Last checked: 24 October 2026

Jobs and employment services

Your right to work

Refugees may work immediately on arrival [source].
USCIS creates a digital I-765 for principal refugees and accompanying family. The Employment Authorization Document (EAD) usually arrives within a few weeks [source].
For Form I-9, your I-94 is acceptable for 90 days after arrival. After that, show an unexpired EAD or other documents such as a driver's licence plus an unrestricted Social Security card [source].
There is no fee for an initial or renewal refugee EAD in category (a)(3) [source].

Refugee Support Services include job training, search, placement and retention, English classes, childcare and transport, for up to 5 years [source].
RCA is provided alongside employment services through your provider [source]. Detailed participation rules: not stated by the pages checked.
Matching Grant is intensive case management and job help, aiming at self-sufficiency within 240 days [source].

Be wary of overseas or email job offers that ask for money [source]. See Avoiding scams.