USCIS can issue an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to an applicant as evidence that they can work legally in the United States for a specific time period.

Who is eligible? 

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, including a pending application where you are seeking benefits as a principal or beneficiary and it allows work authorization (work permit).

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.