Work, Studies and Volunteering

 

 

Employment

Spouses holding G-4 visas are authorized to work for the United Nations and Missions to the United Nations without obtaining a work permit. However, if you are not a citizen or a legal permanent resident and are looking to work outside the UN, you need to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to prove that you may work in the US. If you don’t have an EAD, your future employer will have to sponsor you.

Obtaining or renewing an EAD is one of the most discussed topics among NYLESA members – and as well as the advice compiled by NYLESA’s Career Support Coordinator, members who have been through the process are always happy to share their experiences and tips. We’re here to help!

NYLESA’s Career Support webpage includes detailed advice and explanations on the EAD application and renewal process, links to the forms you’ll need to apply, plus examples of sample letters on which you can base your own application letter.

For follow-up questions and explanations, you can always contact the Career Support Coordinator directly at careersupport@nylesa.org or ask a question on the NYLESA WhatsApp group page.

Job search recommendations:

Adapt your resumé and cover letter to the American format. There are many samples of resumé available on the Internet on dedicated websites such as LiveCareer or Resume Now to assist you in formatting your resumé.

UN jobs can be found on the UN Careers webpages or on each agency’s website, or on the non-UN website UN Job List

Possible other job search websites outside the UN:

The NYLESA website, and especially the Career Resources webpage, provides more information about jobs and career planning in New York. NYLESA organizes regular career support events. Stay tuned to emails and newsletters and do not hesitate to reach out to careersupport@nylesa.org

 

Self-Employment

You can apply for a work permit as self-employed and work as a consultant or become an entrepreneur and develop your own business. NB Your self-employed work permit can also be easily changed to an employee work permit if you get a job in a company –indeed many NYLESA members recommend applying for your EAD as a self-employed person first – because converting it to an employee work permit after you get a job with a company is usually quicker than starting an EAD application from scratch.

Other useful links:

Volunteering

Volunteering is deeply rooted in American culture and will allow you to extend your network, acquire well-recognized work experience, meet new people, and facilitate your integration.

Below are just a few of the many volunteering organizations and portals in NYC:

Adult Education

New York offers a large variety of high-quality classes and courses from many schools anduniversities and other institutions so you can continue learning and pursue new interests.

New York Public Library

The New York Public Library is a wonderful resource. Throughout the year, it offers more than 25,000free public programs at its many locations throughout the city. To become a member, you can apply online or go to any Public Library with some form of identification and proof of residence in the US. Membership is free.

Be aware that in New York City, Brooklyn Public Library and Queens Public Library are separate from New York Public Library, which encompasses Manhattan, Bronx and Staten Island. You can join more than one, or all of them.

Universities

The following website provides a list of Universities and Schools that could match your needs depending on your area of interest and expertise: ny.com/academia/colleges. Most of them offer flexible programs such as continuing education non-credit classes, certificates and summer classes.

Arts & Music

In addition to universities and colleges, there are a wide variety of institutions offering classes in the arts.

Here are links to some of the most popular:

For a wide selection of one-off, or short-term courses, with everything from cookery sessions to ceramics, try Course Horse

 

 (Updated October 2025)