Securing a work permit in the U.S. can be a crucial step for many newcomers. You need work permits to build your career in the United States. But how long does it take to get a work permit? The exact timeline for work permit approval varies depending on Visa type and other factors.
It is important to understand the timeline for job seekers and recruiters. It allows you to set better plans and realistic expectations. Let’s learn everything about the U.S. work permit and how to start working.
What is a Work Permit?
In the United States, immigrants need official permission to start work which is called a work permit. The work permits are officially known as Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) which are a must to start work in the U.S.
You can apply for a work permit without being a permanent resident if you have an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa. So, all legal Visa holders can apply for EAD. After work permit approval by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you will get a photo identification card.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Work Permit?
To get a work permit you need to apply for it. Pay $410-$495 and submit the form to USCIS for a work permit. After submitting the form, it will typically take 2-7 months to process the EAD. The work permit processing time depends on some factors such as living area, reason for applying, etc.
Some EAD processes are faster such as asylum work permits, etc but normal work permits take a bit longer time. You will get a receipt notice with a number when USCIS gets your application. Generally, it takes 2-3 weeks to get the receipt notice. Applicants can track their work permit status using the receipt number on USCIS’s website.
Who is Eligible for the Work Permit?
If you are new in the U.S. you must have the question who is eligible for work permit rights? Luckily, the United States allows immigrants and nonimmigrants to work in the U.S. without having a green card. If you have a nonimmigrant or immigrant visa you can apply for a work permit from a U.S. citizen and USCIS. Immigration Service in the United States declares detailed information about work permit eligibility. According to USCIS, the eligible candidates list is attached below :
- DACA recipients
- K-1 Fiance Visa holders
- Asylees
- Approved temporary workers
- Immigrants with pending green card status
- Immigrants with extraordinary skills and qualifications
- Spouses of E2 visa holders
- Immigrants with Temporary Status or Deferred Enforced Departure
- Particular exchange visitors
- F-1 Visa holder students who need financial support can apply for optional practical training (OPT)
If you want to make sure whether your Visa allows you to work in the U.S. or not please check the Form-I-765 from United State’s website. There is a detailed list of work permits with Visa type. It will give an exact answer whether you can apply for a work permit or not. Let’s learn together how long does it take to get a work permit in the United States.
Can I Work Without Applying for a Work Permit?
Typically, working without a work permit document is illegal. If you work without EAD you have a high chance of deportation. Moreover, you can also get restrictions for further entry into the U.S. for 3-10 years. Even the United States can cancel your permanent or temporary Visa status.
Suppose you are applying for a green card and working without a work permit they not only deport you but also have a high chance of rejection for a green card forever. If you come to the U.S. on a visit Visa and work without EAD. Then apply for transition you never can transfer your Visa status.
You need to manage work permit documents for any kind of job. If you need to work only for a few hours you should collect authorization to avoid future conflicts. It can cause serious immigration problems and stop your path in the U.S. So, don’t take this risk and apply for a work permit before starting any job.
Simple Steps to Apply for a Work Permit in the U.S.
So, a work permit is vital to start working in the U.S. I already covered how long it takes to get a work permit. But if you don’t know how to apply for a work permit let’s follow the below steps. It is easy but you need to provide all the necessary documents and information correctly.
If you don’t have time, the Techy team can help you to apply for a work permit. Remember that you need to fill up the form correctly with proper documents to get EAD quickly. Here is the step-by-step guide to applying for a work permit in the U.S.
Determine Eligibility
Before applying check out the United States website to know whether your Visa type allows work permits or not. You should ensure that you have eligibility and proper skills for working in the U.S.
Secure a Job Offer
Obtaining a written job offer from an employer in the U.S. can increase the chances of getting a work permit quickly. This field is not mandatory. But if you already have a job offer you can attach it with the application. The job offer should include necessary details like job title, responsibilities, and salary.
Collect Required Documents
You need to submit some necessary documents with the work permit
form to make it validate. Here is a list of necessary documents.
- A valid passport copy.
- National ID copy.
- Attach your resume/CV and cover letter.
- Collect proof of qualifications such as certificates
- Gather other documents like police clearance, medical reports, or proof of work experience, if have
- Fill Application Forms
Now visit the official immigration or labor department website of the United States. Download Form I-765 and complete the work permit application form carefully. It contains some tricky questions. You need to give a proper answer to the question. The approval depends on your answer and documents. If you are a newbie also ask for a Social Security number (SSN). To start work you also need an SSN with a work permit card. If you are confused, take our Visa consultant services to fill it out accurately.
Pay the Application Fee
After filling out the form now you need to pay the application fee. You should check the fee amount on the official website. Depending on the Visa type it costs nearly $410. If you already apply for a green card or adjust status you don’t need to pay the application fees. Asylum seekers also don’t need to pay any fees. General people can pay through money order, personal check, or cashier’s check to the U.S. Homeland Security department for work permit fees.
Submit the Application
After filling out the form, collecting documents, and paying fees now it’s time to submit the application. But in most categories, you can’t submit the application online. Make a cover letter to precisely describe your qualifications and why you need a work permit. Check the USCIS website to get the right address to submit the work permit form. Depending on your living area the address will be different. So, check it carefully and submit it to the right address.
Wait for Processing
After submitting the form you need to wait for processing of the work permits. Now you may think how long does it take to get a work permit? I already said it requires 3-7 weeks to get the work permits. USCIS will send you a tracking number and receiver documents for further processing. After completing the process they will provide a photo work permit card.
To get a work permit you need to follow the above steps. It is tricky work that requires attention and time. Our expert consultant can help you to make a perfect application to avoid rejection.
How to Start Work After Getting a Work Permit in the United States
Your work permits and SSN are the only documents you need to start work in the U.S. So, after getting the documents, talk with the employers and start work immediately. The employer will submit an I-9 form to check whether you have a valid work permit or not. That’s all to start working in the United States.
Who Can Work Without a Work Permit?
Generally, working without a work permit is dangerous. But in some cases, you are eligible to work in the U.S. without work permits. If you have a Green card you can work without a work permit. But if your green card is processing status you can’t work without EAD. So, you need a valid green card to work without work permit documents.
If you are also a U.S. citizen you don’t need any work permit for a job. You can simply show your U.S. passport to the employers. Moreover, employment visa holders can work without a separate work permit. Some immigrant’s Visas such as H-1B, L-1, E-3, E-2 treaty investor, etc. allow visa holders to work without work permit documents. So, if you have Citizenship, a green card or above type Visas you don’t need an extra work permit.
Difference Between Work Permits and Work Visa
Don’t get confused between work permits and work visas. A work visa is an official document that allows a foreign national to enter and stay in a country for job purposes. It’s typically obtained before entering the country.
Conversely, a work permit is an authorization granted by the U.S. government allowing a foreigner to work in the country. The work visa gets you into the country, while the work permit allows you to legally work there. Both are essential for legal employment in the United States.
Final Verdict
Hopefully, now you know how long it takes to get a work permit in the U.S. It is really dangerous to work in the United States without a work permit. So don’t make this mistake. So, apply for a work permit and start working legally. It will be a life-saver for the U.S. journey.
Techy can help you to manage work permits quickly. We will help you to save time and avoid rejection. So, contact us to know details about the work permit.
FAQ
What should I do If USCIS rejects my work permit application?
USCIS wrote the rejecting reason. So check the reason carefully and correct it to resubmit the application to get your work permit. You need to file an appeal to submit the corrected form.
Can I get a work permit while waiting for a green card?
Yes, you can get a work permit while waiting for a green card.
Is it easy to get work permits in the U.S.?
If you have qualifications and provide proper answers in the work permit form with the necessary documents then it is easy to get a work permit. But if you give irrelevant answers in the form then it will be challenging.
How can I get a work permit faster?
To get the work permit faster fill the form correctly and attach a job offer. After submitting the form, select expedite and explain the reason why you need to get the work permits faster.
What is the easiest work Visa in the U.S.?
The United States offers several types of work visas. Depending on your qualification it can be easy or difficult. The e-1 treaty trader worker Visa is the most popular and easiest option for the U.S.
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