Certain noncitizens who are in the United States may file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to request an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Other noncitizens whose immigration status authorizes them to work in the United States without restrictions may also use Form I-765 to apply for an EAD that shows such authorization.

Employment Authorization Document (EAD) can be issued to you as evidence that you can work legally in the United States for a specific time period.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may be in one of three categories of people who are eligible to work in the United States:

Category 1: You may be authorized to work in the United States because of your immigration status;

Category 2: You may be authorized to work for a specific employer as a result of your nonimmigrant status; or

Category 3: You may be in an immigration category that requires you to request employment authorization.

To work legally in the United States, you must present documentation to an employer showing that you have permission to work in the United States.