Sep
5
FAQ: Children and Work Permits
Filed Under Ask Chris
Q: I am planning on moving to the US. Will my child be able to work?
A: Alien children can only work in the US under two conditions. Firstly, if they have a green card. Secondly if they qualify for a visa that allows them to work. In practice this means that the parents are under some pressure to secure a green card for themselves and children before the children turn 21.
If the parents can’t secure green cards by then then the children will get their own and this can be done in a number of ways. Students from the age of 18 can enter in to a US University or Community college and after the first year they can apply for a work permit so they can work and study at the same time providing the maintain 12 hours of study per week. If the alien decides to leave college altogether then they are given a further year of work permit. After they they need to qualify for a visa / green card that would allow them to carrying working. In truth, this for most families is many years off and we work with each family individually to achieve the best outcome.