Waiting for your green card to finish processing can feel like your life is on hold, especially when it comes to making a living. At this time, you might be wondering if it is possible to legally get a job while you wait.
The good news is that you can obtain the authorization to do so. But there are rules for this depending on your current situation.
What do you need to gain employment?
The key to working while your green card is pending is the Employment Authorization Document, or EAD. You can apply for this by filing Form I-765 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
It is important to know that you can file Form I-765 at the same time as your adjustment of status application (Form I-485) or separately after USCIS acknowledges receipt of your green card application. The processing time often varies but most applicants receive their EAD within a few months of filing, depending on the USCIS backlogs.
Does your application method affect work eligibility?
Not every green card process offers the same access to work authorization. Depending on what you choose as your application method, you could face different requirements.
If you are applying through adjustment of status, you file your green card application from within the United States. This pathway generally allows you to request an EAD and remain in the country while USCIS reviews your case.
Meanwhile, if you choose consular processing, you will typically complete the process from abroad through a U.S. embassy or consulate. Work authorization is typically not available until you receive your immigrant visa and enter the country as a permanent resident.
Should you risk working without proper authorization?
It may be tempting to start working before your EAD arrives, but doing so carries serious consequences. Under federal immigration law, unauthorized employment can complicate your green card case.
Unauthorized employment could cancel your existing visa, trigger removal proceedings or create a record that surfaces during future immigration applications. If you feel unsure about the green card process and your next steps, consulting with an immigration attorney may help clear up any uncertainties.