Legal Definitions - work permit

A work permit, also known as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), is a document issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that allows noncitizens to work temporarily in the United States.

If you are authorized to work in the United States because of your immigration status, such as being an asylee or refugee, you may need to apply for an EAD to provide evidence of your employment authorization. Additionally, if you have a pending application for permanent residence or asylum, or if you have a non-immigrant status that does not allow you to work without permission from USCIS, you may need to apply for an EAD.

For example, if you are an F-1 or M-1 student, you may need to apply for an EAD to work in the United States while you are studying.

The EAD is issued as a plastic card that contains a photo and basic information about the individual authorized to work. It is important to have a valid EAD if you are working in the United States as an unauthorized worker may face legal consequences.