requests for an Employment Authorization Document based on a pending asylum application. We keep these requests in an electronic system that allows us generally to process adjudication-ready cases in the order USCIS receives them, regardless of where the case is pending or where the adjudicator is.
Based on a pending asylum application [(c)(8)] – Initial Application
1 – 4 months
Case inquiry possible for receipt dates on or before June 27, 2026.
USCIS posts 1 processing time for any service center location that processes requests for an initial Employment Authorization Document based on a pending asylum application. We keep these requests in an electronic system that allows us generally to process adjudication-ready cases in the order USCIS receives them, regardless of where the case is pending or where the adjudicator is.
Based on a pending I-485 adjustment application [(c)(9)]
12 – 15 months
Case inquiry possible for receipt dates on or before May 01, 2025.
Based on TPS for El Salvador [(c)(19), (a)(12)]
15 – 16.5 months
Case inquiry possible for receipt dates on or before March 08, 2025.
All other applications for employment authorization
14.5 – 18.5 months
Case inquiry possible for receipt dates on or before January 08, 2025.
Trend
Arrive Legal began archiving this data in July 2026. The trend chart unlocks once at least two weekly readings exist — history USCIS itself doesn't publish.
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Alerts: I-765 at Service Center Operations (SCOPS)
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Frequently asked questions
How long does I-765 take at Service Center Operations (SCOPS)?
Per USCIS data captured July 22, 2026, I-765 at Service Center Operations (SCOPS) takes 6 – 9.5 months (80% of cases complete within that time).
When can I ask USCIS about my case?
Under the current data, USCIS accepts a I-765 case inquiry at Service Center Operations (SCOPS) if your receipt date is on or before October 21, 2025. Use USCIS's e-Request tool.
Is this time a guarantee?
No. It is the time within which USCIS completed 80% of similar cases over the past six months. Every case is different; some take longer.
Check your case status at USCIS Case Status Online · Official source: USCIS Case Processing Times