What is what does it mean to be legally authorized to work in the us?

Being legally authorized to work in the US means you have the permission of the U.S. government to be employed within the country. This authorization is generally granted to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and certain non-citizens with specific visas or work permits.

Here's a breakdown of key aspects:

• U.S. Citizens and Nationals: Individuals born in the United States (with limited exceptions) and U.S. nationals are automatically authorized to work.

• Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders): Individuals who have been granted permanent%20residence in the United States are authorized to work. They can prove this with their Green Card (Form I-551).

• Non-Citizens with Work Authorization: This category includes individuals who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents but have been granted permission to work in the U.S. This can be through various means:

  • Employment-Based%20Visas: Certain visa categories, such as the H-1B (specialty occupations), L-1 (intracompany transferees), and O-1 (individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement), allow foreign nationals to work in the U.S. if they meet specific criteria and their employer sponsors them.

  • Temporary%20Work%20Permits: Individuals may obtain work authorization through programs like Optional Practical Training (OPT) for students with F-1 visas or through specific programs for certain nationalities.

  • Asylum%20or%20Refugee%20Status: Individuals who have been granted asylum or refugee status are authorized to work in the U.S.

  • Other%20categories: There are other limited instances where work authorization may be granted based on specific circumstances.

• Verification of Work Authorization: Employers in the U.S. are required to verify the work authorization of all new employees through the Form%20I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. This form requires employees to provide documentation that proves their identity and authorization to work in the U.S.

• Consequences of Unauthorized Employment: Working in the U.S. without authorization can have serious consequences, including deportation, difficulty obtaining future visas, and legal penalties for both the employee and the employer.

It is crucial to consult with an immigration%20attorney or refer to official resources from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for accurate and up-to-date information on work authorization requirements and procedures.