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Employment Immigration Lawyers Serving Florida
All U.S. employers are required to make sure that their employees are legally allowed to work in the United States, regardless of their immigration or citizenship status. For workers who are not United States citizens or permanent residents, employment authorization must be granted by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services before they can be legally hired by an employer in the country. Temporary non-immigrant workers may receive certain employment authorization depending on their classification.
What Is an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)?
Depending on your non-immigrant status, you may fall into one of three categories which make you eligible for an EAD, sometimes referred to as a work permit.
There are many different classifications that permit applications for employment. If you need help determining your eligibility for employment authorization, a member of our firm’s legal team can quickly review your situation and status and inform you how you qualify to work in the United States.
When approved, the EAD will act as proof for any U.S. employer that you are allowed to work in the United States. While cases vary depending on the circumstances involved, most EADs are granted for a one-year period. In some cases, you may also be able to replace or renew an expired EAD. If the USCIS does not issue a final decision on your EAD application within 90 days, you may be able to obtain an interim EAD.
Who Needs an Employment Authorization Document?
Several categories of immigrants and non-immigrants must meet work permit eligibility requirements and obtain an EAD before seeking employment in the U.S.
First, EADs can be issued to these people whose immigration status allows them to work and who need proof of employment authorization:
- Asylees
- Refugees
- Employment-based visa holders
Second, EADs may be issued to people without employment authorization who want to work while they are in the U.S., such as:
- Applicants for adjustment of status
- Applicants for asylum
- Non-immigrant visa holders, such as students
Applicants in the second category could be denied an EAD, while those in the first category are generally approved.
How to Apply for an Employment Authorization Document in Orlando
To apply for an employment authorization document, you must first ensure you are eligible. One of immigration attorneys in Orlando can help with this, as some applicants may need to file more than one petition at a time, based on their status. We can also review all your documentation to ensure it is accurate and helpful to your petition.
Once you have filled out the application and we have reviewed it, all that may be left is to pay the fee and then file. It can take several months for these applications to be reviewed, so leave yourself plenty of time.
Our firm acts as the point of contact with USCIS to supply any additional information requested. Our goal is to prepare your case thoroughly so you can unlock the economic benefits of working in the U.S.
Why Employment Authorization May Be Denied
USCIS can deny employment authorization requests for both substantive and procedural reasons. The following reasons are often cited by the agency when denying requests:
- Missing signatures
- Incomplete applications
- Ineligibility for the type of work or employer
- Expired visas
- Inadmissibility to the U.S.
Some of these defects can be cured. Others may require a different approach to obtain the documentation you require to work in the U.S.
How Our Orlando Immigration Attorneys Help Business Owners
In many cases, employers need EADs from workers to maintain I-9 compliance. A failure to comply could subject you to workplace raids or even sanctions and criminal penalties. Specifically, we assist you with the following:
- Advising you on developing a compliance program
- Explaining what you must document from your workers
- Explaining what you cannot request from workers
- Representing you during audits and in the event of raids
We know how critical EADs are. Employers need workers, and workers need income. Our firm reviews your situation to determine your eligibility for an EAD. We advise you about your options so you can make informed decisions about your employment.
Turn to our immigration attorneys to prepare your employment authorization application completely and accurately, minimizing processing delays. Once you receive your approval, we can explain what you can do after obtaining your EAD.
Do You Have an Immigration Lawyer Near Me?
Brown Immigration Law proudly serves clients from our Orlando office at 11 N Summerlin Avenue, Suite 225B. We’re located just minutes from downtown and close to landmarks like Lake Eola Park and the Orange County Courthouse. There’s free parking nearby and convenient access to Lynx bus routes for those using public transportation. We maintain additional offices in Tampa as well as in Durham, NC, Columbus, OH, and Cleveland, OH.
Call Our Orlando Immigration Attorneys Today
Obtaining permission to work in the United States will depend on your personal situation. As every case is unique, it is essential to the successful outcome of your application that you have an experienced and dedicated attorney from our firm closely evaluate your case.
With the assistance of our legal team, you will be able to learn about your eligibility for employment authorization and will receive the help you need to apply for an EAD work permit. If you are interested in learning more about the EAD and how you can obtain permission to legally work in the United States, contact Brown Immigration Law as soon as possible.
If you are interested in learning more about the EAD and how you can obtain permission to legally work in the United States, contact Brown Immigration Law as soon as possible.
