How to get a work permit – Step by Step Guide

Apply for an immigration status that will allow you to work in the United States

Prepare the USCIS Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization to apply for a Work Permit

To submit your Form I-765 to get a work permit, prepare six supporting documents

1. A copy of your current U.S. visa

2. A copy of your passport photo page

3. Copies of any previous work permits

   1. If you have never had a work permit before you will need to send in one of the following forms of identification

      1. A copy of some other national identity document that has a photo or fingerprint

      2. Any other visa you received from a consulate of a country other than the U.S

      3. A photo ID copy and a copy of your birth certificate from your home country

4. A copy of your original Form I-94 travel record, or a printout of I-94

5. Two 2-inch by 2-inch passport-style photos. Must have the full name and Alien Registration Number on the back

6. A “receipt notice” copy from the U.S. Government when you submitted your immigrant visa application

   1. If you apply for permanent residence at the same time as a Work Permit, you do not need to send in a receipt notice

   2. If you are applying for a Work Permit after you submitted your immigrant visa application, then you need to provide this

Pay the filing fee

1. USCIS charges a $410 fee to process Form I-765

   1. If you are applying for “Deferred Action” (ex. DACA recipient) you must also pay an $85 biometrics fee

   2. Fees change regularly to make sure to check the USCIS fee schedule for the most up to date information

   3. Some immigrants do not need to pay the fee when they file form I-765 (Form-I-765 will have a full list)

   4. You can pay the fee by money order, a cashier’s check, or a personal check made out to the U.S Department of Homeland Security

   5. If you are filing at a USCIS Lockbox facility, you can pay with a credit or debit card by submitting Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions with your form I-765

   6. Service centers can’t process credit card payments

Submit your work permit application

1. It is a good idea to include a cover letter with your paperwork so that the government knows exactly what they are receiving from you