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Immigrant Visa Classifications:

Certain foreign nationals, by virtue of their status, are authorized to work in the United States with no restrictions as to the location or type of employment. Although these individuals have an unrestricted right to work, some need to make an application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

The following categories of foreign nationals are eligible to work and study without restriction in the United States.

 

Classification	Characteristics	Documentation
Lawful Permanent Residents	Individuals who have permission to reside in the U.S. on a permanent basis; (i.e. holders of "Green Cards").	Form I-551, Resident Alien Card (or I-551 stamp in passport) The card must be reissued every 10 years. However, the individual's status does not expire.
Conditional Permanent Residents	Individuals who have been granted Conditional Permanent Residency in the U.S. In most cases, Conditional Residency is granted for a period of two years. At the end of this period, the individual is required to petition USCIS for removal of the Conditional Status. If approved the individual is converted to Lawful Permanent Residency.	Form I-551, Conditional Temporary Resident Alien card. Employers must re-verify employment eligibility after the expiration date on the card.
Lawful Temporary Residents	Individuals who have been granted temporary permission to reside in the U.S. under certain special U.S. government programs.	Form I-688 (Temporary Resident card) or I-688A (Employment Authorization for Legalization Applicant); valid until expiration date on the card (or on a sticker on the back of the card). Employers must re-verify employment eligibility at the time the document expires.
Refugees	Individuals admitted to the United States who have proven a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country. Admitted to the U.S. for one year, after which time they can apply to become a lawful permanent resident.	Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by USCIS, an admissions stamp in a passport, a United Nations refugee travel document, a U.S. refugee travel document, or an I-94 card notated with refugee status which contains an employment authorization endorsement. Employers must re-verify employment eligibility after the expiration date on the document.
Asylees	Individuals who have been granted asylum status after arrival in the U.S. based on proving a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country.	Must obtain an EAD card issued by USCIS. Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by USCIS with an expiration date. Employers must re-verify employment eligibility at the time the EAD card expires (may also present a U.S. refugee travel document).
Fiances and Fiancees	Individuals who are fiances and fiancees of U.S. citizens and their children under age 21 admitted to the U.S. as K-1 or K-2 non-immigrants.	Must obtain an EAD card issued by USCIS. Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by USCIS. EAD cards are issued for a ninety day period following admission. If the marriage does not take place, the K status (and the resulting employment authorization) is terminated. If the marriage does take place, the individual is eligible to file an application and be granted Conditional Resident Status.Employers must re-verify employment eligibility at the time the EAD card expires.
Parents and Dependent Children of Those Formerly Employed by Certain International Organizations	Individuals who are holders of N-8 or N-9 visas. Eligible to apply for Permanent Residency.	Must obtain an EAD card issued by USCIS.Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by USCIS. Employers must re-verify employment eligibility at the time the EAD card expires.
Citizens of The Federated States of Micronesia or the Marshall Islands	Individuals who are citizens of these countries may enter the U.S. and reside and be employed here permanently.	Must obtain an EAD card issued by USCIS. Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by USCIS.
Individuals granted withholding of Deportation Procedures	Individuals who can establish fear of persecution and who are in deportation or exclusion hearings may have deportation withheld while the danger exists.	Must obtain an EAD card issued by USCIS. Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by USCIS. Employers must re-verify employment eligibility at the time the EAD card expires.
Those granted Extended Voluntary Departure	Certain individuals granted permission to remain in the U.S. under an administrative order. Must obtain an EAD card issued by USCIS.	Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by USCIS. Employers must re-verify employment eligibility at the time the EAD card expires.
Those Granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS)	Special protection from deportation available to qualified nationals of designated countries. Extended by U.S. Government, generally in one-year periods.	Must obtain an EAD card issued by USCIS. Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by USCIS. Employers must re-verify employment eligibility at the time the EAD card expires.
Those granted voluntary departure under the Family Unity Program	Individuals who are given permission for voluntary departure by special USCIS rulings.	Must obtain an EAD card issued by USCIS. Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by USCIS. Employers must re-verify employment eligibility at the time the EAD card expires.

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