Who Is Authorized To Work in the United States?
Several categories of foreign workers are permitted to work in the United States, including permanent immigrant workers, temporary (non-immigrant) workers, and student and exchange workers. These include:
U.S. green card holderExchange visitor visa Temporary work visas (non-agricultural)Temporary worker visas (skilled workers)Seasonal agricultural worker visas
How To Get a U.S. Work Visa
You must obtain a visa from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country or the country that’s closest to your residence abroad prior to coming to the U.S. to work. There are several types of work visas available for foreign nationals, including temporary work visas, seasonal work visas, and exchange worker visas. Foreign nationals who are not American citizens or lawful permanent residents of the U.S. need a work visa as well as a permit to work before they can work in the U.S. This is officially known as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
How To Get a Green Card in the U.S.
A green card, formally known as a Permanent Resident Card, authorizes an individual to live and work in the United States permanently. Some categories require a certification from the U.S. Department of Labor to show that there aren’t enough U.S. workers who are able, willing, qualified, and available in the geographic area where the immigrant is to be employed, and that no American workers are being displaced by foreign workers. The annual green card lottery program, formally known as the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, is an opportunity for potential immigrants to obtain the status of a permanent legal resident of the U.S. This program runs each year and can provide up to 55,000 green cards to applicants who are randomly selected in a lottery process known as the “Green Card Lottery.”
How To Get a U.S. Work Permit
You’ll need a permit to work, officially known as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), to prove eligibility to work in the U.S if you’re not a citizen or a lawful permanent resident. An EAD will be needed in addition to the work visa required for entry into the United States.
Who Needs a Social Security Card To Work in the U.S.?
You’ll need a Social Security number in order to be employed in the United States if you’re a non-American citizen. Look into how to become eligible for a Social Security number and how to get a Social Security card.
Verifying Eligibility To Work
You must prove your eligibility to work in the country when you’re hired for a job by an employer in the U.S. The I-9 form is the document that employees must complete to verify their eligibility to work here.
Check for Updates on the Visa Process
Immigration laws and policies are constantly evolving based on prerogatives of the executive and legislative branches of government. Consult the Visa Bulletins for updates on the visa process. Want to read more content like this? Sign up for The Balance’s newsletter for daily insights, analysis, and financial tips, all delivered straight to your inbox every morning!
