- BIST10011,572-1.28%
- USD49.45+0.05%
- EUR55.62+0.37%
- GOLD4,182.70+0.04%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN82,421+0.50%
- October 19, 20269°
- BIST10011,572-1.28%
- USD49.45+0.05%
- EUR55.62+0.37%
- GOLD4,182.70+0.04%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN82,421+0.50%
- October 19, 20269°
05
Working Life
Working life in the U.S.: work rights by visa type, employment authorization document (EAD), SSN, I-9 and W-4 when starting a job, employee rights, diploma equivalency, licensed professions, and job searching.
Topics in this section
- 5.11 Job searchWhen looking for a job in the U.S., use free official tools such as CareerOneStop, USAJOBS, BLS, and O*NET. Check your work authorization, research salaries, and be cautious of job offers that ask for money.
- 5.1 Who can work: work authorization by visa typeWork authorization in the United States is determined not by the name of the visa, but by immigration status. Your status may fall into one of three groups: unlimited authorization, authorization tied to a specific employer, or authorization requiring you to obtain an EAD first.
- 5.2 Employment Authorization (EAD / I-765) and categoriesAn EAD is a photo identification work authorization card showing that you may work in the United States, obtained through Form I-765. The application category, timing, fees, validity period, and renewal rules vary by category.
- 5.3 How to get a Social Security Number (SSN)An SSN is a 9-digit number used to track wages and tax records in the United States; applying and receiving the card are free. The application method depends on your status, and the SSA requires original documents for most applications.
- 5.4 When starting workWhen starting work in the U.S., you use Form I-9 to document your identity and work authorization, E-Verify to check your records, and Form W-4 to arrange federal tax withholding. You have rights to choose your documents and to be protected in the event of mismatches.
- 5.5 Workers’ rightsPeople working in the U.S. have rights to wages, overtime, a safe workplace, and protection against discrimination regardless of their immigration status. Report violations to the appropriate agency within the applicable deadline.
- 5.6 Diploma equivalency (credential evaluation)No single federal institution decides whether your diploma is equivalent in the U.S.; the school, employer, state professional board, or immigration authority evaluates it for its own purpose. If necessary, obtain a credential evaluation report from a private organization.
- 5.7 Licensed professionsIn the United States, you must obtain a license from the state where you will work to practice medicine, nursing, law, engineering, teaching, pharmacy, or dentistry. Diplomas and licenses from Türkiye are not automatically valid; a license also does not provide work authorization.
Last reviewed October 16, 2026. This content is general information, not legal advice.