How to Obtain Work Authorization in the U.S.
Foreign nationals who wish to work in the U.S. must get an Employment Authorization Document. EAD cards, commonly known as work permits, are issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Steps to file a work permit
1. The applicant completes Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.
2. The applicant pays the filing fee of $380.
If requesting consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals, category (c) (33), an additional $85 biometric services fee must be paid, for a total of $465.
3. The applicant files the application at the appropriate USCIS lockbox or online.
Applicants of certain categories can file their applications online while others need to file it at the respective USCIS offices depending on the category they are eligible. If filing at the USCIS lockbox facility, the applicant attaches the G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance, to receive a text message or email when the application has been accepted.
4. The applicant attends the interview, if required by USCIS.
The applicant should carry originals of the documents that were submitted with the application to the interview.
5. Wait for a decision from USCIS.
If approved, the work permit will be mailed to the applicant’s address or they can pick it up from the local USCIS office.
