From seasonal farm workers to nurses to artists, many noncitizens apply to work in the United States every year. Some immigrants must secure a temporary or permanent work visa before entering the country. Other immigrants must obtain a work permit before seeking employment.
A work permit immigration lawyer associated with Fresh Start Immigration Law can help you navigate the complex U.S. immigration system. We can help you complete and file the correct applications, gather and submit supporting documents, and avoid mistakes that could delay the receipt of your Employment Authorization Document (EAD card). Contact us online or call today to learn more with a free consultation.
Employers in the United States must ensure that all employees are authorized to work. An I-765 is one way to prove your eligibility. An I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) gives noncitizens in the U.S. a path to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). This work permit allows you to work in the U.S. for a temporary amount of time.
If you are in the United States and have an immigrant visa unrelated to employment, you must apply for a work permit I-765 to seek a job in the U.S. Some nonimmigrant workers may need to apply for employment authorization depending on the work they are doing. Some immigrants who are authorized to work may still want to apply for an EAD to provide proof of authorization, too.
In general, you do not need a work permit if you already have a temporary (nonimmigrant) or permanent (immigrant) work visa. If you hold this type of visa, you already have authorization to work in the United States. A work permit immigration lawyer can go over the I-765 instructions with you to make sure you are applying for the correct permit.
Immigrants who are eligible for an EAD card include:
This is not a complete list of eligible categories. Our associated work permit lawyers can determine if you qualify for a work permit and help you throughout the application process. We can also help individuals outside the U.S. who want to enter the country on a work visa or pursue LPR status (Green Card) once in the country.
To learn more about how Fresh Start Immigration Law can assist you in obtaining your EAD card, contact us online or call today for a free consultation.
To apply for a work permit, you will need to complete Form I-765 and file it along with the following:
Depending on your current visa or status, you may need to supply additional documents. You will also need to pay any necessary fees. Our associated immigration lawyer for work permits can guide you. We can review your application, ensure everything is correct, and help you gather and file supporting information.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reports that it could take several months to over a year to process I-765 application for work permits. How long it can take will vary depending on your eligibility category (i.e., student, asylee, refugee, etc.) and the location of the processing center.
Once your I-765 is approved, you should receive your work permit in the mail within two weeks.
While a lawyer cannot expedite the processing time, Fresh Start Immigration Law’s associated work permit attorney can help you properly complete and file your application and supporting documents, ensuring you avoid mistakes that could lead to a delay or a denial of your work permit.
No. You do not need a work permit if you have a Green Card (LPR status). Your Green Card already authorizes you to work in the United States. You also will not need a work permit if you have a temporary or permanent work visa.
According to the USCIS, In September 2023, the maximum validity period of EAD cards was increased to five years for certain non-U.S. citizens, including refugees, asylees, and recipients of withholding of removal.
A work permit immigration lawyer can tell you how long your permit may last based on your immigration category.
To renew a work permit, you must file a new Form I-765 and pay filing fees. The USCIS recommends filing for renewal within 180 days of your EAD card expiration date to avoid any gaps in your employment authorization.
Some applicants may qualify for an automatic renewal. Renewal can extend your work permit by months or years, depending on your immigration category. Our associated lawyers can assist with your renewal or help if it is delayed or denied.
No. You generally cannot get a work permit with a pending I-130. Most individuals immigrating on an I-130 Petition for Alien Relative are not yet in the U.S. and, therefore, cannot obtain an EAD card. Those already in the country with a pending I-130 may be able to stay in the U.S. on a visitor visa until their I-130 is approved.
Anyone with a B-1 temporary business visitor visa can do some approved forms of work since that is the purpose of their visit. These visa applicants do not need to apply for an EAD, although they may do so if desired.
United States immigration laws constantly change and can be difficult to navigate, but Fresh Start Immigration Law’s associated work permit attorneys can assist you. We can help determine your work permit eligibility, complete and file your I-765, and answer any questions about the immigration process. They can also help individuals seeking a temporary or permanent work visa or a Green Card.
Fresh Start Immigration Law is here to protect your rights and help you take steps to build your future. Call today for a free consultation and connect with an immigration lawyer today.
Boca, Fort Lauderdale, New York, Long Island, California
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