Jobs NYC Center: Work Permit Holders Can Apply
New York City opened the Jobs NYC Center on October 5, 2026, giving New Yorkers a free walk-in hub to find and apply for city government jobs. The center is open to anyone with work authorization — including EAD holders — and offers on-the-spot hiring events. If you have a valid work permit and are looking for stable employment, this resource may open doors you didn't know existed.
What the Jobs NYC Center Is and Who Can Use It
Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su, and city commissioners launched the Jobs NYC Center on September 28, 2026. It opened for walk-in services on October 5, 2026. The center is located at 2 Lafayette Street in Manhattan. Its goal is simple: connect New Yorkers to careers in public service — whether they are applying for the first time or already work for a city agency.
New York City runs more than 50 agencies, boards, and offices. Jobs in those agencies range from Probation Officer Trainee and Community Assistant to Elevator Operator, Recreation Specialist, and Caretaker. If you work for any of these agencies, you are a public service employee. Because these are government positions, you must have work authorization to apply. That means a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD) — the card that gives you the legal right to work in the US — qualifies you to seek these jobs.
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What Services the Center Offers
The center runs four main types of support. First, it holds "public service 101" workshops for people unfamiliar with how city hiring works. Second, it hosts hiring halls — agency interviews and on-the-spot hiring events where you can get a job offer the same day. Third, staff help you find and apply for open city positions. Fourth, the center holds recruitment fairs where city agencies actively look for candidates. Walk-in hours are Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Hiring hall events may require an RSVP; check the center's website for the schedule.
Lines at the center can be long. Reports on social media since the October 5 opening suggest some visitors have had to return on a different day. Plan ahead: go early in the week, bring your documents, and be ready to wait.
What to Do
- Confirm your work authorization is current. Bring your EAD or other work-authorization document when you visit the center.
- Visit 2 Lafayette Street in Manhattan, Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. No appointment needed for walk-in career services.
- Check the Jobs NYC Center website before you go to see upcoming hiring hall events — some require an RSVP.
- If your EAD is expiring soon, file Form I-765 (the application to renew your work permit) before it expires so you stay eligible for city jobs.
A full breakdown of this topic — in our guide “Work Permits (EAD)”.
Fishkin Law Firm, New York
If you hold a valid EAD — whether through DACA, TPS, asylum pending status, or another category — you are legally authorized to work for New York City agencies, and the Jobs NYC Center is a legitimate pathway to stable employment. Make sure your EAD expiration date gives you enough runway: city hiring processes can take weeks, and you want your permit to remain valid through onboarding. If your status is in flux or your EAD renewal is delayed, speak with an immigration attorney before accepting a job offer to avoid any complications with your underlying case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Jobs NYC Center if I have a work permit (EAD) but am not a US citizen?
Yes. The center is open to any New Yorker with work authorization. A valid EAD qualifies you to apply for city agency jobs, regardless of your citizenship status.
Do I need an appointment to visit the Jobs NYC Center?
No appointment is needed for walk-in career services. The center is open Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. However, lines can be long, so be prepared to wait or return another day. Hiring hall events may require an RSVP.
What documents should I bring to the Jobs NYC Center?
Bring proof of your current work authorization (such as your EAD card), a resume if you have one, and any other identification you normally use for job applications. Staff can help you with the application process on-site.
What if my EAD is about to expire — can I still apply for city jobs?
You can start the process, but city agencies require valid work authorization through hiring and onboarding. If your EAD expires soon, file Form I-765 (the work permit renewal application) with USCIS as soon as possible. An immigration attorney can help you make sure your renewal does not lapse.