Which Immigrants Can Work Legally in the U.S. Without an EAD?

Find out if you can work in the United States without applying for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Learn about the types of immigrants legally authorized to work and avoid legal issues when getting a job in the U.S.

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The EAD (Employment Authorization Document) or Work Permit is a document many immigrants must obtain to work legally in the United States. Without this permit, no foreign national can legally accept employment in the country.

According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), employers are required by law to verify that all their employees are authorized to work, regardless of their nationality or immigration status.

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However, certain immigrants are authorized to work based on their immigration status and do not need to apply for an EAD. These are the main groups:

1. Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders)If you have a Green Card, you do not need an EAD. This document is sufficient proof that you are authorized to work legally in any job in the U.S.

   
   

2. Asylees and RefugeesIndividuals who have been granted asylum or refugee status are automatically authorized to work, although many still apply for an EAD as an additional form of documentation.

   
   

3. Holders of Specific Work VisasSome visas grant direct work authorization due to their immigration status. These include:

   
   

4. H-1B Visa: For specialized workers such as engineers, doctors, programmers, etc

   
   

5. L-1B Visa: For employees transferred from a foreign office to a U.S. branch.

   
   

6. O-1 Visa: For individuals with extraordinary abilities in science, arts, sports, or entertainment.

   
   

7. P Visa: For internationally recognized athletes and artists.

   
   

In these cases, an EAD is not required because the work authorization is directly tied to the visa.

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If you don’t fall into the categories mentioned above and want to work in the U.S., you’ll likely need to apply for an EAD using Form I-765.

Examples of individuals who need to apply for an EAD include:

• Asylum applicants with a pending Form I-589

  
  

• Individuals with a pending Form I-485 (Green Card application)

  
  

• Migrants with TPS (Temporary Protected Status)

  
  

• DACA or humanitarian parole recipients

  
  

• International students (F-1 or J-1) seeking to work under certain conditions

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Working without authorization can result in serious immigration consequences, such as:

• Deportation or removal

  
  

• Ineligibility to adjust status or apply for permanent residency

  
  

• Future problems with immigration processes

  
  

That’s why it’s crucial to fully understand your immigration status and make sure you have the proper work authorization before starting any job.

Even if you’re an immigrant or a non-resident alien, you must pay taxes if:

• You engage in business activities in the U.S.

  
  

• You receive income from U.S. sources

  
  

• You represent another non-resident alien

  
  

• You manage property or trusts in the country

  
  

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires compliance with these tax obligations, regardless of whether you have an EAD.

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In the U.S., working without authorization is risky—but not all immigrants need an EAD.If you have a Green Card, refugee status, or certain work visas, you can work legally without this document.

Always check your immigration status and consult official sources like the USCIS website to stay informed and avoid legal trouble.

Source: Infobae

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