I have not yet received my EAD card but I have just received a job offer starting very soon. Can I begin working on OPT without the EAD card?
No. You should not begin working until you receive the EAD card from USCIS. The EAD card is the only document with approved OPT beginning and ending dates. Working while your application is pending or before the authorized OPT start date on your EAD is considered unlawful employment. Voice mail verifications or on-line case information are not authorizations of employment.
Related Questions
- I am currently working with a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD card). Can I find other employment and begin working right away?
- What happens if I have NOT received my EAD card for post-completion OPT, but do not graduate by the OPT start date?
- Can we opt to offer a job to the same Students4HIGHER Scholar each semester/year?
