Can I Obtain Unemployment Benefits if I Am An Immigrant?

[Transcript]

Many people want to know if they can obtain unemployment benefits if they are an immigrant. Well, the answer to that is relatively clear: if a person is in the United States with authorization to work, they generally will qualify for unemployment benefits.

There are some exceptions however:

• People that have visas that are tied to a specific job, like an H-1B visa or an L-1a Visa, are not eligible for unemployment because the moment that they are not employed, their status is lost.
• Students with Optional Practical Training (OPT) are in an interesting situation. Most of them cannot be unemployed for more than 90, or in some cases 150 days, and so they would be eligible for unemployment benefits only for a period less than 90 or 150 days.

Most people that are in the United States and authorized to work will be able to access unemployment benefits. It’s an important element in order to keep everyone safe today.

If you would like to obtain legal help from of one of our immigration lawyers please contact our office to make an appointment at: (617) 303-2600. We will be happy to help you.