HOW TO APPLY FOR A USA WORK PERMIT
Foreign nationals who wish to visit the United States and immigrants living there are not permitted to work unless they have authorization from the American government. A Work Authorization Document serves as the vehicle for this authorization (EAD).
Work permits or work authorization cards are the most popular names for EADs. Work permits are picture identity cards that resemble driver’s licenses and are awarded by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
HOW DIFFERENT IS A WORK VISA FROM A WORK PERMIT?
If you’re unsure about the distinction between work visas and work permits, you’re not alone.
1 . WORK VISA
You can reside in the United States and work for a particular employer if you have a work visa. The visa is applied for on your behalf by any employer, and it is valid so long as you are still employed by that company. But when in the United States, you can only operate for that company. If you quit working there, you won’t be able to find another job until you obtain new immigration status.
2 . WORK PERMIT
Work authorization documents are not connected to a particular employer. You are able to work in the United States for any employer after you acquire a work permit. You can renew your permit as long as your immigration situation still permits you to work.
3 . CONSEQUENCES OF WORKING WITHOUT A WORK PERMIT
It is extremely risky to work in the US without a work permit or employment authorization card. The government has the authority to deport you if you operate without permission. Additionally, they can prevent you from re-entering the country for years, and you might find it much more difficult to obtain a stay in the future.
The great news is that obtaining a work permit is simple. Additionally, it’s free if you apply for a green card at the same time! If you’re eligible, you can apply for or renew a work permit using the free tool.
US WORK PERMIT ELIGIBILITY
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services accepts applications from numerous immigrants for work permits. About who is qualified to work in the U.s., USCIS gives comprehensive information.
Immigrants who qualify include;
- DACA recipients
- Fiance K-1 holders of visas
- Immigrants whose applications for change of status (green cards) are still pending
- Immigrants who possess remarkable talents
- Specified visa holders’ spouses
- Immigrants with Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) (DED)
- Specific exchange guests
- F-1 students approved as temporary workers who are in financial need and want to enroll in optional practical training (OPT)
WHO DOESN’T QUALIFY FOR A US WORK PERMIT?
Work permits are not available to tourists (those with B-1 visas) or undocumented immigrants unless they qualify for a humanitarian status like refugee status while they are in the United States. These immigrants are not eligible for work permits from USCIS, therefore it is against the law for American employers to recruit them.
WHO CAN WORK IN THE US WITHOUT A WORK PERMIT?
Holders of green cards (legal permanent residents) are exempt from the requirement to obtain a work permit. For as long as it is valid, your green card gives you permission to work in the United States! You can present your green card to an employer who requests documentation that you are authorized to work in the United States.
Once you are a citizen of the United States, you no longer need to obtain a work permit. Show your U.S. passport or citizenship certificate to your employer if they want documentation proving your right to work in the country.
You do not need an additional work permit if you hold a work visa. Immigrants who possess visas such as the H-1B Visa, L-1 Visa, E-3 Visa, or Treaty Investor Visa are subject to this rule.
APPLY FOR A US WORK PERMIT IN THE FOLLOWING EASY STEPS
Everyone who requests a work permit should complete five simple steps.
1 . Submit an application for work-permitting immigration status.
You must be of an immigrant status that enables you to labor in the United States in order to obtain a work permit. You can only proceed to the next step if you already have this particular status or are in the process of applying for it.
2. Prepare Form I-765
To submit a work permit application, utilize USCIS Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization. The I-765 form is not too complicated. You provide your name, contact details, and eligibility details.
3. Get your supporting documents ready.
To obtain a work visa, you must provide the following six pieces of relevant documentation with your Form:
- A duplicate of your passport picture page.
- Your most recent U.S. visa copy
- A duplicate of your Form I-94, travel document. Your electronic I-94 can be obtained online.
- Copies of any prior work permit you may have (front and back).
- Two recently taken passport-sized photographs of yourself
- A duplicate of the confirmation email you got after submitting your application for an immigrant visa from the US government.
Along with your Form I-765, first-time applicants must additionally include one of the identity documents listed below.
- A duplicate of your photo ID and a copy of your birth certificate from your country of origin.
- A duplicate of the visa you were issued by a non-American embassy.
- A duplicate of another national identification paper bearing your photograph or fingerprints.
4. Pay the filing fee
The majority of I-765 papers are processed for a $410 fee by USCIS. Applicants for “Deferred Action” must also pay an additional $85 biometrics cost. Before you file, make sure to double-check the USCIS fee schedule for the most recent price as these fees are subject to frequent modification.
5. Send in your application for a work permit.
You can go ahead and submit your request for a work permit to USCIS once you have finished filling out your Form I-765, gathered your supporting materials, and paid the filing fee. Including a personal statement with your documents is a smart idea so the government knows exactly what to expect from you.
DURATION FOR US WORK PERMIT PROCESSING
The processing time after you complete your work grant application to USCIS is typically 2 to 7 months. When USCIS receives your documentation, they will send you a recognition notice along with a receipt number. Once you receive your confirmation notice, you can check the status of your application on the USCIS website using your receipt number.
WHAT TO DO AFTER GETTING A WORK PERMIT?
In order to work lawfully in the United States if you have never done so before, you must obtain a Social Security number (SSN) and a work permit. Form I-765 enables you to submit an application for a Social Security number or a new Social Security card along with your work permit.
Your employer will require you to submit a Form I-9 form and provide documentation proving your right to work in the US. All you need as proofs are your work permit and SSN!
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR APPLICATION IS NOT SUCCESSFUL?
There are three primary reasons why USCIS can deny your request for a work permit:
- You erred during submitting your application. USCIS may reject your application if you sent the wrong supporting documents or filled out Form I-765 incorrectly or forgot to sign it.
- You were not qualified to receive a work permit. Having a U.S. immigration status that permits you to work while you are here is the only requirement for obtaining a work permit. USCIS will reject your application for a work visa if you do not have this status and submit it.
- Prior to the approval of your work visa application, you were given permission to perform other jobs. If you simultaneously apply for a work permit and a green card, it’s possible that the green card application will be accepted before the work permit application. Rarely does something like this occur? But if it happens, don’t be alarmed! You can work using your green card and won’t require a different work permit.
It is advised to see an immigration lawyer or seek legal aid if USCIS denies your work permit application due to an error or ineligibility. If you are qualified, you can occasionally reapply.
It can be difficult to obtain your first work permit or renew it, but NewsNowGh makes it simple. Eligible applicants can use the free web application to guide them through the procedure and assist them in preparing and submitting their applications to the US government.