If you applied for asylum, you could request a work permit 150 days after filing and get it approved after 180 days, if no decision is made yet.

If you applied for a green card (adjustment of status) inside the U.S., you could also apply for a work permit while waiting.

Once approved, you’ll get a card (EAD) that allows you to work for any employer after that your work permit stays valid as long as your main case is still being reviewed.

You must file Form I-765 (in the U.S.) or the equivalent in other countries to request permission to work but you cannot work legally without the permit, even if your main case is pending.