my work authorisation has been expired. can i work until i get a new one?

Apply for an extension of your work permit or a new one. Anyway, your visa is valid until 2012 and you will have ample time to work on this permit.

If your work permit is expired your V status is also expired. Your visa being valid until 2012 allows you to to renew the 2 year increments that you V status is issued under as well as your work permit. If you have not ever extended your I-94 that was issued when you entered the U.S. then you need file form I-539 and request an extension of the V status and form I-765 to renew your work permit. A bit of good news is that you no longer "age-out" at age 21, you can renew even if you are over 21 or until there is an "Immigrant Visa or number available for your priority date and preference category".

Stop working as soon as possible. Your visa only allows you remain in the US not work, you need to get your EAD renewed then go back to work. You are supposed to apply for the renewal at least 90 days prior to the current one expiring. However still take care of the renewal.

You are currently out of status and if you get discovered by USCIS you could get deported no matter how much time you have left on your visa.

Don't work without your EAD. The Visa only allows you to STAY in the US, but NOT to work. They will be able to deport you and keep you out of the US for years if they catch you. I don't know your line of work but remember if you get paystubs that is traceable. Renewing the EAD is fairly quick - they have to get it to you within 90 days.

Please do not ask any serious questions about immigration here. My advice is to go directly to an immigration lawyer, and also call the US immigration number 800‑375‑5283 (Select language; press 2; press 4; at prompt press 0). I think that as long as you have proof that you are in the process of renewing your documents you will be fine. Then again, ask a lawyer directly or call immigration to make sure you are ok.

Consult with a reputable Immigration Lawyer.

work authorization "means what it say's" authorized to work

if it has expired you must stop and have it renewed

if you continue i hope the deport you.

this is a nation of laws obey them