Difference Between Legal Eligibility and Sponsorship

The questions “Are you legally eligible to work in the United States?” and “Will you now or in the future need visa sponsorship?” address different aspects of work eligibility in the U.S., particularly regarding authorization and sponsorship.

1. ""Are you legally eligible to work in the United States?""

• This question asks if you currently have the right to work in the U.S. based on your immigration status.

• To answer “Yes” to this question, you need to be a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident (green card holder), or have a work authorization (such as an Employment Authorization Document, EAD).

• This eligibility means you do not need further permission from the U.S. government or an employer to start working legally.

2. ""Will you now or in the future need visa sponsorship?""

• This question is about whether you need (or will need) an employer to sponsor a work visa, such as an H-1B, to legally work in the U.S.

• If you need sponsorship now or might need it in the future (for example, once your current work authorization expires), the answer to this would be “Yes.”

• Answering “Yes” signals to employers that they would need to handle the legal and administrative process of applying for a visa on your behalf, either immediately or eventually.

What Makes You Legally Eligible?

You are legally eligible to work in the U.S. if:

• You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (green card holder).

• You hold a valid work authorization (e.g., EAD) that permits you to work without requiring employer sponsorship.