№ 01 — employment authorization

The ability to work legally can change everything.

An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) allows eligible immigrants to work legally in the United States while their immigration matter is pending, or under a qualifying status.

Eligibility depends on the immigration benefit you have applied for or already received. At GWP Immigration Law, we help you determine whether you qualify and guide you through every step of the application.

Call (702) 737-7717

№ 02 — who may be eligible?

Authorization can come through several pathways.

Work authorization is usually tied to another immigration benefit — not a separate visa. These are some of the most common paths to it.

Green Card

Adjustment of Status

Applicants waiting on a Green Card may often apply to work while their case is pending.

Dreamers

DACA

Eligible Dreamers may obtain or renew work authorization while protected under DACA.

Protected Status

Temporary Protected Status

Eligible TPS beneficiaries may work legally while their protected status remains valid.

Crime Victims

U Visa

Victims of qualifying crimes may qualify, depending on the stage of their application.

VAWA

VAWA Self-Petitioners

Eligible self-petitioners may obtain authorization while pursuing protection under VAWA.

Trafficking

T Visa

Trafficking survivors may qualify for work authorization after receiving T Visa protection.

Other

Other Categories

Depending on your history, additional pathways to authorization may be available.

Eligibility depends entirely on the facts of each individual case. This overview is general information, not legal advice — a consultation is the only way to confirm which category may apply to you.

№ 03 — how the process works

The path to legal employment.

Most work-authorization applications follow the same five stages. Knowing them ahead of time makes the process feel far more manageable.

Determine eligibility

We review your immigration history and identify the category you qualify under.

Prepare the application

We gather your supporting documentation and complete the required forms.

III

Submit to USCIS

The application is filed with the appropriate immigration agency.

Application review

USCIS reviews your application and the supporting evidence you submitted.

Authorization granted

If approved, you receive your EAD and can legally work in the United States.

№ 04 — how we help

Guidance tailored to your journey.

Work authorization rarely stands on its own — it usually connects to a larger immigration case. Getting it right means understanding how the two fit together.

We focus on accuracy and preparation so your application is complete the first time, and we stay with you through renewals when they apply.

Determine your eligibility — and confirm whether work authorization is available to you.
Select the right pathway that matches the immigration benefit behind your case.
Prepare supporting evidence that documents your eligibility clearly.
File a complete, accurate application to avoid the delays that come from missing details.
Monitor your case and keep you informed as it moves through review.
Assist with renewals so your authorization stays current without a lapse.

№ 05 — frequently asked questions

Questions we hear often.

What is an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)?

An EAD is the card that proves you are permitted to work in the United States for a set period. It is not a visa or a green card — it is documentation of a work-authorization benefit tied to your underlying immigration case or status.

Can I work while my Green Card application is pending?

In many cases, yes. Applicants who have filed for adjustment of status can often request work authorization while they wait for a decision. Whether it applies to you depends on how and when you filed, which we review together.

Can I renew my work permit?

Usually, yes — as long as the immigration benefit behind it is still valid. Renewals are time-sensitive, so we recommend starting the process well before your current authorization expires to avoid a gap.

Does a work permit give me permanent residence?

No. An EAD lets you work legally for a limited time, but it does not grant a green card or permanent status on its own. It is one benefit within a larger immigration case, not a substitute for one.

How long does an Employment Authorization remain valid?

Validity periods vary by category — many are issued for one or two years, tied to the status or pending case they rest on. Your approval notice states the exact dates, and we help you track them so a renewal is filed on time.

What happens if my work permit expires?

Once an EAD expires, you are generally no longer authorized to work until it is renewed or extended, unless a specific automatic-extension rule applies to your category. Filing a renewal early is the best way to avoid any interruption.

The final step —

Ready to explore your options?

Not every immigrant qualifies for employment authorization — but many do, through immigration benefits they already hold or are pursuing. Understanding your eligibility is the first step toward working legally in the United States.

Or call (702) 737-7717