For thousands of asylum seekers in the U.S., applying for work authorization—officially known as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) under category (c)(8)—is a vital step toward stability and self-sufficiency. But while the process might appear simple at first glance, it’s packed with technical rules and hidden pitfalls. Without proper guidance, even small mistakes can have big consequences, delayed applications, denials, or even lose your chance to receive the card, along with the $550 fee—meaning you may be forced to reapply from the beginning or possibly file a motion to reopen, depending on your case.  Here are six of the most common errors applicants make—and how to steer clear of them.

1. Applying Too Early or Misunderstanding the Asylum Clock

Timing is everything. One of the most frequent mistakes is applying for an EAD before you’re actually eligible. Under current rules, asylum seekers must wait 150 days after submitting their Form I-589 (asylum application) before they can file Form I-765 for work authorization. Even then, the EAD won’t be approved until the full 180-day waiting period has passed—and only if the applicant hasn’t caused any delays in their case. Here’s where it gets tricky: the “asylum clock” pauses if you miss a biometric appointment, reschedule an interview, or fail to respond to USCIS or immigration court notices. Some applicants don’t realize the clock has stopped or worse, think it’s running when it isn’t. Others apply for a renewal without ever having received a permit to begin with. USCIS puts it plainly: “If the delay is caused by the applicant, the asylum clock will be stopped.” Before filing, double-check that your clock is running, and that enough days have accrued.

2. Selecting the Wrong Eligibility Category

On Form I-765, Part 2, Question 27, you are required to select your eligibility category. It might seem like a simple checkbox, but selecting the wrong one can lead to serious problems. One common mistake is choosing the wrong eligibility code. For example, some asylum applicants mistakenly select a twelve or c nineteen, which are categories used for Temporary Protected Status. The correct category for asylum-based applications is (C08).

Other applicants complete the form as if they are in defensive asylum proceedings when in fact they are applying through the affirmative process. Some people also forget to include important supporting documents, such as the receipt notice for Form I-589 or other evidence of their pending asylum application. Another frequent error is marking the application as a renewal when it is actually the applicant’s first time applying under category (C08). This can cause confusion and delay or even result in a denial.

3. Failing to Include Required Documents

Missing or incorrect documentation is another common roadblock. USCIS doesn’t guess, they verify. That means every detail matters. Some applicants leave out essential materials like: Passport-style photos that meet specific size and background requirements Proof of identity, such as a passport ID page or national ID Court documents, for defensive asylum seekers (such as a hearing notice or stamped I-589) Inconsistent name spellings, birthdates, or A-numbers across documents can also create red flags. And if your nationality can’t be clearly established? Expect a delay—or a denial.

4. Paying the Wrong Fee—or Forgetting

Payment errors are still one of the most frequent reasons USCIS applications are delayed or rejected. Many applicants send the wrong fee amount, confusing the cost of initial filings with renewals. Others use outdated payment methods like incorrect money orders, or forget to include the payment altogether. Fee waivers are another common source of error. If you are submitting Form I 912 to request a fee waiver, forgetting to sign the form, omitting financial evidence, or failing to clearly explain your financial hardship can all lead to rejection.

To address these recurring issues and improve processing times, USCIS will stop accepting paper checks and money orders after October 28, 2025. Starting on that date, only the following payment methods will be accepted: ACH debit payments using Form G 1650 and Credit card payments using Form G 1450

This change is not just procedural, it is a direct response to common filing errors and is meant to make the payment process faster, more reliable, and easier to verify. By streamlining payment options, USCIS aims to reduce rejections due to incorrect amounts or invalid payment methods, helping applicants move forward without unnecessary delays.

5. Not Checking If the Asylum Clock Was Stopped

Many applicants assume that if 150 days have passed since they filed their asylum claim, they’re good to go. But the asylum clock doesn’t run on autopilot. If you caused any delays—missed appointments, requests to reschedule, or late filings, the clock stops cold. This is especially true for defensive asylum seekers in immigration court. If the clock’s been paused, and you file anyway, your application will likely be rejected. To stay on track, check your clock status with USCIS or the EOIR hotline. Keep a record of your notices and appointments, it may help you prove that any delay wasn’t your fault.

6. Filing Without Professional Assistance 

Finally, perhaps the most avoidable mistake: going it alone. Many applicants believe the process is straightforward and try to handle it without professional guidance. But even simple errors, choosing the wrong category, using an old version of the form, forgetting a document can result in delays or denial. For defensive asylum seekers or applicants who’ve experienced delays, the risks are even higher. “I thought I could do it myself. I ended up waiting four more months and had to start over,” says Leonce, an asylum seeker from Haiti. That’s why services like Web509 can make a huge difference. With step-by-step support, many applicants who use Web509 receive their EADs in as little as 30 calendar days—a result of properly completed, fully supported applications.