Skip to main content
https://www.illinoislegalaid.org/legal-information/applying-work-authorization
Date: 02/04/2026

English ▼

English
Español

We open opportunities for justice.

User account menu

Quick Exit
Internet usage can be tracked. Use this to leave this site immediately. Remember to clear your browser history to hide activity.
  • Contact
  • Log in
  • Sign up
Home
  • Mobile - Search Block

    Google custom search block

  • Get Legal Help
  • About Us
  • Resources
    • I am...
      • a senior (60 years or older)
      • an immigrant to the U.S.
      • someone with a family member who was in jail or prison
      • a member of the LGBTQIA+ community
      • a veteran, active duty military or have had military service
      • a youth or parent of a youth
      • a survivor of abuse or crime
      • homeless or at risk of homelessness
      • living with a disability
      • living with HIV/AIDS
      • a non-profit organization or small business
    • Family & Safety
    • House & Apartment
    • Money & Debt
    • Business & Work
    • School & Education
    • Health & Benefits
    • Immigrants & Immigration
    • Voting & Civil Rights
    • Crime & Traffic
    • Courts & Hearings
    • Form Library
    • Glossary
  • For Legal Professionals
    • Practice Resources
    • Lawyer Manuals
    • IICLE Library
    • LTF Initiatives
    • Calendar
    • Job Postings
    • Discussion Groups
    • Volunteer with Us
  • Mobile Login Menu

    User account menu

    User account menu

    Quick Exit
    Internet usage can be tracked. Use this to leave this site immediately. Remember to clear your browser history to hide activity.
    • Contact
    • Log in
    • Sign up
  • Language switcher block

    Language switcher

    • English
    • Español

We open opportunities for justice.

How can we help you?

Search Icon
Get Legal Help

English ▼

English
Español

Struggling to pay credit card or medical bills?

We’re here to help. Get free financial and legal support from Debt Help Illinois. 
Trusted, safe, reliable.

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Immigrants & Immigration
  3. Applying for work authorization

AddToAny buttons

PRINT
Print this to take with you
SHARE
Share this page to social media channels
QUICK EXIT
Internet usage can be tracked. Use this to leave this site immediately. Remember to clear your browser history to hide activity.
DONATE
Help ILAO open opportunities for justice
Flag and passport

Immigrants & Immigration

portrait-of-young-bearded-entrepreneur-working-remote-at-laptop-in-picture-id904869292.jpg
Applying for work authorization
Some immigrants may be eligible to apply for work authorization in the United States, which allows them to be employed while in the United States. Learn more here.
Applying for work authorization
Explore frequently asked questions about work authorization for noncitizens in the United States. Learn if you qualify for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), how to apply for an EAD, and more.
FAQ
Filing documents with immigration for free
Explains how to pay fees and ask for a fee waiver when filing cases with USCIS, which forms qualify, and how to request a waiver.
Guide
Immigration resource guide for advocates in 2025
List of current resources for advocates helping detained and non-detained immigrants.
Text article

© 2026 Illinois Legal Aid Online. 
All rights reserved.
 
ILAO is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. ILAO's tax identification number is 20-2917133.

  • English
  • Español

Company

  • About
  • Team
  • Impact
  • Plans and Vision
  • Story
  • Events
  • Annual report
  • ILAO in the news
  • Why Donate?
  • Work with us

Resources

  • Family & Safety
  • House & Apartment
  • Money & Debt
  • Health & Benefits
  • Business & Work
  • School & Education
  • Immigrants & Immigration
  • Voting & Civil Rights
  • Crime & Traffic
  • Court & Hearings

Quick Links

  • Form Library
  • Ready to Work Portal
  • Victims of Crime Portal
  • New Leaf Portal
  • Power of Planning Portal
  • Legal Self-Help Centers

 

Terms and policies

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Site FAQs

© 2026 Illinois Legal Aid Online. 
All rights reserved.
 
ILAO is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. ILAO's tax identification number is 20-2917133.