How Much Does an EAD / Work Permit Cost in Florida?
Form I-765 is the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) — commonly called a work permit. It allows certain noncitizens to work legally in the United States. Attorney fees are among the most straightforward in immigration law, but complications like prior denials or criminal history can increase the cost.
EAD attorney fees in Florida typically run $600–$1,800. Initial and renewal applications for common categories like DACA, TPS, asylum-pending, or adjustment-pending applicants sit at the lower end. Cases involving prior EAD denials, criminal history concerns, or unusual categories require more analysis and sit higher in the range.
What Drives the Cost
- EAD category — some categories (e.g., U visa, VAWA) require more supporting documentation
- Initial vs. renewal — initial applications often require more explanation than renewals
- Prior denial — must address the reason for denial and strengthen the application
- Criminal history concerns — requires analysis of whether the offense affects EAD eligibility
- Category change — switching EAD categories requires careful documentation
What's Included in the Attorney Fee
- Preparation and review of the I-765 application and all supporting documents
- Category eligibility analysis
- Cover letter explaining the basis for the EAD
- Response to any RFEs
- Guidance on renewal timing to avoid gaps in work authorization
Government Fees (Not Included)
USCIS filing fees for I-765 vary by category. Many EAD categories have a $520 filing fee, but some (like DACA renewals) have different fees and some categories are fee-exempt. These fees are paid directly to USCIS. Verify the current fee at uscis.gov before filing.
How Location Affects the Fee
EAD applications are filed by mail or online with USCIS — no in-person hearings or appearances are required. Travel surcharges do not apply to EAD work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the USCIS filing fee for Form I-765 (work permit / EAD)?
USCIS filing fees for Form I-765 vary by eligibility category. Many employment-authorization categories carry a filing fee (commonly around $520), while some categories have a different fee or no fee at all. Because it is category-dependent and subject to change, confirm your amount on the current USCIS fee schedule.
Is there a filing fee for a DACA (I-765) renewal?
DACA renewals are filed on Form I-765 together with Form I-821D and carry their own combined fee, which differs from standard EAD categories and can change. Verify the current DACA-specific amount with USCIS before filing.
Can I get a fee waiver for the I-765?
A fee waiver (Form I-912) may be available for certain I-765 categories in limited circumstances, but not all categories are eligible. Eligibility is fact-specific and best confirmed with an attorney.
What is the total cost of a work-permit (EAD) application?
The total combines the applicable USCIS filing fee (which depends on your category) with any attorney fee. Use the instant estimator on this site for a personalized range.
How much does an I-765 / EAD attorney cost in Florida?
Attorney fees for a work-permit filing depend on your category and whether it is filed on its own or alongside another case. For a personalized fee range, use the estimator on this site.
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Attorney Advertising. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Fee ranges shown are estimates only and do not represent a binding offer. Legal representation is subject to a written engagement agreement.