Applying For A Work Permit
Though you may not yet qualify to become a lawful permanent resident or United States citizen, you may still qualify to have a temporary work permit. You may be able to get a work permit if you qualify for an immigration benefit such as:
- DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
- TPS, or Temporary Protected Status
- Certain pending applications, like asylum or adjustment of status
- Humanitarian Parole
- Temporary Work Visa
Our attorneys at The Law Offices of Veronica Garza, PLLC, are efficient, working hard to ensure that your application for a work permit or to renew your work permit is prepared and submitted as soon as possible to avoid delays.
The Typical Timeline For Work Permit Processing
There are three main types of work permits granted by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). They include temporary, nonimmigrant work visas, permanent employment-based green cards and Employment Authorization Documents (EADs).
Employment authorization through a visa is a temporary arrangement usually related to a job with a specific employer. Common work visas include:
- H-1B
- H-2A/H-2B
- I
- L-1 and L-2
- O-1
- TN
- P-1/P-2/P-3
- R-1
The standard timeline for processing an employment visa is between three and 11 months, although some visas may require longer due to the use of lottery systems to select visa holders.
The timeline for securing an employment-based green card is usually between two and three years. For those seeking an EAD, the processing timeline is typically two to six months, although the process can sometimes take eight months or longer.
If an existing work permit expires while the renewal is pending, the affected immigrant could lose the legal authorization to work immediately, which could result in a termination. The need for a medical exam or a Request for Evidence based on incomplete paperwork can significantly extend the timeline for work permit processing.
How Work Permits Affect A Professional’s Family
When someone secures a nonimmigrant work visa, their immediate family members may be able to travel to and live in the United States with them. If they qualify for a dependent visa as a spouse or unmarried minor child, they can continue to live with the primary visa holder. This means dependent family members may be able to study and work in the United States and may eventually qualify for green cards or even naturalized citizenship.
What Is An Employment Authorization Document, And How Does It Differ From Visas?
An EAD is a document that allows a foreign national present in the United States to lawfully work here as well. A visa, on the other hand, authorizes entry into and continued presence in the United States. Professionals usually apply for visas at a U.S. consulate while living abroad. Those physically present in the United States can request an EAD while in the country.
An EAD does not require a specific job office in most cases and may allow an immigrant to hold any job they can secure, while a visa usually involves a specific job. Both visas and EADs are temporary but potentially eligible for renewal.
Call Today
Remember, work permits are temporary benefits. When you consult one of our attorneys about obtaining a work permit, you will be screened for any other immigration benefit you may qualify for a permanent lawful status. You can schedule your consultation by calling 817-857-4195 or by filling out our contact form.