You may work only with an H-4 EAD (a work permit card). You can apply when your H-1B spouse:
has an approved I-140 (the immigrant petition step of a green card), or
has H-1B time extended past the usual 6 years because of a pending green card process.
File Form I-765 (category c26). The fee is $470 online or $520 on paper. You may file it together with your H-4 extension. Do not start work until the card's start date.
Renew early. For renewals filed since October 30, 2025, there is no automatic extension while USCIS processes it. If the card expires, you must stop working until the new card comes. You can file up to 180 days before it expires.
Spouses of L-1 workers, and of E-1, E-2 and E-3 workers, may work because of their status. You do not need a separate card. The proof is your I-94 with the code:
E1S, E2S or E3S for E spouses.
If your I-94 shows only "L2" or "E2", it is not enough proof for a job. Ask CBP Deferred Inspection to fix it. See Fixing a mistake on your I-94. You may still get an EAD with I-765 if you want a card.
Some E spouses (for example E-2C, and certain Taiwan office E-1 dependents) must get an EAD.
F-2 spouses cannot work in any form, and cannot get an EAD. F-2 spouses may study part time at a school approved by SEVP, or take hobby classes. Full-time degree study needs a change to F-1.
You may work with a J-2 EAD. File I-765 (category c5), $470 online or $520 on paper. The money must be for your family's own costs, not to support the J-1. Work only between the dates on the card.
Children in all these statuses may go to school. Children in H-4, L-2, E and F-2 status may not work. J-2 children may apply for a J-2 EAD.
Starting a job on an L-2 I-94 without the S code.
An H-4 EAD that expires during a slow renewal.
An F-2 spouse doing "small paid jobs". It breaks status.