For someone coming in to the United States, typically one of the first things you want to do is obtain legal working status . There can be several factors in determining if you are eligible to work, such as your driving record, work history, and actual status within the country. It can also depend on the type of work you are looking to do, as there are some jobs (mostly in information technology) that will grant you an elevated work status.
What is Work Authorization Status?
Work authorization status is pretty much exactly what it sounds like; your ability to work within the United States. Depending on the type of work you want to do and how long you want to stay in the country, there are a few ways to be eligible to work:
- Naturally Born Citizen – If you were born in the United States, you are automatically eligible to work. All you typically need to start employment is a valid, government issued ID, and your social security card.
- Immigration Status – If you were not born in the United States, you will need a special permit allowing you to work within the country. These can be temporary, such as if you are a student or working on a special project, or they can be permanent, allowing you to live and work in the United States for the foreseeable future.
Work Statuses for Becoming a Legal Resident of the United States
The types of work permits do vary depending on how long you are planning to stay in the United States. If you are trying to become a permanent resident of the United States, also known as a Green Card holder, you have several options:
- Job Offer – If you have a permanent job offer waiting for you, the process toward the affirmation of legal work status is really simple. You just need to have your employer provide you with a labor certificate and fill out a few forms, all of which are easily found online.
- Investment/Self-Petition – One thing the United States government loves to see is job creation. If you have a business, or a unique set of skills, you can petition to get your Green Card. The government will look at the type of business, previous history, and the potential for growth within the United States.
- Unique Circumstances through Work - There are certain jobs that the United States heavily favors, and as such the people performing them have a much better shot at getting a permanent working status. These jobs are highly specialized and include Iraqi translators, religious workers, and people who worked to build the Panama Canal.
If you are interested in getting more information about Green Cards, working status, or learning the steps toward being able to work within the United States, be sure to visit www.4safedrivers.com. They can answer all of your questions and get you started down the pat you want.
