In the U.S., a work permit is also known as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or Form I-766. The work permit is filed with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and allows the holder to legally work and earn an income in the U.S. Work permits are usually temporary and for non-immigrant workers.
Foreign workers are given a social security number (SSN) alongside their work permit, protecting them against discrimination based on their immigration status.
To apply for a work permit, individuals need to fill out Form I-765 and provide a copy of their passport, U.S. visa, other work permits if applicable, I-94 travel record, and other documentation if necessary.
What is on a work permit?
Work permits include the duties and location of the work and the number of hours a minor is allowed to work. For minors to work legally, the minor, parent/guardian, and employer fill out the B1-1 form and submit it to the local school of the minor’s address.
Who is eligible for a work permit?
Anyone in the process of securing a green card or visa can be eligible to apply for a work permit. Other eligible groups include:
- Students with off-campus employment through a qualifying international company
- Students who need to work off-campus due to a poor economic situation
- Adjustment of status applicants
- Dependent spouses of intra-company transferees
- Eligible dependents of diplomatic mission employees
Do you need a work permit for every country?
Every country has regulations around work permit eligibility, but as a general rule, individuals need a work permit to work inside a country’s borders.
Most EU countries have the same standardized process for foreign worker permits. In Spain for instance, individuals need to request a work visa from the Ministry of Labor and apply for a work visa at their local Spanish embassy. China’s laws require workers to have a valid passport, a completed visa application, an official job offer from a Chinese company, and certificates that verify the worker is healthy and has a clean criminal record.
How long is a work permit valid?
The EAD work permit usually lasts a year, but validity depends on the worker’s other visas and permits.
Is a work permit the same as a work visa?
A work permit is not the same as a visa. A visa generally authorizes an individual to enter a country and reside there for a specific period. Some visa types, however, allow individuals to work in the country, such as the digital nomad visa.
A work permit is a document that specifically authorizes a person to earn income in a foreign country. Some instances require getting a work permit regardless of the visa status.
What are the consequences of working without a permit?
Those who work without a work permit or an expired or fake permit violate U.S. federal and state law. Some of the consequences can be:
- Issues completing an existing green card application process
- Getting banned from entering the U.S. for a specific period
- Getting banned from obtaining another immigrant visa in the future
Those applying for visas in other nations must know the country’s restrictions and legal consequences of violating the law. It’s recommended to consult an immigration expert while applying for a work permit to ensure all documents are accurate and up to date.
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