There are countless reasons individuals from different parts of the world want to work in the US. The country is a driving force in the world economy with its culture constantly shaping the world views. With a work permit you too can become a part of that driving force and culture.
There are different types of permits that allow you to work in the US as a foreign national. There are work visas that do not require any specialised work permits. Then there is the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Card that allows you to work in the US on a temporary basis. This comprehensive guide will tell you how to get a US work permit and what are the alternatives.
EAD Card in the US
The most traditional pathway of obtaining a legal work permit for foreign nationals with non-immigrant visas is an EAD Card. At the same time, H4 dependent spouses of H1B visa holders and asylum seekers can also apply for an EAD Card.
Eligibility for EAD Card
The first and most important step in obtaining an EAD Card is determining whether you are eligible for an EAD card or not.
The visa categories that are, in general, eligible to apply for a work permit in the US are H1B, F1 and L-2.
Documents Required
The next step is compiling all the necessary documents for the application. Given below is a list of documents typically required for an EAD Card application.
- Copy of passport
- Copy of additional government issued photo identification card.
- Copy of Form I-94, detailing your arrival.
- Copy of previous EAD Card, if present.
- Proof of marriage and its legitimacy, if applicable.
- Additional documents can be required based upon your category and eligibility requirements.
Form I-765
The Application for Employment Authorization is filed through the Form I-765. The form can be found on the official USCIS website. You can either file and submit it online or download and submit via mail. You need to submit supporting documents as well with the form. Once you pay the filing fee, your application will get through and you will receive a receipt notice after two to three weeks.
Fee
- The filing fee for Form I-765 is $470 if filed online.
- The filing fee for Form i-765 is $520 if filed via paper.
Processing Time
The timeline to get approval on an EAD card after filing the form is dependent on the category of the applicants and their eligibility. On average, the processing time for obtaining a work permit is usually three to seven months.
Work Visas in the USA
The other alternative for a work permit is applying for a work visa. A specialised work visa permits the applicant to work in the US as long as the validity of the said visa. Given below is a list of work visas you can apply for based on eligibility in the US.
- H1B Visa: H1B visa is available for highly skilled or high salaried employees. The process of obtaining an H1B visa is long and quite complicated. It involves demonstration by your employer that there are no eligible US workers for the role through PERM labor certification. Then the Petition for Alien Worker has to be filed to the USCIS.
- L-1 Visa: L-1 visa is reserved for full-time employees of a company or organization who are transferred to the branch of the company in the US. Employees of multinational companies often require L-1 visas.
- O-1 Visa: O-1 visa is one of the most desired and at the same time the hardest visas to obtain. It is for individuals with extraordinary capabilities in their fields. It is available for individuals who have contributed substantially with world-renowned recognitions in the fields of science, art, business, education, and sports.
How Documitra Can Help You with Work Permit
The core team of Documitra has had years of experience with government forms and applications in the US. Therefore, we are the right choice for you to obtain an EAD Card. With us, you get expert guidance, all round support, and complete transparency. So, don’t wait any longer. Apply for a work permit in the US with Documitra now and start working for your dreams.
FAQs
Q. Who can apply for a work permit in the US?
Certain foreign nationals who are eligible can apply for a work permit to work in the US. Certain visa holders (F-1 and L-2), Asylum seekers, H4 dependent spouses of H1B visa holders and refugees can apply for a work permit.
Q. Can Asylum seekers apply for a work permit in the USA?
Yes, asylum seekers can apply for a work permit in the US. They become eligible after 150 days from the day of their asylum application.
Q. Do H1B visa holders need to apply for a work permit?
No, there is no requirement for an employee to apply for a work permit if they already have an H1B visa. However, they can apply for an EAD Card if they wish to work longer in the US and want an additional permit for the same.
Q. How long does it take to get work in the US?
The processing time to obtain an EAD card depends on the category of the applicant along with some other factors. In most cases, though, the average processing time to get an EAD Card is three to seven months.
Q. Can international students apply for a work permit in the US?
Yes, certain international students can apply for a work permit. Students with F-1 visa undergoing training for OPT or STEM are eligible to apply for a work permit in the United States.
