How To Secure A Work Permit In Maine: This article provides guidance on obtaining a work permit in Maine. Work permits, commonly known as employment certificates, are government-issued documents that authorize foreigners and minors to work legally within a state.
In the United States, about two categories of work permits are available and only issued by the government. They consist of those granted to minors by state governments and those issued to immigrants by the federal government.
Maine mandates minors, as well as foreign individuals, to obtain a work permit prior to being employed within the state. If you belong to either of these groups and are presently perusing this article, you are in luck since it will guide you through the process of obtaining a work permit in Maine.
However, before we delve into that, let us first look into some basic information about the state.
Related: How To Secure A Work Permit In Connecticut
Table of Contents
Brief Overview of the State of Maine.
Located in the northeastern region of the United States, Maine stands out as the easternmost state in the contiguous U.S., with a populace of around 1.3 million individuals. Its rugged coastline, stunning scenery, and outdoor recreational activities are its hallmark.
Maine’s thriving economy is a blend of various industries such as tourism, forestry, and manufacturing. The state is renowned for its blueberry and lobster production, with it being the largest producer of the former in the country.
With a rich history, Maine was inhabited by Native American tribes for several millennia before the arrival of European settlers. In 1820, it joined the Union as the 23rd state.
Several well-known institutions of higher education, including Bowdoin College, Colby College, and the University of Maine, call Maine home. Augusta is the state capital, while Portland is its largest city. Other significant cities in Maine include Bangor and Lewiston.
Cost of Applying for Maine Work Permit (For Minors and Foreigners).
Upon submitting your application to the USCIS for U.S. citizenship and immigration services, you will be required to attach various fees. These fees are subject to change, and payment is mandatory when submitting your application via mail by check or money order.
However, when e-filing, you may opt to pay using a debit or credit card, or through electronic fund transfer from a U.S. bank.
Related: How To Relocate To Canada As A Skilled Worker
How to Secure a Work Permit in Maine (For Minors).
To comply with Maine state law, individuals who are minors must obtain a work permit before they can begin working. Moreover, employers who hire minors within the state must also adhere to federal child labor laws.
If an employer is found to have violated these laws, they may face criminal penalties and fines up to $10,000 for each violation.
State of Maine Work Permit Application Process.
To acquire a work permit in Maine, minors should fill out a form available on the Maine Department of Labor website. The form requires personal information and information on the employer. The minor or the employer can fill out the “Information on Employer” section, but the minor must obtain the necessary information from their employer beforehand.
After collecting the necessary information from their employer beforehand, either the minor or the employer must complete the “Information on Employer” section of the form. It’s important to note that if the minor is filling out this section, they must have already obtained the required details from their employer such as the employer’s name and address, job description, starting wage, and more.
Once this section is completed, the next step is for the parent or guardian of the minor to sign the work permit application form. Afterward, the minor should submit the application form along with their birth certificate, proof of age, and photo identification to their school’s superintendent office.
The superintendent’s office will finalize the application and send it along with the other required documents to the Maine Department of Labor.
Upon receiving the documents, the Maine Department of Labor will carefully review them to ensure that the minor fulfills their requirements. Once the review is complete and the Department of Labor approves the forms, they will keep one copy for their office and return two copies to the superintendent’s office. These copies will then be provided to the school and the minor’s employer.
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How to Get Maine Work Permit (For Foreigners).
In order to obtain a work permit or work visa as a foreign resident in Maine, you have two options: visit the nearest USCIS Service Center in your area or follow the steps outlined below.
M.E. Work Visa Application Process.
To apply for a work permit in Maine as a foreigner, the initial step involves completing a USCIS Form I-765 application. This form can be downloaded from the official website of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Upon accessing the website, it’s essential to read the entire form meticulously and provide the necessary information. Once you have finished filling out the form, you can send it by mail to the USCIS Service Center that serves the area where you reside in Maine. Alternatively, if you do not have a mailing address, you can submit it online. You will also need to attach the required documents, photographs, and fees.
Upon submitting your application, it will undergo a thorough review to determine your eligibility. If deemed eligible, your application will be approved.
