Can my dependents work while I am posted in the United States? Maybe. An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is available to the dependents of sponsors who serve as government officials of countries that have bilateral agreements or defacto arrangements with the United States, subject to certain restrictions based on age and eligibility categories. This also applies to dependents of NATO international civilians.

How do I know if my country has an agreement or arrangement allowing my dependents to work in the United States? The following countries have either a bilateral agreement or defacto arrangement that permits certain dependents of NATO personnel to apply for a work authorization/EAD: Albania, Canada, Denmark, Lithuania, Norway, the United Kingdom (pursuant to bilateral agreements); and Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands (pursuant to defacto arrangements).

What are the requirements? In order to apply for an EAD, all eligible dependents of personnel possessing a NATO class visa posted throughout the United States must submit forms and documentation through HQ SACT Legal Affairs for certification and forwarding to US authorities for adjudication.

My dependents have A-2 visas; are they eligible? Generally NO. A-2 holders should consult their Embassy officials regarding eligibility, although there are no agreements or arrangements currently which extend employment authorization eligibility to the dependents of A-2 visa holders who are not posted directly to an Embassy or Consulate.

Can my dependents apply for employment authorization prior to coming to the United States? NO. They must be physically present in the United States to apply. Applicants cannot apply until they have entered the United States and received their Form I-94 (CBP Arrival/Departure Record).

Where can I find additional information? HQ SACT Legal Affairs is tasked under US Federal regulations with processing the applications for employment authorization for all dependents present in the United States on a NATO visa. For detailed information regarding eligibility, requirements and documentation required, consult the “NATO Dependent Employment Authorization Document Policy and Guidelines for Processing”.

Can my dependents work prior to receiving formal permission to work in the United States? NO. Simply applying for the EAD is not sufficient proof of employment eligibility. A US employer not only requires the EAD, but also a social security number. In order for dependents to receive a social security number, they must present their employment authorization card along with their passport containing their visa and CBP Form I-94 (additional information can be found in this Guide in the earlier section entitled “Social Security Number”).

I would like to have a part-time job in the United States in the evening or on weekends? International personnel (both military and civilian) are prohibited by US regulations from earning employment wages in the United States outside of their official military or civilian duties for which they are paid directly by their nation or outside their NATO civilian employment. Pursuant to 8 CFR 214(s) (the Federal regulation that governs the NATO EAD program), staff members are not permitted “to engage in employment outside the scope of his or her official position”. Please note, failure to abide by this Federal regulation can jeopardize or even result in revocation of your and your dependents’ visas, thereby making you ineligible to continue your NATO duties in the United States.