Immigrants make up approximately 13% of the total U.S. population, making them a vital part of America’s job force as well. That being said, it’s not always easy to find employment based on your immigration status. In addition to hiring a knowledgeable and experienced immigration lawyer to help expedite your immigration status change, it often helps to inform yourself of some common job searching tips that are specific to non-U.S. candidates. With that in mind, here are just a few tips to help non-U.S. job searchers land the position of their dreams.
Ensure Eligibility
Lawful immigrants account for three-quarters of the foreign-born population in the U.S, but if you are not yet an official citizen or lawful permanent resident, you’ll most likely be required to apply for a USCIS-issued Employment Authorization Document. This document serves as official proof that you are allowed to work legally in the country. An immigration lawyer can help you determine the most efficient way to expedite this process and navigate it properly. Keep in mind that even one small error on any of these forms can be cause for rejection, so hiring an immigration attorney is the best way to prevent this.
Know Your Employer’s Responsibilities
While it’s up to you to fill out the initial paperwork and get clearance, your employer isn’t without duties as well. They’ll have to verify that you’re legally able to work in the U.S. by asking for a number of identification-related documents.
“Whether you need an EAD or not, an employer should follow the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1996, and verify that you are authorized to work in the United States. Employers should ask for you to provide one document showing both your identity and authority to work…or a combination of one document showing your identity and one document showing your authorization to work in the U.S.,” writes Dan Woog on Monster.
The number of foreign-born individuals in the U.S. population has more than quadrupled since 1965 and is expected to reach 78 million by 2065, and foreign-born individuals will continue to be a major asset to the U.S. workforce. Again, don’t hesitate to reach out to the best immigration lawyer you can find to ensure you’re going through this complex process properly.
