Is Your Work Permit About to Expire? Follow These Helpful Tips

Law FoA Blogger 0

Work permits allow individuals to work and live in the United States. This form of employment authorization is not the same as residency or citizenship as it is temporary and will expire. Once your work permit expires, you are expected to stop working immediately. Further, in some instances, if your work permit expires you are also no longer in lawful status. Therefore, if you failed to renew your work authorization on time, you could face penalties, be denied future visits to the U.S. or even be barred from re-entry to the country. To find the expiration date for your work permit, check your work permit card.

As you might have imagined, it is important that you renew your work permit before it expires. Always be sure to verify the terms of your work authorization with USCIS and your employer. Review the following helpful tips to learn how to successfully renew your documentation ahead of time.

How to Renew Your Work Permit

First, make sure renewal is allowed in your category of work permits. USCIS requires work permit holders to apply 150 to 120 days before the expiration date. Otherwise you risk not being able to work while the renewal is pending and could be considered out of status.

You will need to review, fill out and submit the required documents along with supporting evidence. Include the fee of $465 with your submission. You may also need to send proof of legal name change, or any evidence and documents regarding criminal history or removal proceedings. USCIS may also request more evidence; be sure to respond as soon as possible to avoid having your request for renewal denied.

USCIS’s goal is to process renewals within 120 days but you may submit an inquiry after pending response for 105 days.

If you are unsure of how to submit evidence, documents or your eligibility of renewal, consult with your employer and an experienced attorney. This is one situation where being informed and knowledgeable is paramount.

Always start the process as early as possible and be aware of your rights as well as what’s required of you. Doing so can help you stay in the U.S. legally and avoid problems. Talk to a licensed, accredited attorney and ask for a consultation to learn more about your specific situation and possible options.

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