What's the difference between an EAD and a work visa?

An EAD (Employment Authorization Document) allows you to work for any U.S. employer. A work visa (like H-1B) ties your authorization to a specific employer who sponsored you. With an EAD, you can freelance, take multiple jobs, or use a staffing app. With a work visa, you can generally only work for your sponsoring employer.

Can I work while my EAD renewal is pending?

Yes, if you meet the auto-extension requirements. For many EAD categories, you can continue working for up to 180 days past your EAD expiration if you filed a timely renewal (before expiration) and belong to an eligible category. Keep your expired EAD and I-797C receipt notice as proof. Check USCIS website for eligible categories.

My Green Card is expiring. Can I still work?

Yes. Your permanent resident STATUS doesn't expire; only the physical card does. File Form I-90 to renew the card. Once filed, your card validity is automatically extended for 24 months. You can continue working with an expired card plus the I-90 receipt notice. Your work authorization as a permanent resident is permanent.

Can employers refuse to hire me because my work authorization expires?

Generally, no. It's illegal to discriminate against a worker because their work authorization has an expiration date. Employers can ask if you're currently authorized and can verify documents, but they cannot refuse to hire you simply because your authorization will need renewal later. If this happens, contact the IER at 1-800-255-7688.

I have an H-1B visa. Can I use a staffing app for extra income?

Generally, no. H-1B authorization is employer-specific. You can only work for your sponsoring employer. Taking additional employment (even flexible work) without proper authorization could jeopardize your immigration status. Consult an immigration attorney before taking any secondary employment. Some visa categories (like H-4 EAD or L-2) do allow general employment.

What is E-Verify Self Check?

E-Verify Self Check is a free service that lets you confirm your own work authorization before applying for jobs. It uses the same database that employers use but doesn't affect your employment eligibility or create any record that employers see. It's useful for catching potential SSN or document issues before you start a job. Visit e-verify.gov/employees/self-check.

Work Permit vs EAD: Work Authorization Types

There are several ways to be legally authorized to work in the United States:

1. U.S. Citizenship

Permanent, unrestricted work authorization
Born in U.S. or naturalized
I-9 documents: U.S. Passport, or ID + Birth Certificate/Naturalization Certificate

2. Permanent Residence (Green Card)

Permanent, unrestricted work authorization
Work for any employer
No employment sponsor needed
I-9 document: Permanent Resident Card (I-551)

3. Employment Authorization Document (EAD/I-766)

Work permit for specific categories of non-citizens
Issued by USCIS
Has expiration date

Type	Employer Restriction	Duration	Renewal
Citizen	None	Permanent	N/A
Green Card	None	Permanent	Card renews, status doesn't
EAD	None	Varies (1-2 years typical)	Application required
H-1B Visa	Specific employer	3 years, 6 max	Requires employer sponsorship
OPT (F-1)	In field of study	12 months (36 for STEM)	Limited

The EAD (Form I-766) is a USCIS-issued document that proves work authorization for a specific period of time.

Who may need an EAD?

Certain students and nonimmigrants who need USCIS permission to work
People with a pending asylum application
People with a pending adjustment-of-status application
Other eligible immigration categories listed by USCIS

Important distinction:

USCIS says some people do not need to apply for an EAD. For example:

Lawful permanent residents use a Green Card as evidence of authorization
Some nonimmigrant workers are authorized to work incident to status for a specific employer

EAD validity:

EADs have expiration dates
Renewal timing depends on category
USCIS encourages filing a renewal as soon as you are within 180 days of expiration
Some categories may qualify for automatic extension while renewal is pending

Using EAD for I-9:

EAD is a List A document
One valid, unexpired EAD can prove both identity and work authorization

Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) have unrestricted work authorization:

What Green Card Holders Can Do:

Work for any employer
Change jobs freely
Work full-time, part-time, or flexible hours
No employer sponsorship needed
Self-employment allowed

Green Card for I-9:

Permanent Resident Card (I-551) is a List A document
Proves both identity and work authorization
Note: Card expiration doesn't mean status expires
LPR status is permanent; only the card needs renewal

Expired Green Card?

If your card is expired or expiring:

File Form I-90 to renew (up to 6 months before expiration)
Receipt notice extends validity for 24 months
Consider getting a U.S. passport after naturalization for easier I-9

Path to Citizenship:

Green Card holders can apply for U.S. citizenship after:

5 years as permanent resident (general rule)
3 years if married to U.S. citizen
Meeting residence and presence requirements

Important: Even permanent residents must complete Form I-9 at every new job. Citizenship isn't required to work.

Work visas tie your authorization to a specific employer:

H-1B Visa (Specialty Occupations)

For professional jobs requiring bachelor's degree
Employer must sponsor and petition USCIS
3-year initial period, up to 6 years total
Changing employers requires new petition
Portability: Can work for new employer once petition filed

L-1 Visa (Intracompany Transfer)

Transfer from foreign office of same company
L-1A: Managers/executives (7 years max)
L-1B: Specialized knowledge (5 years max)
Tied to sponsoring employer

O-1 Visa (Extraordinary Ability)

For individuals with extraordinary achievement
Arts, sciences, business, athletics, education
Initially 3 years, renewable
Tied to petitioning employer/agent

H-2B Visa (Temporary Non-Agricultural)

Seasonal, peak-load, or intermittent need
Common in hospitality, landscaping, carnivals
Tied to petitioning employer
Limited to specific period of need

If You're On a Work Visa:

You can only work for your sponsoring employer
Side gigs (even a staffing app) may not be authorized
Consult an immigration attorney before additional employment
Some visas allow spouse to work (H-4 EAD, L-2)

Most non-permanent work authorization expires and needs renewal.

EAD renewal basics:

File Form I-765 with USCIS
Start planning early
USCIS encourages renewal filing as soon as you are within 180 days of expiration
Some categories may receive automatic extension while a timely renewal is pending

During renewal:

Keep your expired EAD and I-797C receipt notice if your category qualifies for ongoing work authorization
Monitor your case status at USCIS
Give your employer updated evidence when required

Planning ahead:

Action	When
Gather documents	About 6 months before expiration
File renewal	As early as USCIS allows
Track the receipt notice	As soon as the filing is accepted
Follow up on delays	If your case is outside normal processing ranges

USCIS processing times can vary. File as early as your category allows so you reduce the chance of a work gap.

Know your rights during the hiring process:

Employers CANNOT:

❌ Ask about immigration status before hiring ❌ Require specific documents for I-9 ❌ Refuse to hire based on citizenship status (with limited exceptions) ❌ Retaliate if you file a discrimination complaint ❌ Ask to see documents before making a job offer ❌ Treat you differently based on national origin

Employers CAN:

✓ Ask "Are you authorized to work in the United States?" on application ✓ Ask "Will you now or in the future require sponsorship?" on application ✓ Require I-9 completion and valid documents after hire ✓ Verify documents through E-Verify ✓ Require reverification when work authorization expires

Interview Questions:

Legal	Illegal
Are you authorized to work in the U.S.?	Are you a citizen?
Will you require sponsorship?	Where were you born?
Can you provide I-9 documents?	What's your visa status?

If You Experience Discrimination:

Contact the Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER):

Phone: 1-800-255-7688 (worker hotline)
TTY: 1-800-237-2515
Website: justice.gov/crt/ier

Document Abuse:

If an employer:

Demands specific documents
Rejects valid documents
Requires more documents than necessary
Requests documents again before expiration

This may be document abuse, a form of discrimination.

Staffing apps work with workers who have valid work authorization.

What you'll need:

Valid I-9 documents (see I-9 Documents List)
Social Security Number or any employer-required follow-up tied to onboarding
Bank account for direct deposit
Smartphone (iOS or Android)

E-Verify process:

Many staffing apps use E-Verify:

You complete Section 1 of Form I-9
Present original documents
Information is submitted to E-Verify
If issues arise, you are notified and can follow the resolution process

When your authorization expires:

You must stop working when authorization expires
Update your staffing-app profile when you renew
Re-verify with new documents when required
Set reminders so you do not miss renewal windows

For immigration questions, use the USCIS website or speak with a licensed immigration attorney or DOJ-accredited representative.

Get started with staffing apps, →

An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is one way to prove work authorization for a specific time period (USCIS)

Green Card holders have permanent work authorization, even though the physical card must be renewed

Work visas tie you to a specific employer; switching requires sponsorship

Employers cannot discriminate based on citizenship status or work authorization type

Staffing apps work with valid work authorization categories accepted through onboarding

What Types of Work Authorization Exist in the U.S.?

Put Your Knowledge Into Action

What Is an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)?

How Does a Green Card Affect Work Authorization?

How Do Work Visas Differ From an EAD?

How Do You Renew Work Authorization?

What Can Employers Legally Ask About Work Authorization?

How Do Staffing Apps Handle Work Authorization?

Sources & References

Work Permit vs EAD: Work Authorization Types

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