Hi,

   I am  intending to apply for work permit in MN and was wondering about the rate of acceptance for the permit. If anyone knows, please let me know. The fee for the application has gone up to $370 and that makes me think harder :)

    I live in St. Paul ( if that has anything to do with the permit btw)

  Thanks!

rg,

It definitely is a good idea to apply for the work permit even though it's gone up to $370. It used to be $175 when I got mine. It gives you a chance to pad up your resume by the time you finish school while also putting some cool cash in your pocket.

I am assuming you are applying under Economic hardship so just make sure that you have a strong letter accompanying your request. Make a list of how much school costs and how much you are short of to pay the complete bill. I haven't heard of anyone being denied one so you have pretty good odds of having it accepted.

Good Luck!!

what do you mean pad your resume? you only get to work 20 hours a week. I had problems getting jobs because they would look at my ead expiration date and not wanna hire me compare to someone with a gc or not on a visa.

That is true. You only get to work 20 hrs a week. However, consider that you get a part time job working 20 hrs a week on the work permit ( while working another job -cash preferably), by the time you finish school you'll atleast have some professional experience to show to your would-be employer. This would definitely give you an edge over other would be candidates who have no professional experience. If you are someone who plans for the future, you should understand what I mean. 

As for companies refusing to hire you because of the expiration date of your workpermit, that would be considered inequality/bias and you should bring up the issue with the HR department of the company. A company is not allowed to refuse you a job wherein you are the best candidate on the basis of your workpermit expiration date.

I hope this answers your question.  So go ahead apply for that work permit!

Thanks both of you for replying. But I think I need more feedback. If anyone has any ideas, just keep posting please. And, as for the professional edge you are talking about, I don't think you need a work permit for internships ! At, least, thats what I have been thinking so far.

of course they won't say we won't hire you because your work permit is expiring. they would come up with something smart like, for say, we got the right candidate for the position. or even the classical, " you don't call us we will call you " b.s