Who qualifies for US work permit?
You do not need to be a permanent resident to get a work permit, but you need to have an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa that allows you to live and work in the United States. DACA recipients can also get work permits. It costs $410 –$495 to apply for a work permit and takes 2-7 months to get one.
Typically, individuals are legally authorized to work in a country if they are citizens of that country, or if they have other status that grants them permission to work. If you're currently legally permitted to work in the country, select Yes. Otherwise, select No.
- U.S. Passport (unexpired)
- Permanent Resident Card or Alien Registration Receipt Card (Form I-551)
- An unexpired Foreign passport that contains a temporary I-551 stamp or temporary I-551 printed notation on a machine-readable immigrant visa.
The application process for obtaining a U.S. work permit (also called an employment authorization document or EAD) is fairly straightforward. You need to fill out a short form, attach the fee, photos, and documents proving you're eligible, and submit it to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Keep in mind that you cannot submit a work permit application until you've filed the green card application (Form I-485). Relatives of green card holders must wait for a visa number before filing the I-485, which means they must wait an additional 19 to 25 months.
A short answer is No. Unfortunately, you can't apply for a work visa without a job offer. Your prospective employer must be willing to sponsor you for the visa and petition on your behalf.
Remember, it is against federal law to knowingly employ someone who is not authorized to work in the U.S. However, just like everyone else, illegal aliens who work in the United States are subject to U.S. taxes.
Before you can apply for a temporary worker visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, a Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129, must be filed on your behalf by a prospective employer and be approved by USCIS.
If you have the right combination of skills, education, and/or work experience, you may be able to live and work permanently in the United States by seeking an employment-based immigrant visa. The Permanent Workers webpage describes the five employment-based immigrant visa preferences (also called categories).
All immigrants regardless of legal status are able to earn a living as independent contractors, or start a business using an ITIN or SSN. An independent contractor must pay self-employment tax and income tax.