Work Permits (Employment Authorization / EAD)
Many people with a pending immigration case can apply for a work permit, or Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Eligibility depends on the category your case falls under, and timing matters because renewals can take a while.
Eligibility and timing
A work permit is generally tied to an underlying case or status — such as a pending green-card application, asylum case, or certain protections. Because processing times shift and a lapse can interrupt your ability to work, filing a renewal early is important.
How we help
We confirm which category makes you eligible, prepare the application, and calendar renewals so your authorization does not lapse. Se habla espanol.
Frequently asked questions
What is an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)?
An EAD, often called a work permit, is a card that shows you are allowed to work in the United States for a certain period. It is requested using Form I-765. Having one lets you take a job legally while your underlying case moves forward.
Who is eligible for a work permit?
Many people qualify, including those with a pending green card application, asylum seekers and asylees, and people with certain protections or statuses. Eligibility depends on your specific immigration category. A consultation can confirm whether you can apply and under which category.
Can I work while my green card application is pending?
Often yes. Many people with a pending adjustment-of-status application can request an EAD so they can work while they wait. The right category and timing matter, so it helps to file correctly. An attorney can confirm you qualify.
Can asylum seekers get a work permit?
Asylum applicants may become eligible for a work permit after their case has been pending for a required period. The rules in this area can change, so it is worth confirming current requirements. Se habla espanol.
What is Form I-765?
Form I-765 is the application used to request or renew an Employment Authorization Document. You file it with USCIS under the category that fits your situation. Choosing the correct category is important, and an attorney can help you get it right.
How do I renew my work permit?
You renew by filing a new Form I-765 before your current EAD expires, under the same eligibility category if it still applies. Filing early is key to avoiding a gap. A consultation can help make sure nothing in your situation has changed.
How do I avoid a gap in my work authorization?
The best step is to file your renewal well before your current card expires, because early filing may qualify you for an automatic extension in certain categories. Planning ahead protects your job. An attorney can help you time it correctly.
What is an automatic extension of my EAD?
In many categories, timely filing a renewal can automatically extend your work authorization for a period while USCIS processes it, so you may keep working past the card’s expiration date. Not every category qualifies. A consultation can tell you whether yours does.
When should I file to renew my EAD?
It is generally recommended to file the renewal several months before expiration to allow processing time and preserve any auto-extension. Filing too late risks a gap in authorization. An attorney can help you calendar the right date.
Does my EAD let me work for any employer?
A standard EAD usually allows you to work for any employer, unlike some visas that tie you to one company. This flexibility is one of its benefits. Your specific category can affect the details, so confirm if you are unsure.
What if my EAD expires before the renewal arrives?
If you filed on time and your category qualifies for an automatic extension, you may still be authorized to work while you wait. If not, you may need to pause work until the new card arrives. An attorney can help you understand your options and show proof to an employer.
Do I need a job offer to get a work permit?
Generally no. Unlike an employer-sponsored visa, an EAD is based on your immigration category, not a specific job offer, so you can apply without one. Once you have it, you are free to seek work. A consultation can confirm your eligibility.
Can I get a Social Security number with an EAD?
Yes. Having a valid EAD generally allows you to obtain a Social Security number, which you will need for lawful employment. You can often request it as part of the work permit process. An attorney can explain how to coordinate the two.
Does having an EAD give me a green card or immigration status?
No. An EAD only grants permission to work; it does not by itself give you lawful status or a path to a green card. Your status comes from your underlying case. It is important not to confuse the two, and an attorney can clarify where you stand.
Can I travel outside the U.S. with an EAD?
An EAD by itself is usually not a travel document, and leaving the country while a case is pending can create problems without the right permission, such as advance parole. Talk to an attorney before any international travel to protect your case.
What happens if my work permit application is denied?
A denial does not necessarily end your options; the next steps depend on why it was denied and your underlying category. Sometimes a corrected refiling or a different approach helps. A consultation can review the denial notice and explain what to do next.
Can DACA recipients get a work permit?
DACA has historically allowed recipients to request work authorization, but this program has been subject to legal changes, so current eligibility should be confirmed. Because the rules shift, it is wise to check the latest situation with an attorney. Only a licensed attorney or accredited representative can advise you, not a notary or “notario.”
How long is an EAD valid?
Work permits are issued for a set validity period that depends on your category, after which you renew. Some categories now receive longer validity than in the past. An attorney can tell you what to expect for your case.
Can my spouse get a work permit based on my visa?
In some cases, spouses of certain visa holders may qualify for their own work authorization, though it depends on the visa type. Eligibility varies, so it is worth confirming. A consultation can tell you if your spouse qualifies.
Do I need a lawyer to file for a work permit?
Some applications are simple, but choosing the correct category and timing renewals can be tricky, and mistakes may cause gaps or denials. A lawyer can help you file accurately and protect your ability to keep working. Only a licensed attorney or accredited representative can give legal advice; a notary or “notario” cannot.
This is federal law — but where you are still matters
What is on this page applies the same way in every state. Which office and court handle your case, how detention works where you are, and how far local police cooperate with immigration enforcement are not the same across California, Arizona and New Mexico. Pick your state for that.