Visas & Work Permit USA

Types of Work Permits in the USA

A United States work visa allows you to bring foreign talent into the country for employment, while a US work permit authorizes individuals already in the country to work legally. 

Here’s a quick summary of the differences between work visa and work permit in the USA: 

Further, let’s break down various options for working in the States:

USA work visa types

Here's a detailed table of American employment visa types based on categories, eligibility, and key features:

USA work permit types

Here's a comprehensive table outlining various types of work permits in the US (Employment Authorization Documents - EAD) based on eligibility categories and key features:

Requirements for USA Work Visa and Permits 

Understanding the visa requirements thoroughly is akin to halfway to success in hiring top talents outside the US. Let’s break it down for you: 

USA work visa requirements

Here is a summary of employer-sponsored and non-employer categories work visa USA requirements: 

USA work permit requirements

Here is a summary of Unites states work permit requirements:

How to Apply for USA Work Visa and Permits

From petition filing to compliance with labor requirements, your part in securing types of work authorization in the US plays a significant role. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to better manage the process.

Work visa in the USA

1. Select the Appropriate Visa Type: Determine the right work visa based on the role and the candidate’s qualifications (e.g., H-1B for specialty workers, L-1 for internal transfers).
2. File Form I-129 (Petition for Non-Immigrant Worker): Submit this petition to USCIS to sponsor the foreign worker.
3. Obtain Labor Condition Application (LCA): Approval is required for certain visas like H-1B, and you must get DOL certification to ensure compliance with wage and working conditions.
4. Help the Applicant with DS-160 Form Filling Support your applicant in filling out the non-immigrant visa application and paying the associated fee.
5. Wait for Visa Decision USCIS will examine the application and make a decision.
6. Onboard the Approved Employee: Onboard your approved employee when they arrive in the U.S. and start working.

Work permit in the USA

1. Eligibility Verification: Find out if the employee is eligible for a work permit, which may be an H-1B spouse, asylum applicant, or green card applicant.
2. Support with Form I-765: Coach them on the Employment Authorization Application.
3. Provide Supporting Employment Documents: Offer proof of job offer and employment details if necessary.
4. Ensure Application Submission: Assist your employee in gathering and submitting their application package to USCIS.
5. Monitor Application Status: Stay updated on the processing timeline to plan onboarding accordingly.
6. Validate EAD Card Upon Receipt: Ensure the work permit card is valid before the employee begins work.

Looking to Hire in the USA? Skuad Can Help

Thankfully, there are outsourcing solutions to hire international talents in the United States. For instance, Skuad provides hassle-free work permit and visa services, exclusively for those companies that have partnered with us as their employer-of-record (EOR) services. 

Partnering with Skuad as your EOR will benefit you: 

• Manage all legal formalities for hiring international talent.
• Ensure adherence to U.S. labor laws. 
• Access the U.S. market without establishing a legal entity.

Book a demo with Skuad today. 

FAQs

How can I get a work permit in the USA?

To obtain a work permit in the USA, you should apply for an Employment Authorization Document, a form I-765 submitted to USCIS. You must be eligible for the permit based on your immigration status, such as being a student on an F-1 visa or a dependent spouse on an H-4 visa. After approval of your application, you will receive a permit that enables you to work legally in the U.S.

Which visa allows you to work in the USA?

Several visas allow you to work in the USA, depending on your job and qualifications. Common work visas include the H-1B visa for specialty workers in fields like technology or engineering, the L-1 visa for intra-company transfers, and the O-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary ability. 

How long will it take for a work permit in the US? 

Processing a work permit in the United States takes 3 to 5 months on average. Of course, that time varies, considering eligibility and what kind of process one may follow. These sometimes change based on volume and how the work was done, depending on various processing factors.

How much will it cost me to get a work permit in the US?

The cost of applying for a work permit in the U.S. varies by type of permit and application status. An EAD filing fee is usually around $410-$495, although there may also be a biometric services fee of $85 in some situations. Fees change, so checking the USCIS website for current fees is important.

How long does it take for a work permit in the USA to be approved?

The approval time for a work permit in the USA typically takes 2 to 7 months. This time frame may vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the application, whether additional documentation is required, or delays caused by USCIS backlogs.