Frequently asked Questions
Employers
How can I make sure an applicant is work authorized?
Check out our info page on Work Authorizations for more details, especially the section for Employers.
How do I know if my employee’s work authorization is automatically extended?
Because of the back log in processing work authorization renewals, the Federal Government has extended some work permit authorizations for up to 540 days after the original expiration date. This is contingent on the date the individuals’ authorization expired and IF they submitted a renewal request prior to their permits’ expiration date. The UCIS website has guidance here. The two documents the employee will need is their expired work permit card as well as a receipt of their request to renew or form I-765 Read this guidance carefully to help verify if an employee’s authorization is valid.
Are there resources for evaluating a non-citizens degree qualifications?
The Department of State recommends both the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) and the Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE). Please note: there may be fees for using these services.
Non-Citizens & Community Advocates
Where can someone go for help with their work permit?
In the Portland-area help is available through Hope Acts, which operates ASAP, providing asylees with support in completing work permit applications and renewals in the Portland-area.
In Lewiston, Maine Immigrant and Refugee Services can help with work authorization and other issues.
Where can someone go if they feel their rights were violated at the workplace?
The Maine Human Rights Commission can enforce Maine’s anti-discrimination and anti-retaliation laws. The EEOC can provide protections at the Federal level for similar rights. If a worker’s right to a fair wage has been violated, they can file a complaint with the Maine DOL. If the non-citizen is a migrant or seasonal agricultural worker, they can file a complaint with the Federal DOL Wage & Hour Division.
Who is eligible for unemployment/public benefits?
Please refer to the Benefits Matrix page for specific details.
Where can someone go to get help with their unemployment claim?
The Maine.gov website maintains an unemployment insurance guide.
The Peer Workforce Navigator Project also works closely with MDOL and immigrant-led organizations to support unemployed workers and immigrants who have been laid off. A Navigator can help someone file an initial claim for unemployment and resolve unemployment issues like ID verification or overpayments. Learn more here.
Additionally, individuals can get support at MDOL Career Centers throughout the state.
What does “at-will” employment mean?
Maine is an “at-will” employment state. Under this doctrine, an employer may terminate employment at any time for any reason, unless a law prohibits a specific reason. For example, firing based on race is still illegal.
Have a question you want answered on this page, email info@peerworkforcenavigator.org and we will try to get the answer and post it here!