How to Apply for a US Work Permit (EAD)

The application process for acquiring an EAD or employment authorization document, commonly known as a US work permit, is not very complicated. You need to fill a single-page form, attach the photos, the necessary documents proving you are eligible, and the fee, and submit it to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

However, there is a catch and it is not just that you should have an immigration lawyer working with you on this! You should ensure that you are indeed eligible and you can go right here to find immigration legal help  http://immigration.usattorneys.com/. A US work permit is issued only to immigrants or certain limited groups of immigrants. This includes those who apply for a green card or who those who have some type of temporary right to be in the US.

Following are the processes involved while applying for a US work permit.

You took your high school math tests by yourself. You took your driver's test by yourself. You took your elementary school spelling tests by yourself. You make your breakfast by yourself and you handle many projects and assignments at your workplace by yourself. Well, this immigration process in America is much different. You should not try to do this yourself. You need an immigration lawyer. You can find one here: http://immigration.usattorneys.com/.

Filling out the form I-765

The form you to use for applying for a US work permit is Form I-765, and this can be freely downloaded from the USCIS website.

This form is almost self-explanatory but make sure to provide accurate information. As you reach Question 12, state your most recent entry to the US, if any. Under the “Manner of entry” mention the sort of visa you used to enter the US.

Question 16 might require more effort. You should look at the I-765 instructions, to find out the eligibility category that is most appropriate for you and fill it out on the form.

Attaching proof

To establish that you are eligible for a US work permit, make a photocopy of the status that you mentioned under Question 16. For instance, in case you have applied as an asylee, then you have to attach a copy of the letter from the asylum office, or the order of a judge that grants you asylum. The instructions to fill out Form I-765 state the necessary documents for you to submit. If in doubt or confused don’t hesitate to consult an immigrant attorney for assistance.

Pay the proper fee

As of 2015, the applicable fee is $380. However the USCIS fee amounts are subject to frequent change, so don’t forget to double check the USCIS website to confirm. If you also want to request for deferred action, you need to pay an additional $85 as a biometrics fee. There are specific categories of applicants who don’t need to pay any fee.

This includes those who are simultaneously filing for adjust status in order to obtain a green card, as they are already covered by their I-485 fee. Immigration lawyers strongly recommend that you read the instructions for Form I-765 to determine whether you are among them. You can pay by check, money order, in case you choose to mail your application. If e-filing, you can pay by credit or debit card, or electronic transfer of funds from a US bank.

Submitting your EAD application

You can submit your I-765 application to the USCIS, by mail or by “e-filing”. However, remember to mail in your supporting documents. Note that the address to use is based on your category of eligibility, and differs for those using US mail, and the ones using a courier service.

Since applying for a US work permit can be very complicated, it is always just plain smart to hire the services of an immigration lawyer to guide you through this process.