Work Permit EAD: Income Options for Immigrants in 2026

To work legally in the United States, you must have valid work authorization — and every employer is required by law to verify it. They do this through Form I-9 (the employment eligibility verification form). But traditional employment is not your only option. Immigrants with valid status can also earn income through contract work or gig platforms, and the rules are different for each path.

Traditional Jobs vs. Contract Work: What's the Difference?

Full-time and part-time jobs come with a set wage and sometimes benefits like health insurance or paid time off. To get hired, you go through an application process, a background check, and you fill out Form I-9. You need both valid work authorization and valid ID. Contract work — sometimes called gig work — is more flexible. You set your own rates and choose your projects. Instead of Form I-9, contractors typically fill out a 1099 tax form. You won't get employer benefits, but you have more control over your schedule and workload.

Where to Find Jobs and Gig Work

If you have a work permit (EAD — Employment Authorization Document) or another valid work authorization, job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter, and Monster list thousands of openings. For New York residents specifically, the NY State Department of Labor job board, Jobs NYC, and Building Skills NY connect job seekers to local opportunities and free training programs. NYC's Small Business Services agency runs workforce career centers across all five boroughs — they offer free resume help, career counseling, and interview coaching. For contract and gig work, platforms like Taskrabbit (home repairs and moving), Care.com (childcare, pet care, elder care), Upwork (design, writing, admin), and Wag! (dog walking) let you sign up and start earning on your own schedule. The nonprofit Immigrants Rising also offers video tutorials and guides specifically for immigrants on how to work as a contractor or start a small business.

One thing applies no matter which path you choose: you must pay taxes on all income you earn. That includes gig work and contract payments. Failing to report income can create serious problems — not just with the IRS, but potentially with your immigration case as well.

What to Do

• Check your current immigration status before applying for any job. If you have a work permit (EAD), confirm it is still valid. An expired EAD means you cannot legally work until you renew it — the current EAD filing fee is $520.
• If you want to do gig or contract work, research whether your specific visa or status allows self-employment. Some visa categories restrict the type of work you can do. Lawyers recommend confirming this before you sign up for any platform.
• Keep records of all income from contract or gig work and set aside money for taxes. The IRS requires you to report all earnings, regardless of immigration status.
• Visit NYC Small Business Services or Immigrants Rising for free resources on job training, business planning, and income generation as an immigrant.

A full breakdown of this topic — in our guide “PERM Labor Certification”.