US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) rejected 35,767 Form I‑765 applications filed by green‑card applicants during the April‑June 2026 period, according to agency data.

The denial rate for these employment authorisation documents rose to roughly 44%, up from about 25% in the two preceding fiscal quarters (October 2025‑March 2026).

Form I‑765 is used to request an Employment Authorisation Document (EAD), which permits qualifying applicants to work legally while their immigration cases remain pending.

By the end of the reporting period, 671,362 adjustment‑of‑status work‑permit applications were still pending, with a median processing time of 6.4 months.

USCIS also reported that 727,371 naturalisation (Form N‑400) applications remained pending, with a median processing time of 9.5 months.

The agency noted stricter financial assessments for some green‑card applicants, examining income, assets, health and potential reliance on public benefits when determining eligibility for work permits.

USCIS announced fee increases for asylum applications, employment authorisation and Temporary Protected Status effective 16 October 2026, reflecting annual inflation adjustments.

Applicants are advised to verify eligibility, ensure all supporting documents are complete and consult the official USCIS website for the latest fee schedule and processing guidance.