This article was last updated on August 7, 2026

Summary

This article helps to answer common questions about work authorization in the United States for refugees. If you have refugee status, you are allowed to work in the United States, even if your work permit has expired or if you do not have a green card. To prove this to an employer, you only need to show your Form I-94 with a refugee admission stamp or "RE" class of admission.

I am a refugee in the United States. Do I have work authorization?

Yes. If you have refugee status, you are allowed to work in the United States. This is true even if:

• You do not have a work permit (also called an EAD, or Employment Authorization Document)
• Your work permit has expired
• You have not yet gotten your green card

Why can I work without a work permit?

Your right to work comes from your refugee status, not from a work permit. Refugee status does not expire. So your right to work does not expire either. This rule comes from U.S. immigration law.

A work permit (Employment Authorization Document “EAD”) is only one way to prove you can work. Refugees can still work in the United States without one. 

How do I prove to an employer that I can work?

You can show your Form I-94. On your form, look for these:

• An unexpired refugee admission stamp, or
• The letters "RE" in the "class of admission" box

This is enough to prove you are allowed to work. You do not need to also show a work permit.

This is written in the U.S. government's own Handbook for Employers M-274, and employers can look it up here.

What if my work permit (EAD) has expired?

An expired work permit does not take away your right to work. Many refugees’ work permits expire while waiting for their green card, and that is okay. You can still work using your Form I-94, as described above.

What if I already have a green card?

If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), different rules apply. Your green card, not your old refugee documents, is what you use to prove you can work. This article is for refugees who have not yet received a green card.

What should I do if an employer says I can't work?

Some employers may not know this rule. Here is what you can do:

1. Show your Form I-94 with the refugee admission stamp or "RE" class of admission.
2. Point them to the official USCIS handbook, which confirms this rule for employers.
3. Print out the attached letter from IRAP and give it to your employer
4. If the employer still will not let you work, contact an immigration legal service provider for help. You can find a list of free or low-cost attorneys here and a list of private attorneys here. Note: IRAP cannot guarantee the quality of services provided by attorneys on these lists.