If you are a foreigner looking for legal work in the USAit is important that you know that there is a procedure that you must follow, the Employment Authorization Document process (EAD, for its acronym in English). The Employment Authorization Document is a card that shows that an alien is authorized to work in the United States. For a foreigner who is not a US citizen, it is necessary to have the EAD to legally work in the United States. In this article we show you who is eligible, how to start the process, and if you can work while you wait for your permit.
What is the EAD or work permit in the United States?
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has published on its website that the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is essential to guarantee that you can be legally employed in the US. It is very important to have the work permit card when starting any work in this country.
The EAD is a government document that allows you to work in the United States without being a citizen or legal permanent resident. It serves as proof of employment authorization and is issued only after the appropriate application has been approved.
Who can apply for the EAD?
- You are authorized to work in the United States based on immigration status or circumstances (for example, you are asylum seeker, refugee, or U Nonimmigrant) and you need to show your employment authorization; either
- You need to apply for a work permit; in other words, you need to apply for employment authorization. For example: You have a pending Form I-485 (application for Registration of Permanent Residence or Adjustment of Status). You have a pending Form I-589 (Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal). She has nonimmigrant status that allows her to be in the United States but does not allow her to work in the United States without first applying for employment authorization from USCIS (such as a student on an F-1 or M-1 visa).
How much do I have to pay to apply for the EAD work permit?
These are the costs:
- The filing fee: US$410, although in some cases the payment may be exempted.
- Biometric services concept: $85.
Then, to apply for your work permit card in the United States (EAD), you must present a Application for Employment Authorization (Form 1-765).
- How to Submit the Form?
- Read the instructions for Form I-765
- Complete and sign your Form I-765
- Pay filing fees, if applicable
- Provide all required supporting evidence and documentation.
Can I work in the USA if I don’t have the EAD permit yet?
The EAD is only one part of those requested by employers, the other is the Social Security number (SSN), which to avoid setbacks must be requested at the same time as the work permit. Both are proof that you can work in the United States at the time you fill out the Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification.
Employers cannot hire without seeing the EAD of the job applicant and the risks of working without the corresponding permit are high, which can be:
- Deportation.
- 3 to 10 year ban on re-entry to the United States.
- Complications to process a visa, change of immigration status and other benefits.
What happens if you work without the EAD?
There are no legal consequences for a foreigner working without the EAD, but doing so is illegal and may have negative effects on seeking legal status in the country or on future immigration applications. Also, it is important to note that most employers will not provide work to someone without an EAD. In summary, if you are a foreigner and want to work legally in the United States, it is essential that you file for an EAD. This process begins with the filing of Form I-765 as well as other documents. Once the EAD is issued, you can start looking for and working at legal employment in the country.