Publication date: 23.04.2025
My name is Zarshed Rakhmonov, and I am an immigration specialist. I assist my clients with the following matters: • I-765 — Work Authorization • I-589 — Asylum Application • I-130 — Petition for Relatives • N-400 — U.S. Citizenship (Naturalization) • Address Change (AR-11) • Replacement of Lost or Damaged Documents …and other immigration-related services.
How I Helped a Client from Ukraine Obtain a Work Permit in the USA: A Case from Immigration Attorney Zarshed Rakhmonov
In today’s world, where millions of people leave their homes every year in search of safety, stability, and a better future, the issue of legal residency and employment in another country becomes critically important. This is especially true for those who are forced to flee their home countries due to armed conflicts, persecution, political instability, or other emergency circumstances. For many Ukrainians who found themselves in the United States after the start of the war, two questions become a top priority: how to stay in the country legally, and how to find legal employment to support themselves and their families.
One of the key elements of legalization and integration into American society is obtaining a work permit — a document that opens the door to employment, a stable income, health insurance, and other social guarantees. Without it, even the most qualified professional is forced to remain in the shadows, work unofficially, or refrain from any employment at all. As an immigration consultant with years of experience, I receive hundreds of requests for help with filing Form I-765 — the Application for Employment Authorization in the United States. In this case study, I’ll share one of my recent cases — the story of a client from Ukraine, whom I helped navigate this complex but incredibly important process. Her name is Olena, and our work together is a clear example of how skilled legal support can truly change a person’s life for the better.
What Is Form I-765 and Why It Matters for Immigrants
Form I-765 is the official application used to request a work permit (Employment Authorization Document, EAD), submitted to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This document allows foreign nationals to work legally in the U.S. for a specific period of time.
Main situations where Form I-765 is needed:
While waiting for a decision on an asylum application (Form I-589)
While waiting for a green card after submitting Form I-485
When under Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
Under the DACA program
When granted humanitarian parole or another legal basis for staying in the U.S.
Who Is Olena and What Challenges Did She Face?
Olena arrived in the U.S. from Ukraine in early 2023 as an asylum seeker. After filing Form I-589, she had to wait 150 days, as required by law, before becoming eligible to apply for a work permit. During this time, she was not allowed to work legally, which caused serious difficulties in paying for housing, healthcare, and daily living expenses.
Step-by-Step Breakdown of My Work with Olena
Preparing to File Form I-765
Checked the eligibility timing based on her I-589 submission
Created a checklist of required documents
Signed an agreement for legal representation
Document Collection and Review
Copy of passport
Copy of Form I-589 submission confirmation
Passport-style photo (2x2 inches per USCIS guidelines)
Fee check (in our case, she qualified for a fee waiver)
Completing Form I-765
Filled out all required sections of the form
Entered the correct eligibility category code: (c)(8) — for asylum applicants
Submitting the Application
Mailed the full application packet to the USCIS office
Received the official receipt notice (Form I-797C Notice of Action)
Waiting for a Decision
Tracked the application status on the USCIS website
Maintained regular communication with Olena during the waiting period
Receiving the EAD
Seven weeks after submission, Olena received her work permit by mail
We celebrated this important milestone together
What Services I Provide for I-765 Applications
- Consultation on eligibility timing
- Document review
- Full application preparation
- Communication with USCIS
- Help with RFE (Request for Evidence) or denial responses
Key Facts About Form I-765
You can’t file it earlier than 150 days after submitting Form I-589
Processing usually takes 30 to 90 days
The first application for asylum seekers is free
If the EAD is lost or expires, you can reapply for a replacement
Who Especially Needs Form I-765?
- Refugees and asylum seekers
- People in the process of obtaining a green card
- Those with humanitarian parole or Temporary Protected Status
- Spouses of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents
Benefits of Working with Me
Personalized Approach
Every client’s case is unique — I pay close attention to every detail.
Experience and Expertise
I have over 7 years of experience in immigration law.
Full Support
From your first consultation to receiving your documents — I’m with you every step of the way.
Question
How much does it cost to file Form I-765?
Answer
For asylum seekers, the first filing is free. A second or alternative-status filing may require a fee (see the USCIS website for details).
Question
What if USCIS requests additional documents?
Answer
If you receive an RFE (Request for Evidence), I will help you prepare the proper response and gather the required documents.
Obtaining a work permit in the U.S. isn’t just about paperwork. It’s about dignity, confidence, freedom of choice, and stability for yourself and your family. Without legal authorization to work, building a full life in America is incredibly difficult. That’s why I, Zarshed Rakhmonov, as an immigration attorney with years of experience, dedicate myself to making this journey easier, safer, and more effective for every client I work with.
My approach is grounded not only in knowledge of U.S. immigration law, but also in deep respect for each human story. I guide my clients through immigration processes with confidence — from document collection and form submission to support in complex legal situations. My track record includes dozens of successful cases involving work permits, asylum applications, family reunification petitions, citizenship, document restoration, and address changes.
If you’re currently in a difficult situation or just beginning your path to legalization in the U.S. — don’t delay. A smart legal strategy and professional support from the beginning can save you time, money, and stress. Contact me — I’m always ready to listen, advise, and walk with you every step of the way on your immigration journey.
