Receiving a denial notice after applying for a work permit can be a shock. You may have been counting on that approval to support your family, continue your job, or keep your plans on track. In Coral Springs, where many temporary residents rely on employment authorization documents for financial and personal stability, this situation is more common than most people realize.
Each decision by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is based on specific requirements and evidence. Many denials stem from mistakes or missing information, not from a lack of eligibility. When this happens, there are clear steps you can take to respond and keep your case on track.
If your work permit was denied, you are not alone. According to USCIS data, thousands of applicants face denials each year for issues that could have been corrected. Knowing what to do next is the key to protecting your rights and moving forward.
Why Was My Work Permit Denied?
A work permit denial does not always mean you are ineligible to work in the United States. In many cases, it simply means something was missing, incomplete, or filed under the wrong eligibility category.
Here are the most common reasons a work permit may be denied:
Incomplete or Incorrect Forms
Even a small mistake on Form I-765 can affect your application. Missing signatures, unchecked boxes, or incorrect answers are common reasons USCIS rejects work permit requests.
Missing Supporting Documents
USCIS requires proof of your eligibility, such as your pending asylum application, pending adjustment of status, or valid immigration category. If any key document is missing or unclear, your work permit could be denied.
Not Eligible for a Work Permit
You must qualify under one of the categories listed for employment authorization. Filing under the wrong category (or applying before you are eligible) can result in a denial.
Unpaid or Incorrect Filing Fees
If the filing fee was not paid or was paid incorrectly, USCIS may deny the application. This can also happen if the fee waiver request was missing or incomplete.
Immigration Status Changed or Expired
If your underlying application was denied, expired, or closed, USCIS may deny or withdraw your work permit based on the change in your immigration status.
Criminal Record or Immigration Violations
Certain criminal offenses, overstays, or past violations can affect your eligibility for a work permit. USCIS reviews background information and may deny applications based on security or eligibility concerns.
Identifying why your work permit was denied is the first step to solving the issue. Your USCIS denial letter will state the specific reasons for the denial and will guide your next steps.
Understanding the USCIS Denial Notice
A USCIS denial notice includes key information about what happened and what you can do next. These letters usually state the legal and factual reasons for the decision, reference relevant immigration laws, and explain whether you are allowed to appeal or file a motion.
Look for the following in your denial notice: the decision date, your case number, the specific grounds for denial, and any instructions about motions or appeals. The notice may also include strict deadlines.
Reviewing these details with care, on your own or with help from an immigration attorney, is critical. Avoid guessing or skipping sections, because missing even one detail can make a big difference to your options.
Can I Apply Again If My Work Permit Was Denied?
Your next step depends on the reason given in your denial notice. In many cases, you may have more than one option. The key is to match your response to the issue(s) USCIS identified.
1. File a New Application
If your work permit was denied because of missing documents, incomplete forms, or an incorrect eligibility category, filing a new application may be the best option. This is common when applicants forget to include proof of status or accidentally choose the wrong eligibility category.
You can fix these issues, gather the correct documents, and apply again. Make sure everything is complete and accurate before resubmitting.
2. File a Motion to Reopen or Motion to Reconsider (Form I-290B)
A motion to reopen applies when you have new evidence or documents that address the reason for your denial. For example, if USCIS said you were missing a required document and you now have it, you can submit it with a motion to reopen.
A motion to reconsider is used when you believe the decision was incorrect based on the existing facts or the law. This is not about adding new documents, but about asking USCIS to review the decision based on legal interpretation or policy.
Both options use Form I-290B.
3. File an Appeal
If you believe USCIS applied the law incorrectly, you may be able to file an appeal. Immigration appeals challenge the legal basis for the denial rather than correcting missing information.
These cases are often more complex and are typically reviewed by the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO). As such, working with a Coral Springs immigration attorney is especially helpful when pursuing an appeal.
Timeline: How Long Do I Have to Respond?
Most denial notices give you 30 days from the date the decision was made to respond by filing a motion or an appeal. In some cases, the deadline may be even shorter. Time is critical. Waiting too long may remove your ability to challenge the decision or keep your application active.
It could also affect your ability to stay in the United States or apply for other immigration benefits. As soon as you receive your denial letter, start reviewing your options to protect your rights and keep your case moving forward.
Can I Still Work After My Work Permit Was Denied?
In most cases, when a work permit is denied, your legal right to work ends immediately. Continuing to work without authorization can have serious consequences. It may affect your current or future immigration status, increase the risk of deportation, and even lead to legal penalties.
Always check your denial notice or speak with an attorney before returning to your job. It is important not to assume you are allowed to continue work.
How a Coral Springs Immigration Attorney Can Help
Immigration cases in Coral Springs often involve complex family, employment, or humanitarian issues. Many residents, workers, and students benefit from legal guidance focused on their situation and cultural background.
Benefits of having legal help:
- Understand the reason for your denial and what it means for your case
- Confirm the correct eligibility category for your work permit
- Gather stronger supporting evidence that matches USCIS requirements
- File a motion, appeal, or new application correctly and on time
- Avoid repeating the same mistake that caused the denial
- Stay informed about updates to immigration rules that may affect your case
Having an experienced immigration attorney by your side can help you make informed decisions and increase your chances of approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stay in the U.S. if my work permit is denied?
It depends on your underlying immigration status. If you still have a valid status or a pending case, you may be allowed to stay. If not, you could be at risk of removal. Always check your unique situation with an immigration attorney.
Will a denial affect my green card or asylum case?
No, a work permit denial does not automatically end your green card or asylum process. However, it may be a sign of an issue in your underlying case that needs attention.
Can I still get a work permit while waiting for my case decision?
Many people qualify for work permits while their main case (for example, asylum or adjustment of status) is pending. If your situation changes, such as a delayed case, ask about your eligibility again.
How long does it take to file a motion or appeal?
Filing is usually quick if you have all documents ready. The decision from USCIS or the AAO can take a few months or longer, depending on case complexity and backlogs.
Can I travel outside the U.S. while my appeal is pending?
Traveling outside the U.S. after a denial or while an appeal is pending often puts your case at risk. Leaving can sometimes be counted as “abandonment” of your application. Always get legal advice before making travel plans.
Talk to a Coral Springs Immigration Attorney Today
At 360 Immigration Law Group, we help individuals and families handle work permit denials, reapplications, motions, and appeals. Our team understands how important employment authorization is for your family and your future in the United States.
We offer free consultations in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. You can speak with us by phone, Zoom, or WhatsApp, no matter where you are located.
Call 954-667-3660 or contact us online to speak with an immigration attorney.