The U Visa Work Permit is more than just an opportunity to earn a legal income in the United States. For immigrants who have suffered serious crimes and cooperated with law enforcement, it can be the first step toward rebuilding a life with dignity and safety.

Created for those who assist authorities after being victimized by qualifying crimes, the U visa offers essential protections. One of its key benefits is the work permit. This U visa work permit enables survivors to earn income lawfully while their immigration status is being resolved.

During fiscal year 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) received over 69,000 U visa petitions and approved more than 10,000 initial work permits under this special category. 

Every year, thousands qualify for this benefit, but navigating forms, eligibility rules, and U visa work permit processing time can feel overwhelming without proper guidance. 

In this comprehensive guide from Moumita Rahman—Immigration Attorneys, we will answer the questions:

• How to apply to get a U visa work permit?
• How long does it take to get a U visa work permit?
• What documents are required?
• What category is the U visa work permit?
• Steps to take after getting your U visa work authorization

Working in the U.S. After Obtaining a U Visa: A Real Possibility

Many migrants, especially women, face violence and harassment because predators think they are vulnerable. However, the USA law protects them. 

This is an example of a migrant who suffered a crime and was able to obtain a U visa as a consequence:

Laura came to Texas with her young daughter, hoping for a safe and peaceful life. She never imagined she would soon face a life‑altering event: a coworker began stalking her and physically assaulted her at her workplace.

For weeks, fear kept her silent. She worried about losing her job, facing retaliation if she contacted law enforcement, and risking deportation due to her immigration status. She stopped going to work, lost income, and her emotional well‑being deteriorated. Laura wondered if she would ever feel safe again, or whether she’d need to uproot her life and start over.

Everything changed when a colleague informed her about her rights and advised her to seek legal help. Despite feeling terrified, Laura chose to report the crime and cooperate fully with the police.

Her story was taken seriously. With legal support, she qualified for the U visa. That approval unlocked her U visa work permit, allowing her to rebuild her career. Today, she’s working at a community health clinic, supporting her family, and living free from the fear of removal. She has regained both safety and hope for her future.

Stories like Laura’s show why the U visa is one of the strongest forms of immigration relief available. Beyond legal status, it provides the opportunity to work officially in the U.S.; Something many survivors don’t realize is possible.

For fiscal year 2023 alone, USCIS issued over 74,000 initial Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) to applicants with a “bona fide determination”. This is proof that obtaining a working permit for victims of certain crimes is possible, especially with appropriate legal representation.

What Is the U Visa, and How Does It Relate to the Work Permit?

The U visa is a humanitarian relief option for individuals who have been victims of certain qualifying crimes and have assisted law enforcement in their investigation or prosecution. Even if no arrest occurred, as long as the victim cooperated with law enforcement agencies, they still qualify.

This visa offers tangible benefits:

• Up to 4 years of legal status
• Ability to adjust to legal permanent residence after 3 years
• Eligibility for a U visa work permit

This work permit, officially known as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), is applied for using Form I‑765. You can apply once you have received a “bona fide determination” or after your U visa petition is approved.

Many victims of crimes ask: How long does it take to get a U visa work permit? Applicants with a bona fide determination may apply before formal visa approval. Victims who are applying for an Employment Authorization Document through their U visa might qualify for a fee waiver. 

Another common question victims ask is: What category is the U visa work permit? If approved via bona fide status, the category is (c)(14). After full U visa approval, the category changes to (a)(19) or (a)(20), depending on your situation.

Requirements & Documents for the U Visa Work Permit

Filing for the U visa work permit demands thorough preparation. Even minor mistakes or missing documents can stall or jeopardize the outcome. Accuracy and completeness are critical.

Essential Documents for All Applicants:

• Form I‑765, accurately completed and signed.
• Legible copy of a valid government-issued ID. For example, a passport, a consular ID, or a driver’s license.
• Documentation of U visa status:
  • If the U visa has been approved, a copy of Form I‑918.
  • If your U visa is pending but you have been given a bona fide determination, you need the official letter from USCIS.
• Two recent U.S.-style passport photos with a white background.
• If you are requesting a fee waiver, you need to fill out Form I‑912 and provide proof of household income.

Considerations depending on the type of applicant:

• Principal Applicant: submits I‑765 with the above.
• Derivative Applicants (spouse or children): Spouses or children of the victim can apply, but they have to prove their relationship via birth or marriage certificates.

Many people want to obtain legal working permits. If your future and economic stability depend on it, save yourself mistakes and headaches. Contact your immigration attorneys to handle your case.

Step‑by‑Step Guide: How to Apply for the U Visa Work Permit

Applying for the permit involves multiple steps and paperwork. The process itself involves following a list of steps. However, the way the information is presented might affect the outcome of your case. Follow this step‑by‑step guide:

1. Verify Eligibility
   You must either have an approved U visa or a bona fide determination by USCIS.
2. Gather Documents
   Include photos, government ID, I‑918 approval or U letter, completed I‑765, and I‑912 if you qualify for a waiver.
3. Complete Form I‑765 Carefully
   Confirm you’re using the latest version. Indicate the correct EAD category: (c)(14), (a)(19), or (a)(20).
4. Review & Organize Your Application Package
   Ensure you have no blank fields, signatures, or documents.
5. Mail the Package
   Send it to the address listed for your category and region on the USCIS website.
6. Track Your Case
   Keep your receipt number and monitor it on the USCIS case status page.
   

Common Mistakes on U Visa Work Permit Applications

Even simple mistakes can derail your U visa work permit processing time. Here are some frequent issues we see:

• Using outdated versions of Form I‑765
• Marking the wrong category (e.g., (c)(9) instead of (a)(19) or (c)(14))
• Leaving required fields blank or unsigned
• Submitting low-quality or incorrect photos
• Sending to the wrong USCIS address
• Forgetting the bona fide determination letter or I‑918 form
• Not requesting a fee waiver when eligible

These errors may delay approval or cause denials. Having an immigration attorney review your application can prevent such issues.

How Long Does It Take to Get a U Visa Work Permit?

One of the most frequently asked questions is: “How long does it take to get a U visa work permit?”

USCIS doesn’t publish explicit timelines for U visa EADs. However, once Form I‑765 is approved, applicants usually receive their EAD in about two weeks, and it may take up to 30 days to be mailed.

The main delay is often in obtaining the bona fide determination, for which no clear USCIS timeline exists.

To view updated processing times by form type and service center, use the official USCIS tool. 

If renewing an EAD, you may receive an automatic 540‑day extension, provided that USCIS received your renewal before your current EAD expired. This helps you keep employment and economic security.

What to do while you wait for your U Visa Work Permit?

After filing for your work permit, you need to patiently wait and not incur in immigration violations. You need to:

• Keep digital and physical copies of all your documentation.
• Frequently verify your case status.
• Consult your lawyers if there is a significant delay.

What’s Next After Receiving a U Visa Work Permit?

The next key question many people ask is: What’s next after receiving a U visa work permit? Here’s how to proceed:

Pathway to Permanent Residence

After holding U visa status for 3 years, you may apply for a green card using Form I‑485. To initiate this stage, you must meet all the following:

• Not having been absent from the U.S. for extended periods
• Maintain good moral character
• Continue to cooperate with law enforcement if required

Although not automatic, this is a clear pathway to permanent residency. 

Permit Renewals: Staying Legally Eligible to Work

U visa work permits are typically valid for four years and are renewable. If your status remains pending or you are preparing an adjustment of status, file your renewal 120–180 days before your current permit expires to get the 540-day automatic extension.

If Your Application Is Denied

Denials often result from incomplete forms or insufficient documentation. You can correct the mistakes and reapply. If denied due to eligibility issues, consulting an experienced attorney to review your application, explore appeals, or other remedies is strongly advised.

Can You Apply for Your Spouse or Children?

If you are a victim of a qualifying crime, your spouse and children can also qualify to get a U visa and a work permit. You need to file Form I‑918A for dependents; your spouse or children can self-file for their EAD using Form I‑765. They’ll need to provide:

• Their own I‑765 and photos
• Documentation that proves the relationship. Such as marriage or birth certificates.

Moumita Rahman—Immigration Attorneys Is Here to Support You

Immigrant victims of crimes are not alone. The law protects them.

The U Visa Work Permit offers a legal path to work and safety for victims of serious crimes. But each case is unique, and navigating the process without errors takes time, attention, and expertise. Applying by yourself is possible, but many applicants encounter preventable delays due to simple errors that can become costly. Don’t take chances if your future and safety depend on it. Our immigration attorneys specialize in U visa and EAD processes. We help clients reduce risk, accelerate approval, and ensure every requirement is met. If you’re ready to take the next step, contact Moumita Rahman – Immigration Attorneys for a thorough case evaluation and professional support. You deserve the best support.