Working before receiving the EAD card, or before the authorized start date on your EAD card has been reached constitutes illegal employment that will jeopardize your legal status in the United States. Also, you cannot work on campus or off campus until you have the EAD in your possession and your selected start date has arrived. Working before OPT has been authorized by USCIS constitutes illegal employment that will jeopardize your legal status in the United States.