This is what an immigrant needs to obtain a work permit (+Step by step)

In the United States (US), immigrants require a work permit to be able to work legally in the country. Find out what you need and how to apply in California.

The first thing you need to know is that a work permit, also known as an employment authorization document (EAD), is a type of accreditation that allows foreign citizens in the United States to legally carry out work activities.

The application is completed through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and applicants for the card must meet a series of specific requirements.

Below, we share with you how to obtain this document necessary for immigrants in the state of California.

Key points regarding the requirements for obtaining a work permit

• Are you eligible?: The first requirement to obtain a work permit in California is to verify if you meet the eligibility criteria.

This depends mainly on the immigration status of the applicant.

Applicants must be in the country under a category that allows them to work, such as asylum, protection under DACA, or on a work visa.

• Form I-765: Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, must be completed and submitted.

• Supporting documentation: You must include documents such as a copy of your visa, passport, and any other documentation that supports your application.

These documents must be up to date and legible.

• Payment of fees: The application for a work permit entails a fee that must be paid to USCIS.

It is important to check the current fee on the official USCIS website, as it may change.

How to submit the application correctly?

As noted above, the first step is to complete Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. This form can be found on the USCIS website: Application for Employment Authorization | USCIS.

Supporting documentation must be included in the application. It is important to reiterate that the documents must be up to date and completely legible.

Once everything is collected and the form is filled out, the shipment is made, without forgetting to pay the fee.

You can submit it by mail or online through the USCIS system.

If you submit your application online, you will immediately receive a receipt notification from USCIS, and the same will happen if you submit your application by physical mail, once it reaches the agency.

You will then need to wait for your application to be processed, please note that this may take several weeks or months depending on USCIS workload.

Work Permit: What to do next?

USCIS indicates that After Form I-765 is approved, your EAD card will be produced within two weeks.

USCIS encourages you to use the Online Case Status tool to find your USPS tracking number upon delivery of your EAD card.

Please note that you will receive your EAD card by mail, via the United States Postal Service (USPS) Informed Delivery service, to the address you provided to USCIS.

So you must make sure you have the correct mailing address on file with USCIS.

If your mailing address changes following you file your application, you must update the address with USCIS and USPS as soon as possible.

With information from Migrant Connection

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