The Opportunity for Employment in the United States
Immigrants who wish to work legally in the United States can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), also known as a temporary work permit, as long as they meet the established requirements.
Starting the American Dream
The first step to achieving the American dream is finding a job. For all newcomers to the US, it is essential to have an authorization that allows them to work legally. This article focuses on temporary residents (permanent residents or those with Green Cards do not need this authorization), who must file Form I-765 to obtain the Employment Authorization Document. However, not all cases are eligible for this process.
Requirements to Obtain a Work Permit in the United States
Immigrants who have applied for asylum, humanitarian parole, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), or shelter through the CBP One application are eligible to apply for a temporary work permit, which must be renewed six months before it expires. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides tips and guides for completing the necessary forms, available on its website.
Types of Status and Procedures
| STATUS | PROCEDURES |
| Immigrant with request for asylum, humanitarian parole, refugee status (CBP One) or TPS | Form L-589 |
| Application for registration of permanent residence or adjustment of status | Form L-485 |
| Application for registration of permanent residence or adjustment of status | Form L-765 |
Permanent residents with a Green Card do not require an additional permit, as their card demonstrates authorization to work. Those with employer-specific visas (H-2B, L-1B, O, or P) also do not need to complete this process.
Documents Needed for the Form
- Two passport size photographs.
- Photocopy of an official identification.
- Photocopy of the I-94 record (document that records entries and exits in the US), available online.
Once the application is approved, the EAD card will be mailed via the US Postal Service (USPS). The process can take up to 30 days. Applicants can track their delivery using the case status tool provided by immigration authorities.
Where to Apply for a Work Permit
The validity of the work permit varies between one or two years, depending on the status of the immigrant and the reasons for the application (asylum, refuge, TPS, etc.). To find the appropriate USCIS office, it is necessary to review the addresses to file Form I-765, although it is also possible to do so digitally, which is more expensive, but allows you to track the status of the application, update personal information and upload evidence.
Processing Costs
| PRESENTATION CATEGORY | RATE WITH PRINTED FORM | RATE WITH ONLINE FORM |
| General presentation | 520 dollars | 470 dollars |
| Asylum seeker | 520 dollars | 470 dollars |
| Applicant for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) | 520 dollars | 470 dollars |
| Refugee with Temporary Stay Permit | 0 dollars | N/A |
Obtaining a work permit in the United States is a crucial step for any immigrant looking to start a new life and achieve their career goals in the land of opportunity.
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