How can I find out if my U.S. work permit has been approved?

Working in the United States is a dream for many. With its vibrant economy and diverse job opportunities, it is not surprising. However, to do so legally, you need to understand the U.S. work permit process.

You are flooded with doubts such as: what is a work permit for, can I apply for the permit, how do I know if my work permit has been approved? In this article, Jaskot Law will explain what you need to know, from the types of visas available to the requirements and steps to obtain your work permit in the United States.

U.S. Work Permit

The permit is also known as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), and is issued by USCIS in the United States. This permit benefits foreign nationals in specific categories, such as adjustment of status, asylum, international student trainees, and employment visa holders.

This work authorization is essential for those who wish to work in the country legally. There are several types of visas that allow you to do this, so here is an overview of the main categories.

Visas Allowing Access to a Work Permit

In the world of immigration, there are several visas that open the door to a work permit in the United States. Among the most noteworthy are the following:

Temporary Employment Based Visas (H-1B)	These visas are for highly skilled professionals who wish to work in specialized jobs. They generally require a job offer from a U.S. company and a college degree or equivalent experience.
Temporary Non-Agricultural Work Visas (H-2B)	The H-2B visas are intended for temporary non-agricultural workers. This includes employees in industries such as hotel industry, tourism, and construction. To qualify for it, a U.S. employer must demonstrate that he or she cannot find available local workers.
Work Visas for Investors (E-2)	If you plan to invest a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business, you may qualify for the E-2 visa. This visa is designed to encourage foreign investment in the United States.
Employment Visas for Persons of Extraordinary Ability (O-1)	The O-1 visas are for individuals with extraordinary ability or outstanding achievements in fields such as the arts, sports, science and education. They require a demonstration of outstanding achievements.

How do I know if my work permit was approved?

The struggle to know work permit approval deadlines with certainty can create uncertainty. If you have questions about the approval of your work permit, you can follow these steps to check its status:

• Online Inquiry: If you filed your application online, check the status on the USCIS website using the receipt number provided to you. If the status says “approved”, then your permit is ready!

• Official notification: USCIS will send you an official letter to your address of record when they approve your permit. Be sure to keep it updated and stay alert.

• Check your messages and mailbox: If you provided an email or cell phone number, you will also receive approval notifications by these means.

At Jaskot Law, we celebrate with you the approval of your work permit, news that expands your horizons. If you have any questions or concerns about your permit, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to provide you with all the information you need.

How do I know when my work permit arrives?

Once you obtained an answer for the question of “how do I know if my work permit has been approved?,” another common question that arrises is “how do I know when my work permit arrives? Among the procedures you can follow are the following:

• Check status online: If you filed your application online, you can check the status on the USCIS website on an ongoing basis. To do so, you will need to enter, as mentioned above, the receipt number you were given when you submitted your application.

• Keeping your information up to date: It is essential that the USCIS has your most recent contact information in order to notify you if they require additional information or to inform you of the progress of your application.
• Be patient: The processing time for a work permit may vary depending on the volume of applications that the USCIS handles at any given time. Generally, it can take between two and five months for an approved work permit to be issued. If more time has passed than expected, you may contact the agency to inquire about the status of your application.

• Contacting USCIS: If you have questions or concerns about your application, you can contact USCIS through their phone line or email. USCIS staff will assist you with any questions you may have.

• Seek professional advice: If you encounter difficulties in following up on your work permit application, consider seeking the advice of an attorney specializing in immigration matters. An experienced attorney can help you check the status of your application and communicate with USCIS if necessary.

Remember that maintaining a positive and confident attitude throughout the entire process is critical. If you follow these tips, you can feel more relaxed and confident about your work permit. Contact Jaskot Law if you need additional assistance.

Common Requirements to Apply for a Work Permit

Regardless of the type of visa you are applying for to access a work permit, there are common requirements you must meet. Among the most important, the following may be mentioned:

• Job offer: Generally, you need a job offer from a U.S. company willing to sponsor you.

• Documents and forms: You must complete the forms required by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

• Eligibility: You must be eligible for the visa you are applying for according to the specific requirements of that category.

• Background check: You may be required to undergo a background check and provide medical records.

• Fees: You must pay the corresponding application fees to proceed with the process.

Work Permit Application Process

The application process may vary depending on the type of visa. However, in general, the applicant can expect to follow the following steps:

1- Get a job offer: First, make sure you have a job offer from a U.S. company willing to sponsor you.

2- Complete the forms: Fill out the forms required by the USCIS. This includes providing details about your employer, your work history, and your visa eligibility.

3- Make payments: Pay the corresponding application fees in order to continue with the process.

4- Deliver the documents: Provide all necessary documents, such as passports, photographs and medical records.

5- Attend the interview (if necessary): In some cases, you may be required to attend an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.

6- Navigate through the approval process: Once your application is approved, you will receive a visa that will allow you to work in the United States.

At Jaskot Law, we know how complex and stressful it can be to face a process like this, so our team of lawyers is ready to guide you and offer you the advice you need to have positive results.

Conclusion

Obtaining a work permit in the United States is a process that requires planning and patience. It is essential to understand the types of visas available, the requirements, and the application process. With the information provided in this guide, you are better prepared to start your U.S. employment journey legally and successfully.

If you are wondering “how do I know if my work permit was approved?” or “how do I know when my work permit arrives?”, don’t be overwhelmed. Remember that at Jaskot Law, we have a team of immigration lawyers who are ready to answer any specific questions you may have about your situation.

Sources

USCIS

Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

E-2 Investors by Trade Agreement

O-1 Visa: Individuals of Extraordinary Ability or Achievement

Frequently Asked Questions