U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) simplified the process for Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization  for eligible refugees. The new process applies to those admitted to the U.S. as refugees on or after December 10, 2023.

Now, instead of a complicated paper-based system, USCIS will create a digital Form I-765 for each refugee when they arrive in the U.S. Upon being admitted to the U.S., USCIS will review the application and, if approved, send the work permit to the refugee’s address within two weeks. Receipt of the work permit may vary depending on the timing of mail delivery.

USCIS will also share the necessary information with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to assign the refugee a Social Security number. The SSA will then mail the Social Security card to the refugee.

This new process is not available to refugees who come to the U.S. through a Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition. Those refugees will continue to follow the current process using Form I-765 to replace or renew their work permits.

If you have any questions about U.S. immigration, feel free to reach out to us. We work with our clients every step of the way.