asylum Work Permit

I APPLIED FOR ASYLUM. CAN I GET A WORK PERMIT?

After you apply for asylum, you can apply for a work permit after 150 days. This work permit is called a (c)(8) work permit.

WHO CAN HELP ME APPLY FOR A (c)(8) WORK PERMIT in maine?

Below are organizations that help asylum seekers fill out work permit applications.

These organizations cannot provide legal advice. They offer help filling out some immigration forms.

Call Hope Acts to request an appointment.

Call the Trinity Jubilee Center to request an appointment.

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR A (c)(8) WORK PERMIT MYSELF?

Below are instructions for filling out your work permit application.

If you applied for a work permit and have not received a receipt for your work permit application 30 days after you submitted it, you may want to contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) at 1-800-375-5283 to follow up.

Video updated: May 2021

WHEN SHOULD I APPLY TO RENEW MY (c)(8) WORK PERMIT?

If you need to renew your (c)(8) work permit, ILAP recommends that you apply to renew your work permit 6 months (180 days) before your current work permit expires.

DO I QUALIFY FOR AN AUTOMATIC WORK PERMIT EXTENSION WHILE I WAIT FOR MY NEW WORK PERMIT?

On May 4, 2022, USCIS announced that certain work permits, including (c)(8) work permits based on pending asylum applications, will now qualify for automatic extensions of work authorization for up to 540 days.  

To qualify for this automatic extension, you must submit your (c)(8) work permit renewal before your current work permit expires.  This policy will remain in effect until at least October 26, 2023.

Guide updated: May 2022

how do i PROTECT MYSELF AGAINST IMMIGRATION FRAUD?

Be careful when getting help with your immigration case! Beware of people in Maine who try to trick you by pretending to help with immigration cases. These people can steal your money and hurt your immigration case.

The best way to protect yourself is by having information about what these people do and being careful about who you allow to help you with your immigration case.