What is the ‘work authorization document’ (EAD) and does H-1B require one?

The work authorization document (EAD) is the document issued by USCIS confirming that a person has legal permission to work in the United States. It serves as the identifier used by non-citizens and non-permanent residents to demonstrate their eligibility for paid employment in the country.

The EAD comes up in various immigration situations, such as for those awaiting a decision on an asylum application, beneficiaries of certain protection programs, and other cases established by law. For the H-1B, however, the logic is different.

• With the H-1B, work authorization is already tied to the approval of the petition itself.
• As a general rule, a separate EAD is not required to work for the H-1B sponsoring employer.
• For other categories and temporary situations, the EAD is typically essential.

Because the rules vary by situation, confirm whether your case requires an EAD through the official USCIS guidelines or with a qualified specialist before making any decisions about working in the country.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.