Proof of Right to Work in the United States (2024)

FAQs

Proof of Right to Work in the United States? ›

To prove employment authorization, USCIS will accept:

Documents that Establish Employment Eligibility. U.S. Social Security card (other than a card stating it is not valid for employment) Certification of Birth Abroad issued by the Department of State (Form FS-545) Certification of Report of Birth issued by the Department of State (Form DS-1350)

An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is sometimes referred to as a work permit — or, more officially, Form I-766. With this document, you can prove that you are eligible to work legally in the United States.

Your Green Card (Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card) is evidence of your employment authorization. You also do not need to apply for an EAD if you have a nonimmigrant status [MJM1] that authorizes you to work for a specific employer incident to your status (for example, you are an H-1B, L-1B, O, or P nonimmigrant).

Most US work visas require having a job offer from a US-based employer who will act as the sponsor for the visa. Some individuals are also on non-employment-based statuses and are permitted to work but they must first obtain a work permit.

To get a job in California and the other 49 states, you must present unexpired documents: a single document (e.g. USA passport, green card, etc.) that is proof of identity and authorization to work in the USA, OR.

The following will not be accepted as secondary evidence of U.S. citizenship: Voter registration card. Army discharge paper. Social Security Card.

Yes, it is possible to obtain a work visa without sponsorship from an employer in the United States. There are three types of visas that allow this, and they are known as EB-1, O-1, and EB-5.

Photo Identification

You can use any document from the following list: State identification (ID) card. Driver license. US passport or passport card.

The USCIS number (USCIS#) on the face of the card should match the number at the end of the first line of "code" on the back of the card. The date of birth on the front of the card should also be the same as the one listed at the beginning of the second line of "code" on the back of the card.

How much is the work authorization fee? ›

Typically, the filing fee for Form I-765 is $520 but the work permit cost depends on a number of factors. The fee could be more if you are required to submit biometrics with your application.

3. What Does an EAD Look Like? The EAD is a plastic card with the cardholder's identifying information and photo, the permit's expiration date on it, A-number and the receipt number of the I-765 application. It may also include the applicant's fingerprint.

If you are not a citizen or a lawful permanent resident, you may need to prove that you can work in the United States by presenting an Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766/EAD). You may apply for an EAD if you are eligible.

All employers must use Form I-9 for all employees hired on or after Nov. 6, 1986, who are working in the U.S. This act also established prohibitions against national origin and citizenship or immigration status discrimination with respect to hiring, firing and recruitment or referral for a fee.

Form I-94 or Form I-94A (Arrival/Departure Record)

The arrival/departure record indicates your immigration status, the date your status was granted and the date that your status expires. Therefore, Form I-94 or Form I-94A can be used to establish your legal status in the United States.

To lawfully enter the United States, a noncitizen must apply and present himself or herself in person to an immigration officer at a U.S. port of entry when the port is open for inspection. A noncitizen who arrives at a port of entry and presents himself or herself for inspection is an applicant for admission.