Salem Work Permit Attorney

Trusted Salem Work Permit Lawyers

Salem’s Economy at a Glance

Salem has a dynamic economy, with many industries employing more than 80,000 people. The largest employer is the state of Oregon, but other large employers include Salem Health and the agricultural industry. There are ample jobs within 50 miles of Salem; in fact, nearly a million people work in the Greater Salem Area.

The strong economy has led to tight labor markets, which means the demand for workers remains white hot. Employers are trying to find as many people as possible to fill positions. If you are interested in working in Salem, then please call Vanderwall Immigration to check if you can receive a work permit. Remember that working without authorization is against the law, even if a company offers to pay you. There are negative consequences that could prevent you from becoming a legal permanent resident or a naturalized citizen.

Why is Work Authorization Required?

The federal government controls immigration into the U.S. and therefore decides who can come to work in the country legally. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues work permits and limits the number of foreigners who receive permission each year.

If you do not have work authorization, you can face serious legal consequences. For example, unauthorized work can operate as a bar for many people who later seek to adjust their status. This might be a problem if you hope at some point to become a permanent legal citizen (obtain a green card). Other negative consequences include deportation.

Some visa categories have built-in work permits, such as H-1B for specialty occupations. You will not need a separate Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if you have one of these visas. Call our firm if you have questions about whether you even need to request an EAD or if you have already received permission to work.

Who Can Seek a Work Permit?

The government makes work permits available to a wide array of immigrants. Some of those eligible include:

• Green card applicants. Someone holding a Green Card can work without a separate Employment Authorization Document. However, you can seek an EAD during the green card waiting period.
• Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). This is a type of prosecutorial discretion that protects against deportation for certain childhood arrivals. DACA recipients may receive a work permit.
• Victims of violence. Those with a U visa can seek a work permit.
• Temporary visas. Certain visa categories can request a work permit. There are dozens of temporary visas, so make sure that your category allows for work authorization. Not all do.
• Student visas. Students on an F-1 visa must seek an EAD to work off-campus or participate in optional practical training (OPT).

This is an incomplete list. Call Vanderwall Immigration today if you have questions about whether a work permit is an option for you. You should avoid working without a valid work permit.

Steps to Applying for a Work Permit

Those seeking an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) should plan for the process. Some steps include:

1. Determine whether you are eligible. Eligibility depends on your visa category, as well as other factors.
2. Complete a Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. You can download this application from the USCIS website.
3. Collect supporting documentation, such as proof of your immigration status, to submit along with your application.
4. Submit the application with a filing fee. Remember to preserve a copy of the application for your records.
5. Provide biometric information, including photographs and fingerprints. USCIS will tell you about your appointment.
6. Wait to receive your approval. You will receive a card if approved.

An experienced Salem work permit lawyer is a terrific benefit for those going through the process. For example, you might not know whether you can request an EAD. Some immigration visas already have a built-in work authorization. Or there might be a problem with your application. We can ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible.

Reasons Why USCIS Denies Applications

USCIS might deny a work permit for various reasons:

• Missing information. If your application is incomplete or you made a filing error, then USCIS can reject your application. However, you should have an opportunity to fix the mistake.
• Not eligible. Your immigrant category might not be eligible for a work permit. You might need to find another way to obtain work authorization. For example, you might adjust your status, if that is an option, or seek a different visa.
• Past immigration violations. Your application could be denied for violations of U.S. immigration laws in the past.
• Criminal history. Criminal convictions in the past could make you ineligible for a work permit.

Contact Vanderwall Immigration to discuss whether you can appeal an unfavorable decision or seek some other measure of relief.

Can You Renew a Work Permit?

An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is valid for only a certain amount of time, typically one year. Other work permits are good for up to 5 years, so check the expiration date on your card. If you work past the expiration date, then you are working illegally in the U.S.

USCIS recommends that you submit an application within 120 days before the expiration date listed on your authorization card. This will give USCIS sufficient time to review your Form I-765 and supporting documents.

What happens if your EAD has already expired? USCIS has granted automatic extensions for many work permits. Please review the information on the USCIS website and contact our law firm if you are unsure about how the automatic extensions impact you.

Your Advocate for Work Authorization

Vanderwall Immigration opened our doors to help non-citizens pursue their dreams. If you are seeking a work permit, or if you simply have questions about whether you are eligible, then you should meet with a seasoned Salem work permit attorney. We can answer any questions you have.

We provide the following services:

• Collect documents and information for your application;
• Fill out your I-765 and review it to ensure it is properly completed;
• Address any unfavorable decision on your application;
• Find other avenues for obtaining work authorization.

Working with an established law firm saves applicants time. You can ensure everything is submitted accurately the first time, which should speed up a decision. You can also apply for the correct visa if you hope to work in the U.S.

Speak with an Experienced Salem Work Permit Attorney Today

Work permits open a world of opportunity for non-citizens. Without authorization, you can face negative consequences for accepting even temporary employment. Do not come to the U.S. on a tourist visa and seek out job offers. You will only make it harder on yourself to return to the U.S. in the future or possibly adjust your status.

Vanderwall Immigration is happy to offer our services to help with the process, including reviewing paperwork and responding to any unfavorable decisions. Call our law firm today to discuss your situation. We devise individualized solutions for our clients.