You cannot legally buy a U.S. work permit. Eligible applicants may file Form I-765 for a USCIS-issued Employment Authorization Document proving permission to work[1]. The general fee is $470 online or $520 on paper, with category-based exceptions[2]; USCIS assesses expedite requests case by case[3]. We recommend first checking whether your immigration category qualifies before paying anyone.
Buy Work Permit: Important Considerations
| Option | Price | Processing Time | Requirements | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USCIS Form I-765 | $470 online / $520 paper | Varies, check USCIS | Must fit eligibility category | Not for certain permanent residents or nonimmigrants [1] |
| Fee Waiver (Form I-912) | Free | Varies, check USCIS | Submit Forms I-912 and I-765 together | Only for eligible applicants [4] |
| Canada Employer-Specific Permit | CAN$155 | Varies, check IRCC | Job offer usually required | Employer must pay CAN$1,000 for LMIA [5][6] |
| Canada Open Work Permit | CAN$155 + CAN$100 (if applicable) | Varies, check IRCC | Specific situations, job offer not required | Limited to certain conditions [7] |
| Canadian Biometrics Fee | CAN$85 (if required) | N/A | As per application requirements | Only applicable for certain applicants [7] |
How to Get a Work Permit Legally
- 1. Confirm that you need an EAD
Start with your immigration status. In the United States, a work permit is usually an Employment Authorization Document issued by USCIS, and Form I-765 is limited to listed eligibility categories.[1] Lawful permanent residents, conditional permanent residents, and nonimmigrants authorised to work only for a specific employer generally should not file Form I-765 for a separate permit.[1] Before paying anyone, we suggest matching your status to an eligible category in the official USCIS instructions.
- 2. Get the official forms
USCIS forms are free.[8] Obtain Form I-765 from USCIS rather than paying a seller for a form, approval letter, or ready-made card. Never sign a blank or false application, and do not surrender original documents to a preparer.[8] A notario, accountant, or unauthorised consultant should not provide immigration legal advice.[8]
- 3. Choose online or paper filing
Select the filing method that fits your situation. The general Form I-765 fee is $470 online or $520 on paper, although certain categories have reduced fees, exemptions, or additional statutory charges.[2] If you are eligible for a fee waiver, Forms I-912 and I-765 must be submitted together on paper because USCIS does not accept online fee-waiver requests.[4] Before paying, confirm that the amount relates to your category rather than a seller's invented "work permit fee".
- 4. Submit accurate information
Check every answer before filing. False information can create immigration problems, while using false identification or misusing a genuine document for employment verification is a felony under 18 U.S.C. § 1546(b).[9] We advise keeping copies of the completed forms and payment records, but never accepting an offer to alter identity details or eligibility information. A legitimate preparer should not ask you to sign an incomplete application.[8]
- 5. Allow USCIS to decide the case
There is no fixed waiting period in the supplied USCIS facts. Expedite requests are considered individually, generally require supporting documentation, and remain entirely within USCIS discretion.[3] A seller therefore cannot legitimately guarantee faster approval or promise that an expedite request will succeed. Treat any guaranteed work permit as a scam indicator.[8]
- 6. Verify the result
Look for the real outcome. An EAD is a card issued by USCIS as evidence that its holder is authorised to work.[1] A seller's sample card, payment receipt, application form, or verbal promise is not the USCIS-issued document described in the official instructions. Before presenting anything for employment verification, confirm that it is genuine and belongs to you.
- 7. Stop if the payment request looks suspicious
Check the payment method before sending money. Guarantees of a work permit and demands for gift cards, wire transfers, payment apps, or cryptocurrency are identified scam signs by the FTC.[8] If you are in Seattle and have already paid, report the loss through ReportFraud.ftc.gov and contact the relevant local or Washington State authorities.[8] Do not use a document supplied by the seller, even if it appears convincing, because false or misused documents can trigger criminal consequences.[9]
Risks, Limitations, and Guarantees
Purchasing a work permit is fraught with risks. We cannot legally buy a U.S. work permit, as only eligible applicants can file Form I-765 for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)[1]. This form is not applicable for lawful permanent residents or nonimmigrants with specific employment restrictions[1]. Before taking any action, we recommend confirming your eligibility against the official USCIS guidelines.
Hidden costs can also arise. The general filing fee for Form I-765 is $470 online or $520 on paper, with potential exceptions based on the applicant's category[2]. If you seek a fee waiver, you must submit Forms I-912 and I-765 together on paper, as online submissions are not accepted[4]. Always ensure that you are paying the correct fees directly to USCIS, rather than to a third party.
We advise against trusting any guarantees regarding expedited processing or approval, as these claims are often associated with scams[8]. Using false identification or documents can lead to severe legal consequences, including felony charges[9]. If you suspect a scam, report it immediately to local authorities or the Federal Trade Commission to protect yourself and others[8].
Links and references
- 1. Instructions for Application for Employment Authorization
- 2. USCIS Fee Schedule
- 3. Clarifying Expedite Requests
- 4. Guidance on Requesting a Fee Waiver for Your Form I-765
- 5. Work Permit: Applying from Outside Canada—Eligibility and Requirements
- 6. Program Requirements for Low-Wage Positions
- 7. Guide 5487—Applying for a Work Permit Outside Canada
- 8. How To Avoid Immigration Scams and Get Real Help
- 9. Unlawful Employment of Aliens—Criminal Penalties
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