EAD Filings Now Must Be Filed at Designated Lockbox or at VSC
Posted 05.Mar.2010
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The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) changed the procedures for filing the application for employment authorization (EAD), or Form I-765, effective February 24, 2010. The I-765 form now must be filed either at a designated lockbox or at the Vermont Service Center (VSC). The USCIS WebSite carries an updated chart, reflecting the appropriate filing locations.
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Place of Filing Depends on Basis for EAD Request
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The correct place to file the I-765 depends upon the basis for the EAD request. This depends upon the particular immigration status or classification that permits the applicant to request the EAD.
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Residence Determines Phoenix or Dallas Lockbox with 30-Day Transition
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In certain categories, the applicant files either at a lockbox in Phoenix, AZ or Dallas, TX, depending upon her/his place of residence. There is a 30-day transition period until March 26, 2010. Until that time, applications filed at the prior service center filing locations will be forwarded to the appropriate lockbox in Phoenix or Dallas.
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Transition to Centralized Filing
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The change in I-765 filing location is part of an overall USCIS effort to centralize filing and use lockboxes. There is an option for requesting eMail notification of USCIS acceptance of the filing.
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Review Up-to-Date Instructions before Filing EAD
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We provide this update on the I-765 filing location, as we know that many individuals file or consider filing the EAD without the assistance of a knowledgeable immigration law attorney or law firm. MurthyDotCom and MurthyBulletin readers are reminded that, if choosing to file the I-765 without the use of an attorney, it is important to double check the required filing location and other details to ensure that the information is accurate and up to date. Forms filed at improper locations are generally rejected, other than during a grace period, as described above. This rejection could cause, at a minimum, a delay in processing the request. For the I-765, this delay could mean a gap in authorization to work and loss of pay.
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Conclusion
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The USCIS often changes and updates forms and other details related to filing cases, such as location of filing. Missing important details like this generally results in rejection of the case by the mailroom, so that the application or petition cannot be processed. Thus, while many people can and do file their own I-765 forms, we urge them to follow the directions carefully. Problems in fairly simple applications, filed without an attorney, often arise from simple clerical matters, such as signatures, filing fees, use of expired forms, and filing at an incorrect location. It is important carefully attend to such details. If there are any doubts, it is best to get some guidance from a qualified, experienced immigration attorney.