Want to work in the United States of America? Make sure you apply for your permits today. Obtaining your work visa can be challenging, but that’s why you have people like me! Using my detailed and proven work permit application techniques, I’ll help you get your permits as easily as possible.
Canadian citizens and foreign nationals can apply for work permit online in USA if they are eligible to do so. The US Department of State’s Worldwide CSC (Centralized Authorization Processing) system is a web-based system for submitting applications for nonimmigrant worker visas, such as the H-1B, H-2A and H-2B visas. If you have any specific questions about applying for these work permits through this site, the USCIS has set up a special hotline.
What is an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)?
Immigrants living in the United States, and foreign nationals who want to come to the United States, cannot work unless they receive permission from the United States government. That permission comes in the form of an Employment Authorization Documents (EAD). EAD’s are more commonly known as “Work Permits.” Work Permits are photo identification cards issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and they look a lot like a driver’s license.
What is the difference between a Work Permit and a Work Visa?
Many people confuse Employment Authorization Documents (Work Permits) and Work Visas, so if you’re not sure of the difference, you’re not alone.
A Work Visa allows you to live in the U.S. and work for a specific employer. That employer applies for the visa for you, and the visa will be valid for as long as you continue working for that employer. However, you may only work for that employer while in the U.S. If you leave that employer, you will not be able to work for anyone else until you get another immigration status.
Employment Authorization Documents (Work Permits) are not tied to a specific employer. Once you have a Work Permit, you can work for any employer in the U.S. You will need to renew your Work Permit every year, though, and you will only be able to renew if you have an immigration status that allows you to keep working.
U.S. employers must confirm that you are legally authorized to work before they hire you. Once you have a Work Permit, you can show it to potential employers to prove that you can lawfully work in the U.S.
What happens if I work without a Work Permit?
Working in the United States without a Work Permit is very dangerous. If you work without authorization, the government may deport you. They may also bar you from entering the U.S. for 3-10 years, and you may have a much harder time trying to get temporary or permanent status in the future. For example: if you don’t have a Work Permit and work while in the U.S. on a visitor visa and later apply for a student visa, the State Department will almost certainly reject your student visa application.
You also need a work permit for short-term or “under the table” employment. Even if you only get paid for working a few hours, working without authorization can cause serious immigration problems for you down the road.
The bottom line? Do not work in the United States without a Work Permit.
The good news is that applying for a Work Permit is easy! If you submit an application for a Green Card at the same time, it’s also free!
ImmigrationHelp.org can help you prepare your Work Permit application with our free online tool. Read on to learn more.
Who is eligible for a Work Permit?
Many immigrants can apply for a Work Permit from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). USCIS provides detailed information about who is eligible to work in the U.S. on its website. Eligible immigrants include:
- DACA recipients
- K-1 Fiance Visa holders, asylees
- Immigrants with pending adjustment of status (Green Card) applications
- Immigrants with extraordinary abilities
- Spouses of some visa holders
- Immigrants with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED),
- Certain exchange visitors
- Approved “temporary workers”
- F-1 students who are experiencing financial hardship who want to apply for optional practical training (OPT)
You can find a complete list of immigration statuses that allow you to work in the U.S. on the instructions for the USCIS Work Permit application Form I-765.