¿What jobs can you not do with a work permit (EAD) in the United States?

The EAD (Employment Authorization Document) is issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and is regulated by federal law, specifically in Title 8, Section 274a.12 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

Having an EAD gives you legal authorization to work in the U.S., but not in all jobs. Discover which jobs you cannot do with a Work Permit in the U.S. and which jobs are restricted by law or why some companies may reject you.

Having a Work Permit allows you to:

Obtain employment in private companies.
Work in many economic sectors.
Obtain a Social Security Number (SSN).

However, it does not give you automatic access to all jobs in the U.S.

Even if you have a valid EAD, there are certain legal and practical limitations you must be aware of.

1. Federal Government Jobs

Many jobs in agencies such as:

Department of Defense (DOD)
Department of State
National Security Agency (NSA)

Are reserved only for U.S. citizens. This is due to national security regulations and requirements for access to classified information. To work in these places, a special authorization called “security clearance” is needed, which is only granted to citizens.

If you are not a citizen, you cannot apply for these jobs, even if you have an EAD.

2. Jobs that require state professional licenses

Some professions require licenses issued by the states, such as:

Medicine
Nursing
Public Education
Law
Police

In certain states, only individuals with a Green Card or citizenship can obtain these licenses. But there are other states, such as:

California
Nueva York
Illinois

That do allow individuals with a Work Permit (EAD) to apply for these licenses on equal terms.

3. Jobs in government contractor companies

Many private companies working with the government must comply with laws such as:

ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations)
EAR (Export Administration Regulations)

These laws state that employees must be citizens or permanent residents (Green Card), as they handle sensitive technology or information.

Examples of these industries:

Defense
Aerospace
Security technology

Although the job may be private, it can be restricted if you do not meet these legal requirements.

4. Limitations According to the Type of Work Permit (EAD)

Not all EADs are the same. Some types are tied to temporary immigration statuses such as:

DACA (Deferred Action)
TPS (Temporary Protected Status)
People applying for asylum

Although the law says you can work legally, some companies hesitate to hire you due to:

Fear that the permit will expire soon.
Lack of immigration stability.

This is not illegal, but it can limit your opportunities if they are looking for long-term employees.

5. Internal Policies of Private Companies

Some private companies may have stricter policies, even if the law allows them to hire you with EAD. This may be due to:

Lack of knowledge of immigration laws.
Fear of audits.
Hiring preferences.

It is important to know that they cannot discriminate against you for having an EAD if you meet the legal requirements. The Immigrant and Employee Rights Section of the Department of Justice protects your labor rights.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

¿Can I work legally with an EAD?

Yes. The EAD is an official document that allows you to work legally in the U.S. during its validity.

¿Can I be a teacher or nurse with an EAD?

It depends on the state. Some states allow EAD holders to obtain professional licenses, while others require a Green Card or citizenship.

¿Can I be denied a private job even if I have an EAD?

Yes, some companies have internal policies or fear of legal issues. However, they cannot discriminate against you illegally based on your authorized immigration status.

¿What happens if my EAD expires?

You must renew it on time. If it expires, you cannot continue working legally until it is approved again.

¿Can I work in the government with an EAD?

Only in some local or state positions. Federal jobs require citizenship.

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