Work Permit Lawyer
When aiming at landing new career opportunities and honing your personal and professional skills, obtaining a work permit constitutes the foundation to make that first step into achieving your goals. Like any other immigration remedy, the journey toward securing a work authorization may be complex, but you can do so together with our work permit lawyers.
What is a Work Permit?
A work permit, also known as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), is a key document issued by the US government. Having a work permit allows non-US citizens or non-permanent residents to legally obtain employment in the country, for which they can receive payment and pay taxes.
As with any other permit, the work permit comes with stringent requirements and conditions to be met, but it is generally granted, and especially useful, in immigration processes like asylum, permanent residency, or sponsoring by an employer. Get the guide of our work permit lawyers and let’s step into a realm of new career opportunities!
Work Permit Eligibility Criteria
To have access to a Work Permit in the USA, government authorities have set forth a series of eligibility requirements that applicants must meet. Said criteria may vary based on different factors, but some common requirements include:
Employment-Based Visas
Individuals holding employment-based visas like H-1B, L-1, or O-1 are eligible for a work permit. These visas are typically sponsored by U.S. employers for skilled or specialized workers.
Asylum Seekers and Refugees
Asylum seekers and refugees in the USA are eligible to apply for a work permit after a waiting period, allowing them to work and support themselves while their asylum or refugee status is being processed.
Spouses and Dependents of Certain Visa Holders
Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of H-1B visa holders, L-1 visa holders, and certain other visa categories are eligible for a work permit (H-4 EAD or L-2 EAD) that allows them to work in the USA.
F-1 Students on Optional Practical Training (OPT)
F-1 students in the USA, especially those in STEM fields, can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorization, allowing them to work for up to 12 months in a job related to their major field of study.
Pending Green Card Applicants (Form I-485)
Individuals with pending Form I-485 applications based on employment or family sponsorship are eligible to apply for a work permit while their green card application is under process.
DACA Recipients
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients who were brought to the USA as children without proper immigration status are eligible for a work permit, allowing them to work and study in the country temporarily.
U Visa and T Visa Applicants
Victims of certain crimes (U Visa) or human trafficking (T Visa) and their qualifying family members are eligible for a work permit while their U or T visa applications are being processed, providing them with legal employment opportunities.
VAWA Self-Petitioners
Victims of domestic violence, abuse, or certain crimes, who qualify for relief under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), can apply for a work permit while their VAWA self-petition is being adjudicated, allowing them to work legally in the USA.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Holders
Individuals from designated countries facing unsafe conditions can apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and obtain a work permit, authorizing them to work legally in the USA until conditions in their home country improve.
Certain Special Circumstances
Certain individuals, such as those with extraordinary abilities in their field, may qualify for a work permit based on exceptional talents or qualifications. These cases are often evaluated on an individual basis by the USCIS.
Although it is paramount to review and meet all these requirements to boost the chances of success, we understand that doing so may be overwhelming. You don’t need to navigate through the process alone; contact our team of experienced work permit lawyers in Baltimore and face it with peace of mind.
What are the necessary documents to apply for a Work Permit?
To apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), individuals typically need to include key documents to support their application. The following documents stand out as the most important:
- Proof of Eligibility: You must provide documents to prove that you are eligible for a work permit. This could include a copy of your H-1B approval notice, asylum approval, pending I-485 (Adjustment of Status) receipt notice, etc. The specific documents depend on your immigration status.
- Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization: This is the main form you need to fill out and submit to apply for a work permit. You can download this form from the official website of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Passport Photos and Copy: You usually need to provide passport-sized photos as per USCIS specifications. Also, provide a copy of it, including the biographical page(s) with your photo, name, and date of birth.
- Visa Documentation: If you are currently in the U.S. on a visa, provide a copy of your corresponding visa documentation.
- Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record: If you are in the U.S., provide a copy of your I-94 record, which you can obtain from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website.
- Certified Translations (if documents are not in English): If any of your documents are in a language other than English, you need to include a certified English translation.
- Remember that the specific requirements might vary based on your immigration status and situation. It's crucial to check the official USCIS website or consult with an immigration attorney to ensure you have the most accurate and updated information. Trust us with your case.
Benefits of a Work Permit
Obtaining a Work Permit grants more than the opportunity to work legally in the United States. Among the benefits permit holders can enjoy, the following stand out:
Legal Work Authorization
Those who obtain a work permit are awarded legal authorization to work. This opens up a plethora of opportunities to boost their career path.
Social Security number
With a work permit, individuals can apply for a Social Security number. This is a key element for them to have access to certain benefits and services in the United States.
Professional development
An EAD clears the path toward professional development, networking, and skill-building opportunities. This can have a positive impact on long-term career goals.
Permanent residency
By further establishing yourself and contributing to the country’s affairs with the help of a work permit, you’re boosting the opportunity to become a permanent resident in the USA.
Job security
While individuals may face the risks and uncertainties of working illegally, with a work permit, they can enjoy the protection of US employment laws, which increases their job security.
We know how accessing these benefits can lay the foundations for materializing your American Dream. Let our seasoned work permit lawyers in Baltimore accompany you every step of such a complex process while you focus on envisioning a better future.
Let a Work Permit Lawyer Help You Boost Your Career Opportunities!
Achieve your career ambitions and maximize your career potential with the support of our skilled work permit lawyers. Obtaining this legal resource may be complex, but let us simplify the process, offering tailored legal assistance to secure your work permit and ensure a successful future. Contact us now to make your professional dreams a reality!
