Work Permits

A work permit, officially known as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), is a government-issued ID card that allows noncitizens to legally work in the United States. In Minneapolis, many immigrants qualify for a work permit while pursuing other immigration benefits. Common categories include individuals with pending Adjustment of Status applications, asylum seekers, DACA recipients, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, and certain student visa holders. Work permits are especially important for families in the Twin Cities because they provide financial stability while other immigration cases are pending. The EAD also allows applicants to obtain a Social Security number and, in many cases, a Minnesota driver’s license. Not every immigrant qualifies for a work permit, however. Eligibility depends on your immigration status and the application you have pending with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). At Goss Law, we help clients determine eligibility, prepare applications, and avoid mistakes that cause delays. Having a Minneapolis immigration lawyer review your case ensures that you apply under the correct category, submit all necessary documents, and maintain lawful status while waiting for a Green Card, asylum decision, or other immigration benefit.

To apply for a work permit in Minnesota, individuals must file Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Applicants must choose the correct eligibility category, such as pending Adjustment of Status, asylum, TPS, or DACA. Supporting documents usually include a copy of your passport or government-issued ID, proof of your pending immigration case, and photos that meet USCIS specifications. Filing fees may apply, though some categories allow fee waivers. In Minneapolis, applicants typically attend a biometrics appointment at the local USCIS Application Support Center. Once approved, USCIS issues the Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which serves as proof of lawful ability to work. Processing times vary, often between 3 to 6 months, depending on USCIS workload and category. At Goss Law, we assist applicants in filing correctly the first time, reducing the risk of denial due to incomplete or inaccurate information. A Minneapolis work permit lawyer ensures that your application is supported by strong evidence, submitted under the right eligibility category, and monitored for status updates, so you can begin working legally as soon as possible.

The time it takes to get a work permit in Minneapolis depends on the eligibility category and current USCIS processing times. On average, applicants receive their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) within 3 to 6 months of filing Form I-765. However, certain categories may experience faster or slower timelines. For example, DACA renewals and TPS re-registrations are sometimes processed more quickly, while first-time Adjustment of Status applicants may face longer waits due to background checks and interview scheduling. Applicants must also attend a biometrics appointment at the local USCIS office, which adds time to the process. Delays are common, especially if USCIS issues a Request for Evidence (RFE) for missing documents. At Goss Law, we prepare strong applications to minimize the risk of delay, and we help clients track their cases online and respond promptly if additional information is requested. While no attorney can speed up USCIS, having a Minneapolis work permit lawyer ensures your application is error-free, reducing the likelihood of setbacks. We provide realistic timelines and guidance so clients in the Twin Cities can plan financially while waiting for approval.

Yes, most work permits can be renewed if you remain eligible. In Minneapolis, renewal is done by filing a new Form I-765 with updated supporting documents. Renewal should be submitted at least 180 days before expiration to avoid a gap in work authorization. USCIS often grants automatic extensions for certain categories, such as Adjustment of Status applicants and TPS holders, as long as the renewal is filed on time. Still, relying on automatic extensions alone can be risky, especially if your employer requires updated documentation for compliance. At Goss Law, we guide clients in tracking expiration dates and preparing renewal applications early to ensure no interruption in work eligibility. Renewals must include proof that your underlying immigration status is still valid—for example, proof that your Adjustment of Status is still pending, or that your TPS has been extended. Having a Minneapolis immigration lawyer handle your renewal prevents issues like missed deadlines or incorrect eligibility categories. For Twin Cities families relying on continued employment, keeping work permits current is essential, and legal guidance provides peace of mind that no mistakes will jeopardize your ability to work.

While it is possible to apply for a work permit without legal help, many applicants in Minneapolis benefit from working with an immigration attorney. The Form I-765 application may appear straightforward, but errors in selecting the eligibility category, missing documentation, or failing to reapply on time can result in denials or delays. Work permits are often linked to larger immigration cases such as Adjustment of Status, asylum, or TPS. Mistakes on the work permit application can also raise red flags in those broader cases. At Goss Law, we provide careful review and preparation of work permit applications, ensuring eligibility is clear and supporting evidence is strong. We also track renewal dates and help clients respond quickly if USCIS issues a Request for Evidence (RFE). For clients in the Twin Cities, the ability to legally work is critical to financial stability. By working with a Minneapolis work permit lawyer, you reduce the stress of uncertainty, avoid unnecessary delays, and ensure your family has consistent authorization to remain employed while pursuing longer-term immigration goals.