A U.S. work permit (also known as an employment authorization document, or EAD), can be applied for in a relatively simple manner. You must complete a one-page form and send it to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services with the fee, pictures, and papers establishing your eligibility (USCIS). A temporary work visa or an employment-based pass may be of interest to you if you want to work over there. There are several different temporary work visas available, and each one enables you to stay over there for a predetermined period of time. Due to your employment situation, you can become a permanent resident by obtaining an employment-based green card. The qualifications for each choice vary, so it’s crucial to figure out one you might qualify for. You need to apply for a work visa in order to lawfully work in the United States. For foreign nationals interested in working temporarily in the US, there are a variety of work visas available.
Who can get a U.S. work permit (EAD)
Only certain categories of immigrants, typically those who are applying for an adjustment of status or who have some other temporary authorization can obtain a work permit. For instance, those with K-1 fiancé visas, asylees, spouses of different visa holders, individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED), F-1 students in need of financial assistance or looking for optional practical training (OPT), and others may be eligible for EADs. Additionally, do not mix up requesting a work permit with requesting a work visa to the US, such as an H-1B. This application procedure is significantly more difficult.
How to fill out USCIS form I-765 if you require a work permit
You can get Form I-765, which is required to apply for a work permit, for free from the USCIS website. The form is largely self-explanatory. Your name, contact information, and other details will be entered. Even if you have lived over there for a while and have only recently returned from a brief trip overseas, they really want to know when you last entered the country on Question 22.
Documentation to provide to prove work visa eligibility
You will need to create a photocopy of anything that demonstrates your status as indicated in Question 29 in order to demonstrate your eligibility for a work visa. Include a copy of the letter or judge’s order granting you asylum, for instance, if you asked for asylum. Which documents you must provide are specified in the Form I-765 guidelines.
Temporary US employment visa categories
H-1B Visas are among the most popular temporary work visas in the US:
- E Visas.
- Visas L.
- I’m Visas.
- NAFTA Work Permit.
Which visa is appropriate for you frequently depends on the kind of work you’ll be doing in the US. Other elements that may influence your choice include your relationship with your company, the length of your stay in the country, and the level of expertise required for the position.
How to apply for a permanent work visa
Non-US nationals who have a green card are allowed to live and work permanently in the US. A family-based pass or an employment-based green card are two common ways for people to receive their pass. Many candidates receive green cards every year in employment-based categories like:
- EB-1.
- EB-2.
- EB-3.
- EB-4.
- EB-5.
Permanent green cards based on employment in the US
The following are the categories of green cards available:
VISA EB-1 (Priority workers)
Priority employees seeking residency in the US can apply for an EB-1 Green Card, or First Preference visa. More specifically, applicants for an EB-1 visa must fit into one of the following groups:
- Extraordinary Ability, EB-1A.
- Outstanding Professors and Researchers, category EB-1B.
- Multinational Manager or Executive, or EB-1C.
Visa EB-2 (Advanced degree professionals)
For people seeking permanent residence in the US, the EB-2 immigrant visa category is found in the Immigration Act. It was designed for foreign nationals who have a graduate degree, outstanding skills, or who want to forego the need for a labor certification. The following three visas are included in the second preference category:
- Advanced Degree, EB-2A.
- Exceptional Ability, code EB-2B.
- National Interest Waiver EB-2C (NIW).
Visa EB-3 (Skilled, unskilled, & professional workers)
A permanent residency category based on work experience is the EB-3 Green Card. The third desired category of employees includes those who are qualified, experienced, or “other.” Those who are deemed skilled, unskilled, or professional employees receive an EB-3 Green Card.
VISA EB-4 (Special immigrants)
The EB-4 priority category for immigrant visas is for “extraordinary immigrants.” A person may apply for legal permanent resident (LPR) status in the EB4 category provided they meet the requirements for special immigrant status. The EB-4 visa has two primary categories, however, there are also a number of additional categories:
- Religious Personnel.
- Juveniles Special Immigrants.
EB-5 Permit (Investors)
The Immigration Act established the EB-5 immigrant investor visa category to entice foreign investment to the US and so generate employment for Americans. The investor would subsequently be qualified to submit an application for US permanent residence.
