To work in the United States, you need a work permit. A work permit is also commonly referred to as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). It is issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and serves as official authorization for you as a foreign national to legally work within the United States.
Your work permit not only grants you the legal right to work but also provides important details about your employment eligibility. It specifies the dates during which you are authorized to work, the types of employment you are allowed to engage in, and any restrictions or conditions that may apply.
If during your work process, your work permit expires, you need to renew it, you are not allowed to work with an expired work permit, if your work permit is expiring and you wish to renew it, here is the renewal process. Whether you’re a temporary worker or an international student, this process will help you renew your work permit.
How to Renew Your Work Permit in the USA
You should not allow your work permit to expire before you renew it, ensure you renew your work permit at least three months before it expires.
Determine eligibility
Before you can renew your work permit, you need to make sure you are eligible for renewal. Work permits in the USA are granted for a specific period. If your permit is about to expire or has already expired, you need to apply for a renewal so, for you to be eligible for renewal, your work permit must be reaching its expiring date.
Gather required documents
To renew your work permit, you need to provide all the required documents to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The exact documents you need depend on your immigration category, but generally, you need the following documents:
- Form I-765: This is the Application for Employment Authorization. You can download it from the USCIS website, this is the form you will fill for renewal.
- Filing fee: You also have to pay the application fee during your renewal application and after making payment, attach the payment receipt. You can check the USCIS website for the current application fee amount.
- Photographs: You also need two passport-sized photos; they should be taken within the last 30 days.
- Evidence of eligibility: You need to include a copy of your previous work permit, an employment offer letter, or other relevant documents.
Fill out form I-765
After downloading Form, I-765, take your time to fill it out accurately. Make sure you provide all the required information, including your personal details, eligibility category, application fee payment receipt, and your USCIS receipt number (if applicable).
Mail your application
Once you’ve filled out Form I-765 and gathered all the necessary documents, you can mail your application to the appropriate USCIS address. Double-check the USCIS website for the correct mailing address for your specific case before sending out your application.
Wait for processing
After mailing your application, you need to wait for USCIS to process your renewal application. It can take time to process your application, this is why you need to apply well in advance before your current work permit expires to avoid any gaps in employment authorization.
Once USCIS has processed your renewal application, they will send you a decision. If approved, you will receive a new work permit, if denied, USCIS will provide you with the reasons for the denial, and you have the option to appeal the decision or reapply.
How many times can you renew a work visa USA?
Depending on your immigration pathway, you can renew your work visa in the USA multiple times as long as you still meet the eligibility criteria and your employer or sponsor supports the renewal.
Conclusion
If your US work permit is expiring, you need to renew it as soon as possible. It’s not just a formality; it’s a legal necessity. Working with an expired work permit in the US has serious consequences, including potential deportation and difficulties securing future immigration benefits.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can navigate the renewal process easily. Your work permit is your key to pursuing your career and ambitions in the United States. Don’t let it expire before starting the renewal process.
