You may have enjoyed your time contributing to the United States workforce thus far. But you must not forget that your services may only be temporarily requested if you are on an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card or work permit. So your time with a United States employer may come to a screeching halt, and you may even be expected to return to your previous home country, once your work permit expires. That is, unless, you take the proper steps toward renewing it. With that being said, please read on to discover what the work permit renewal process entails and how one of the seasoned work visa lawyers at Lupton Law LLC can guide you through every phase.

How long until I have to renew my work permit?

More often than not, a work permit is set to last for one year. However, it may last up to two years if you are in a certain immigration category. Specifically, as of February 2022, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) allows work permits to be valid for two years for applicants who are admitted as refugees; granted asylum; granted withholding of deportation or removal; and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioners.

At any rate, you must understand that your work permit cannot last longer than your permitted stay in the United States is supposed to last. For example, say that you entered the country on a fiancé visa (i.e., K-1 visa) and received a work permit soon after. Well, your fiancé visa is only valid for 90 days. This means that your work permit can be valid for only 90 days, as well.

What does the work permit renewal process entail?

You may have initially filled out Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to receive your initial work permit. Well, renewing your work permit is as straightforward as filing a new Form I-765 with the USCIS. Of note, this entails a $470 renewal fee, or a $520 renewal fee if you file by mail rather than online.

In addition, your petition for renewal must include general forms of identification or evidence. This may be a copy of your last EAD card if you were previously issued one, or otherwise a copy of your government-issued identity document if you were not. Plus, you may be expected to supply two identical passport-style photographs of yourself. Then, you may also have to file Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, if applicable.

Overall, the common rule of thumb is to have all this paperwork prepared and ready to submit within six months of your work permit’s expiration date. So whenever you are ready, please get a hold of one of our competent work visa lawyers. Someone at Lupton Law LLC will be patiently awaiting your phone call.