Work Permit Renewal in California: What You Need to Know 2024

If you are based in California and living and working on a work permit, it is important to stay informed of the renewal process procedures and critical deadlines to ensure your right to work lawfully in the country. As immigration policies are constantly evolving, staying on top of current rules and regulations that dictate these renewal processes can be difficult. Understanding current work permit renewal in California can help non-citizens keep their right to work in the country.

What Is a Work Permit?

A work permit, otherwise known as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), is issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Foreign nationals who are in possession of a work permit have authorization to legally work in the United States. Individuals in the U.S. who have certain kinds of visa or immigration statuses may be eligible to leverage the benefits of a work permit if their current status does not already come with the right to work.

Individuals who can apply for an EAD include DACA recipients, asylum seekers, and people with pending green card applications. By working with an experienced immigration lawyer, non-citizens located in the U.S. can understand whether a work permit is an option for them. The amount of time that a work permit is administered is dependent on various factors, such as the type of immigration status of the holder.

Understanding the Process of Renewing a Work Permit

Work permits must be regularly renewed to continue to receive authorization to legally work in the United States. People who fail to renew their work permit before its expiration can face serious negative consequences, including a threat to their existing immigration status, a loss of critical income, and termination from their job. Therefore, it is critical to take the following steps to renew your work permit with a significant time buffer:

• Determining eligibility. By working with an experienced immigration lawyer, you can determine whether you are eligible for a work permit renewal. If you have had a change to your immigration status or if your green card application was rejected, this will likely alter your eligibility to apply for renewals. A knowledgeable immigration attorney can show you how to address any eligibility issues
• Understanding the earliest date when you can file. Applicants can file an application for a new work permit up to 180 days before the expiration date of their current work authorization. By understanding the earliest date when a work authorization renewal permit can be filed, applicants can have all the relevant documents ready to submit when the date arrives.
• Filling out Form I-765. Applicants will need to fill out the application for employment authorization, otherwise known as Form I-765. They must select the appropriate category that reflects their immigration status. In some cases, they can additionally submit a worksheet to help them determine whether they are eligible for a fee waiver.
• Collecting supporting documentation. In addition to the actual application form, applicants will need to bring a photocopy of their current work permit, two passport photos that meet USCIS specifications, and possibly further supporting documents to justify their applications.
• Filing the application. After all critical documentation is filled out and collected, the application can either be filed online or by mail. Applicants will also need to pay a filing fee unless they are eligible for a fee waiver.

If their application is approved, an applicant will receive their new work permit by mail. By working with an experienced immigration lawyer, individuals looking to renew their work permits can efficiently receive the critical documents they need to continue working in the U.S.

FAQs

How Do I Renew My Work Permit in California?

A work permit renewal should be applied for at least 180 days before the expiration of your current work permit. This can avoid time periods where your employment may not be authorized. Work permit renewals are processed through USCIS and are initiated by submitting Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. An experienced immigration lawyer can help you understand whether you need to upload additional documents or pay the filing fee.

How Many Times Can You Renew Your Work Permit in California?

There is no cap on the number of times that you can renew a work permit in California. If you still meet the eligibility criteria for employment authorization, you should not have problems with renewal. Each renewal involves the same processes, with a requirement of giving updated documents and information to show that you are still eligible to work. A lawyer can help you understand whether you are eligible for a work permit renewal.

Can I Renew My California Work Authorization Online?

Yes, it is common for applicants to file their work authorization renewal applications online with USCIS due to the convenience when compared with mailed applications. To do this, applicants will need to make a USCIS account. Through their online account, they can electronically submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. An experienced immigration lawyer can assist you with efficiently and effectively navigating the online renewal process.

What Happens When Your California Work Permit Expires?

If your work permit has expired, you can lose authorization to work legally in California and the U.S. An expired work permit may lead to getting fired and potential problems with your current immigration status. Therefore, it is critical to initiate the renewal process well in advance of the expiration date to avoid undesired consequences. If your work permit has expired, an experienced immigration lawyer can help you explore your options.

Get Support for Your Work Authorization Renewal From a Skilled Immigration Attorney

Failing to adequately renew your work permit on time can, unfortunately lead to a myriad of negative consequences, including losing your right to work, being terminated from your current employment, and having your immigration status threatened. A knowledgeable immigration attorney from U.S. Law Center can review your case and help you either apply for renewal on time or find solutions if your work authorization has expired. Contact us today to get started.