H4 EAD Ultimate Guide & Latest News (December 2024)

This article was last updated and fact checked on January 28, 2023 by Mani Karthik.

The H4 EAD (Employment Authorization Document) is a work permit that allows the spouses of H1B visa holders to work in the United States. The H4 EAD processing time can vary depending on a number of factors, but it typically takes around 2-3 months. If you are looking to apply for a H4 EAD, there are a few things you should know about the process.

This article will guide you through the process and everything about the H4 EAD process.

In this article...

What is H4 EAD?

The H4 EAD is a work permit that allows the spouses of H1B visa holders to work in the United States. To be eligible for the H4 EAD, the H1B visa holder must have an approved I-140 petition, and the H4 visa holder must have an H4 visa.

The H4 EAD is valid for two years and can be renewed indefinitely.

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What is the EAD card?

The EAD card, also known as the Employment Authorization Document, is a document that allows certain individuals to work in the United States. To be eligible for an EAD card, an individual must have a valid nonimmigrant status that allows for employment in the United States.

For example, individuals with H-1B, L-1, or F-1 status may be eligible for an EAD card. The EAD card is valid for a specific period of time and must be renewed every two years.

Difference Between H1B and H4 Visa

The H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. The H4 visa is a dependent visa for the spouses and children of H1B visa holders.

H4 visa holders are not eligible to work in the US, but they may be eligible for an H4 EAD, which allows them to work in the US.

The H4 EAD rule was implemented back in 2015 because the United States wanted to retain skilled foreign workers. (Source)

Eligibility for the H4 EAD Program

To be eligible for the H4 EAD program, the H-1B visa holder must have an approved I-140 petition, and the H4 visa holder must have an H-4 visa. Once the H4 visa holder has obtained employment authorization, they may work for any employer in the United States.

There is no limit on the number of H4 EADs that can be issued, and there is no set expiration date for the program.

How long does it take to process an H4 EAD application?

The H4 EAD application process can take up to 90 days, and the H4 EAD can be renewed every two years.

In order to apply, you will need to submit a number of documents, including your spouse’s H1B visa, your marriage certificate, and evidence of your relationship. You will also need to pay a filing fee. Once your application is approved, you will be able to work in the United States for as long as your spouse’s H1B visa is valid.

How much does it cost to apply for an H4 EAD?

The H4 EAD is a work permit that allows the spouses of H1B visa holders to work in the United States. The H4 EAD was introduced in 2015, and since then, it has been a popular option for H1B families.

The H4 EAD allows H4 visa holders to work in any job, as long as it is not self-employed. The H4 EAD does not have an annual limit, so H4 visa holders can work as much or as little as they want. The H4 EAD is valid for as long as the H1B visa holder’s status is valid.

The H4 EAD can be renewed indefinitely as long as the H1B visa holder maintains their status. The cost of the H4 EAD (i765 filing fee) is $410, and it can take up to 90 days to process.

H4 EAD Premium Processing – What is it?

H4 EAD program was created in 2015 as a way to help reduce the burden on H-1B holders who are waiting for their green cards. The H4 EAD program has been very popular, with over 100,000 applications being approved each year.

However, the Trump administration has proposed eliminating the program, which would put the spouses of H-1B holders at risk of losing their jobs.

Premium processing of Hr EAD is an optional service that USCIS offers for certain employment-based petitions and applications. For an additional fee, USCIS will guarantee to process your petition or application within 15 calendar days.

What’s the cost of H4 EAD premium processing?

H4 EAD premium processing is a service offered by USCIS that allows applicants to have their applications processed within 15 days. The cost of this service is $1,225, and it is available for both H4 visa holders and their dependents.

In order to be eligible for premium processing, applicants must have an H4 visa that is valid for at least six months, and they must have an employment offer from a U.S. employer.

DS160 Form – Full Guide to Filling & Submission

How to apply for H4 EAD?

If you are the spouse of an H-1B visa holder, you may be eligible to apply for a work permit under the H4 EAD program. The H4 EAD program allows spouses of H-1B visa holders to obtain employment authorization in the United States.

To apply for H4 EAD, you will need to submit a Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, along with the required supporting documentation. You will also need to pay the filing fee.

Once your application is approved, you will be issued an Employment Authorization Document, which will allow you to work in the United States.

Steps to apply for H4 EAD

The first step is to file an I-129 petition with USCIS.

Next, the petitioner must submit an I-765 form, which is the application for an employment authorization document.

Once these forms have been filed, USCIS will review the petition and issue an EAD if it is approved.

The EAD will allow the holder to work in the United States for a specific period of time. After the EAD expires, the holder will need to reapply if they wish to continue working in the United States.

Effective May 26, 2015, the H4 EAD rule was implemented with the intention of retaining highly skilled foreign workers and decreasing the interruption to US businesses that results from H1B workers choosing not to stay in the US. (Source)

How to expedite H4 EAD

The H4 EAD is a work permit that allows the spouses of H-1B visa holders to work in the United States. The process of applying for an H4 EAD can be long and complicated, but there are a few things you can do to speed up the process.

First, make sure you have all the required documents. Second, submit your application as early as possible.

Finally, track your application status online so you can be prepared for any delays. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of getting your H4 EAD approved in a timely manner.

The H4 EAD premium processing times and steps are as follows:

1. The H4 EAD application is filed with USCIS.

2. USCIS reviews the application and makes a decision.

3. If approved, USCIS sends an approval notice to the applicant.

4. The applicant then pays the premium processing fee.

5. USCIS processes the premium processing request and makes a decision on the application.

6. If approved, USCIS sends an approval notice to the applicant.

Do H4 and H4 EAD get approved together?

The H4 and H4 EAD are two different things. The H4 is a visa that allows the spouse of an H1B visa holder to enter the United States. The H4 EAD is a work permit that allows the holder of an H4 visa to work in the United States. While the H4 and H4 EAD can be applied for at the same time, they are two separate things and each has its own requirements and does not get approved together.

When will H4 EAD be revoked?

There is currently a proposal to revoke this program. If the H4 EAD is revoked, it would have a significant impact on families who are currently relying on it. It is unclear when a decision will be made on the fate of the H4 EAD, but it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest developments.

Can you start working on H4 EAD receipt?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on a number of factors, including the specific H4 EAD program the applicant is applying for and the specific job they are applying for. However, in general, an applicant can usually start working on H4 EAD receipt if they have the necessary work authorization and their employer is willing to sponsor them.

Can you do business on H4 EAD?

The H4 EAD is a work permit that allows the spouses of H1B visa holders to work in the United States. While this can be a great opportunity for many people, there are some things to keep in mind before starting a business on H4 EAD.

First, it is important to remember that the H4 EAD is only valid for as long as the H1B visa holder’s status is valid. This means that if the H1B visa holder’s status expires, the H4 EAD will no longer be valid.

In addition, the H4 EAD is only valid for certain types of employment. For example, it cannot be used for self-employment or starting your business. Finally, it is important to consult with an experienced immigration attorney before starting a business on H4 EAD to ensure that everything is done correctly and to avoid any potential problems.

What is the H4 EAD processing time?

The processing time for an H4 EAD application is typically around 90 days, but it can vary depending on the workload of the USCIS office that is processing the application.

There is no definitive answer to this question as the processing time for an H4 EAD can vary depending on a number of factors. However, most people report that it takes around 3-4 months for the EAD to be processed and approved.

H4 EAD News

The latest update on the H4 EAD program is that the US government has decided to automatically grant work visas to the spouses of H1-B visa holders.

DHS settled a class-action lawsuit launched by AILA on behalf of immigrant spouses last summer.

Dependents of H1-B visa holders receive an H-4 visa. L2 visas are provided to L1 visa holders’ dependant wives and children under 21. L2 visa holders can seek employment in the US, whereas H4 visa holders must apply for employment permission. (Source)