Are you living in US and having a comfortable  job that pays you well but you still think or wonder how to get a green card while you are still in service with your job, well this article is for you as it stands out tom dish out a quality information on complete tips to work in the US while you wait for your green card visa. There are a lot more questions to be answered and more details as well to explain the importance of a green card visa.

Starting point on the Green Card Visa Rundown

If you already have a valid work visa, such as an H-1B or L-1 visa, you can continue working in the United States even while your green card application is being processed.

However, you must obtain a work permit which is officially called an “Employment Authorization Document,” or EAD.

This document should be available before you can start working in the United States fully.

Persons who want to work and reside permanently in the U.S. may file Form I-485 to apply for a green card.

Finally, the green card allows you to live and work indefinitely in the U.S. The application process can take several months to even years to complete.

What Do I Need to Know About Work Permits?

Now lets talk more on work permit because you will request for it once you arrive in US to work.

A work permit is officially known as an Employment Authorization Document, or EAD for short.

EAD looks like a Driver’s license, and it also serves as a photo ID, issued by the U.S citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

This document (EAD) serves as evidence that you are authorized to be employed in the United States for a specific time period.

What Happens to The Work Permit Once My Green Card is Approved?

USCIS will effectively stop or end the validity of a work permit once they approve the green card application.

Also, Lawful permanent residents are authorized to live and work in the U.S. When your green card application is approved- you will no longer need a work permit to prove your authorization to work.

Is there an available Service for the Employment Authorization Document? 

Sadly, there is no premium processing for an EAD and there is no way to manipulate the process.

What if I Leave the Country Without an Approval? (Work in the US while You wait for your Green Card)

Note that it is not against the law for you to leave while you have a green card case in progress. This step will delay or make your request forgotten, this means you’ll need to start the process all over again, including paying any fees.

How long will I wait for the work permit?

Yes, you must know that your work permit will arrive within five months to seven months.

Processing times for work permits vary and not constant or fixed date for process to be due.

This must be when the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) receives your work permit application. You can get more information on that on the USCIS website.

Generally, if you filed form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and form I-485 your processing times will be most likely be between 6-8 months.

Applicant should fill the green card application (Form I-485).

What documents do I need to submit with my work permit application? (Work in the US while You wait for your Green Card)

Many documents will be looked at and also be needed to apply for a work permit.

The most important of these is that you include your I-94 travel record (if available) and previous work permits (if any).

More identification documents are required if you haven’t previously been issued a work permit.

Can I apply for my green card and a U.S. work permit while at my Home Country?

Work permits are available only to relatives of U.S. citizens and green card holders who file their green card application from within the United States.

You may apply for a green card, but not for a U.S. work permit, while living abroad.

If you are living abroad, you may work in the United States only after the green card application process is complete.

Can my U.S. citizen family member to request a work permit application on my behalf?

No. Your relative may not file a work permit application on your behalf. The work is just for you not family member seeking the green card. So you must sign the work permit application (Form I-765) yourself.

What happens when I have the Green Card (Work in the US while You wait for your Green Card)

If you have a green card, your freedom to work and travel is greatly increased totally.

However, if you commit crimes outside of the U.S., or if you’re absent from the U.S. for over a  year, your green card could be revoked.

This act can even cause you to be barred from re-entering the U.S. Be sure to carry an Legal and active passport with your green card and any necessary re-entry permit documents.

Life in US as a worker, legal documents and green card applicant

U.S. employers are legally permitted to hire individuals who are eligible to be employed in the country.

Those who qualify to legally work in the U.S. include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (those who hold Green Cards), and immigrants who have been expressly authorized to work in the U.S. by USCIS.

Yes, with the above category, you can see is possible to get a work in US but get the right documents with you.

While waiting on your Green Card, there are two possibilities that would allow you to work in the U.S.

First, you would be able to continue working if you had a valid nonimmigrant work visa.

If you came to the U.S. through a work visa and it is still valid, you can continue to legally work in the U.S. while your Green Card is being processed.

The guidelines of your visa will, however, continue to apply and you must follow instructions.

If you do not currently have a valid work visa, then you may still be able to legally work in the U.S.

This can happen while your Green Card is pending by applying for an Employment Authorization Document.

To apply for a work permit, you can file the Form I-765, application for Employment Authorization, at the same time that you apply for a Green Card by filing Form I-485.

Work Authorization Renewal

If your I-485 is still pending approval and your work permit is close to expiring you can apply for a renewal of your EAD.

When applying for this renewal you will need to attach documents like a copy of your current EAD and the Form I-797 notice from your Form I-485 application.

This application can be submitting a new Form I-765 to USCIS which can last up to 120 days within your work authorization before expiring.

Applying For An EAD (Work in the US while You wait for your Green Card)

You can choose to apply for your work permit (Form I-765) at the same time as applying for a Green Card.

If you did not apply for an EAD when submitting your I-485, then you can do so afterwards while waiting for a decision on your application.

For  EAD (form I-765) application, you will need to complete the following details:

• Your reason for applying
• Information about your last arrival in the US
• Under which category you are applying
• Personal declaration
• Your personal details (name/s, addresses, alien registration number, marital status, social security number, parent’s names, countries of citizenship or nationality, and place of birth)
• Interpreter details, and;
• Preparer’s details
• Additional information

Green cards strategic points While Awaiting Approval

A green card applicant must inform the central USCIS office if they want to move while in the U.S.

You can inform USCIS about a change of address by filing Form AR-11, for all non-U.S. citizens who are aged 14 or over and who remain in the U.S. for more than 30 days.

Filing this form helps you and the USCIS. Remember you must fill in the right details, without an accurate address, the government cannot send you important information about your case.

Note:  Please make sure your information is accurate and you follow all instructions.