How to get a Job in the USA as a Foreigner?

How You Can Work in the United States as A Foreigner

If you wish to move to the United States for work purposes, you may be required to obtain an employment green card or a temporary work visa. There are different temporary work visas, and each one will allow you to stay in the United States for a specific amount of time. On the other hand, an employment green card will allow you to work as a permanent resident regardless of your employment status. Each of these options has different procedures and requirements. Therefore, it is necessary to determine which option you may be eligible for. This guide will explain the basic procedures for a successful application.

Why it is Important to have a United States Work Permit

Different people from across the globe wish to work in the United States and to live the American dream. In most cases, foreigners who wish to work in the U.S will be required to obtain a U.S work visa. As said earlier, there are several United States work visas available, and applicants must be able to determine the one for which they are eligible. Also, applicants must be aware of the correct application procedures and how to rightly prepare documentation.

Bear in mind that the employer must verify that the employee has the authorization to work in the U.S. Also, permanent residents, refugees, asylees, and certain non-immigrants have the authorization to work in the United States due to their immigration status. Therefore, foreigners that are not in this category, such as a family member who has employment authorization, may have to apply for Employment Authorization Document from the United States Citizenship Immigration Service (USCIS).

Determining the Right United States Work Visa

Any foreigner can apply for the United States work visa but it depends on a couple of factors. Here, we will look at some of the various types of Visas that you may require depending on your immigration status or type of work.

The Options for a United States Work Visa includes:

• L-1 visa: this visa is for owners or foreign workers who wish to transfer to a new or existing business in the United States
• E1 and E2 permit: this visa option is for traders and investors
• H-1B visa: this visa option is for specialty occupations like health care workers, lawyers, accountants.
• H-2B visa: this visa option is for non-agricultural workers.
• EB-1 Green Card: this visa permit is for outstanding researchers or professors
• EB-2 Green Card: this visa option is based on exceptional ability
• EB-3 Green Card: this visa option is for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers
• EB-4 Green Card: this is visa option is for special immigrants like religious workers 
• Exchange Visitor Visa: this is also known as the business visitor visa or the non-immigrant visa. The exchange visitor visa is available for people who have the authorization to participate or engage in study-based programs or work. 

How To Apply for A United States Work Permit

Step One: Fill Out the USCIS Form

When applying for your United States work permit, you will be required to fill Form I-765. You can download the form on the official USCIS webpage.

The content of the form is very easy to understand. You may have to start by filling in your name and address and so on. You may also be required to provide information on your recent visit to the United States; the type of visa and the mode of entry. 

Ensure you understand clearly your eligibility status before filling the form. For example, the most common eligibility status includes asylee, students on post-completion practical training, people on temporary protection, J-1 exchange visitor, and people with a pending adjustment of Green Card application. 

Proof Of Eligibility

Having determined your eligibility, you may be required to provide proofs to back up your claim. For example, if you applied for the permit as an asylee or a person with Temporary Protected Status, you will be required to provide a copy of the letter from the asylum office or a court ruling granting you protection. The instructions on the Form I-765 provides a detail of the various documents you may require. 

However, if you are applying for a work permit and status at the same time, you don’t have to provide any eligibility document. The United States Citizenship Immigration Service (USCIS) will automatically verify your eligibility from your application. 

How To Pay for The EAD Processing Fee

The fee is around $380. And the total fee may go up to $465. But you are advised to budget extra money because the fee increases frequently, and you may need to check the website to get an update on the latest fees. Also, you may be required to pay a Biometric fee of $85 if you’re requesting a deferred action. 

However, there are categories of applicants that are not required to pay any fees, such as those filling to adjust Green Card Status at the same time. But on the condition that their I-485 fee covers them. So, you must check out the instructions on the form to see what you are in for. You will pay the fees through either a personal check, money order, or credit card. However, to use a credit card, you must have a form G-1450 Authorization for card transactions.

Processing Time for United States Work Permit

The processing time depends on your kind of visa and where you are application is processed. For example, if you are going for an H-1B visa and you are applying from the California center, your application may take up to 10 months. But you are going for the same visa through a Vermont center, your application can take up to 8 months. 

Can my application for work get rejected?

The simple answer is yes. But three factors may influence your application getting rejected. First, if you did not follow the detailed instructions and then filling the form incorrectly. The second reason is less common. If you have an approved Green card before the processing of your work permit is completed, your application will be rejected. But this is good because with a Green Card there won’t be a need for a permit. And the last one is your ineligibility at the time of your application.