But because the application process and the wait time to receive the permit is time-consuming and arduous, contractors often neglect the city’s permit requirement and choose to work illegally.

Payment is made directly to the department and once the application is complete, the department mails a copy of the work permit to the employer.

The digitisation of the work-permit application process is up in the air after a $112,000 system failed to operate as hoped, senators were told. The immigration automation digitisation project was ...

A pilot project allowing asylum-seeking migrants to apply for work permits in Chicago will begin on Thursday in a partnership between city, state and federal governments.