Visa Type
U.S. Work Visa & EAD
Destination/Location
United States
Documents
Work Authorization &
Visa Guidance
Fast Support
Expert Immigration Assistance
End-to-end support for U.S. work visa and EAD applications
Accurate guidance on eligibility, visa type, and required forms
Expert assistance for temporary work authorization and employment pathways
Obtaining authorization to live and work in the U.S. generally requires either a temporary, employer-sponsored visa (such as H-1B or L-1) or lawful permanent residency (a Green Card). Temporary workers may also need an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to work legally, while Green Card holders can work for most employers.
Temporary Work Permits (EAD and Visas)
Temporary work permits in the U.S. — including the EAD (Form I-766) and various work visas — authorize foreign nationals to work legally for limited periods.
EADs are generally intended for non-citizens with pending immigration statuses, such as asylees or students, and usually offer more flexibility.
Work visas such as H-1B and L-1 are typically employer-specific and usually require a job offer and USCIS petition approval.
Key Differences and Details
Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
Definition: An EAD card proves that the holder is authorized to work in the U.S. for a specific period, often 1 to 2 years.
Eligibility: Commonly available to individuals with a pending I-485 (Green Card application), pending asylum application (I-589), or certain non-immigrant categories such as F-1 students.
Application: Applicants must file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with USCIS.
Flexibility: EADs are generally not employer-specific, allowing greater flexibility in changing jobs.
Temporary Work Visas
Definition: A visa allows entry into the U.S., while a work permit authorizes employment.
Types: Common categories include H-1B (specialty occupations), H-2A (seasonal agricultural work), and L-1 (intra-company transferees).
Process: The employer must first file a petition with USCIS.
Requirements: These visas usually require specific educational qualifications, job criteria, or salary thresholds.
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A Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR), or Green Card holder, is a non-citizen authorized to live and work permanently in the United States. Holders receive an identification card, can apply for a Social Security card, and may eventually petition for U.S. citizenship. Key pathways include family, employment, or special categories, with processing times often exceeding a year.
Key Aspects of Green Card Status
Rights & Responsibilities: LPRs may live, work, and travel freely, but must maintain their primary residence in the U.S. and notify USCIS of address changes.
Validity & Renewal: While status is permanent, the physical card must be renewed every 10 years.
Path to Citizenship: Generally, LPRs can apply for naturalization after five years of continuous residence, or three years if married to a U.S. citizen.
Maintaining Status: Extended absences (typically over 6–12 months) can lead to questioning by border officials and potential abandonment of status.
Common Ways to Obtain a Green Card
Family-Based: For immediate relatives (spouses, children, parents) of U.S. citizens or current Green Card holders.
Employment-Based: Allows individuals with specialized skills, education, or job offers (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-4, EB-5) to live and work permanently.
Humanitarian/Other: Asylum, refugee status, or winners of the annual Diversity Visa Lottery.
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Whether you need assistance with:
A Green Card application
A work permit application
Employer-sponsored visas
Family residence permits
Long-term immigration planning