Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, is a form used by certain non-citizens in the United States to apply for permission to work. When you receive a notification that an "approval case decision rendered" for your I-765 application has occurred, it means that your application has been reviewed and has been approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Here are the details of what this means:
1. What It Signifies:
- Approval Notification: The case decision indicates that your application has successfully met all necessary requirements and that USCIS has approved it.
- Employment Authorization: As a result of this approval, you will be granted employment authorization, allowing you to legally work in the United States.
2. Next Steps:
- Receive Your EAD Card: Following the approval, USCIS will typically send you an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card, often referred to as a work permit. This card serves as proof of your legal right to work.
- Processing Time: It may take some time for the EAD card to be printed and mailed to you, so be on the lookout for it in the mail.
3. Eligibility Requirements:
- The approval of your I-765 application indicates that you have met the eligibility criteria for employment authorization. Eligibility can vary based on your immigration status (e.g., asylum seekers, students on OPT, certain visa holders, etc.).
4. Duration of Employment Authorization:
- The EAD card is valid for a specific period, usually ranging from one to two years. The expiration date will be indicated on your card.
- You may need to renew your EAD before it expires if you wish to continue working legally in the U.S.
5. Limitations:
- Employment authorization granted through Form I-765 comes with specific limitations based on the underlying immigration status. It’s important to comply with the conditions tied to your authorization.
6. Maintaining Eligibility:
- Ensure that you maintain the eligibility requirements that allowed you to receive your EAD. Changes to your immigration status or failure to comply with visa regulations can affect your work authorization.
In summary, an "approval case decision rendered" for your Form I-765 means you have been granted the legal ability to work in the U.S., and your next step would typically be waiting for your EAD card to arrive. Be sure to keep all notifications and correspondence from USCIS for your records.