Since 2019, as most of you know, after the new I539 form for H4 extension/ COS with Biometrics, there was a huge delay in the H4 processing times. Even if you were to file an H4 extension or Change of Status(COS), concurrently with H1B in premium processing, the delays were the same. In the past, USCIS was adjudicating the H4 and H4 EADs in premium processing as a courtesy, but this has changed with the new Biometrics process for H4. This biometrics process delayed the H4 EAD processing times as well.
In the past, there was no automatic extension for H4 EAD, when the H4 EAD application was pending with USCIS. It changed based on some lawsuits and further changed based on other delays by USCIS in the year 2022. In this article, we will review the background of H4 EAD automatic extension options, biometrics, and if it is 180 days or 540 days, including some common FAQs.
Before we get into details, let’s quickly look at the background of the H4 EAD category and how automatic extension came into existence.
What is the H4 EAD Eligibility Category?
When you apply for H4 EAD, either new or renewal, you fill out the I-765 form and for Question 27 in part 2, for the eligibility category, you would have entered (c)(26) like below. Also, if you notice your H4 EAD physical card that you get after the approval, you would also see the category as C26 as you can see in the below screenshot. This category is the most important thing that determines your ability to work with pending H4 EAD receipt or get automatic extension.
Background: H4 EAD Automatic Extension Rule from 2021
In the past, when H4 EAD was introduced, there was no concept of an automatic extension period for pending H4 EAD applications with USCIS. Below are the screenshots from the past that indicate the C26 Category, which is for H4 EAD, was not part of the original list.
DHS Lawsuit Settlement for H4 EAD Delays
There were a lot of delays with the H4 EAD processing after the introduction of Biometrics for H4 Extensions or Change of Status. As many were waiting for H4 and H4 EAD approvals after Biometrics, some were tired of the wait and took the issue to court. One such lawsuit resulted in USCIS publishing a temporary rule that suspends biometrics for H4 and L2 applicants for two years from May 17th, 2021 until May 17th, 2023. Despite that, there were still many delays.
Finally, a class action lawsuit was filed in September 2021 by H4 EAD holders for many of these delays and job losses. The result of this was a settlement between DHS and the plaintiffs that introduced the automatic extension of H4 EADs that are pending with USCIS for 180 days. You can read full info at H4 EAD 180 days Automatic Extension Lawsuit Settlement
Now that you have a background, let’s look at the actual H4 EAD automatic extension policy.
H4 EAD Automatic Extension: 180 Days Policy
DHS updated its H4 EAD Policy and introduced 180 days Automatic Extension for pending applications with USCIS. As per the USCIS policy alert, below is how the 180-day automatic extension works.
USCIS will interpret regulation 8 CFR § 274a.13(d) to give an automatic extension of H4 EAD (filed under EAD Category Code (c)(26) ) for up to 180 days based on the below conditions.
- H4 spouses should have filed H4 EAD renewals using Form I-765 on time before the H4 status expiry.
- The H4 EAD automatic extension will end as soon as one of the below three conditions is met.
- If the H4 status of the H4 EAD applicant ends, which is based on the I-94 end date
- H4 EAD decision is given by USCIS ( approval, denial )
- 180 days from the day the H4 EAD Card expires (the expiry date is on the H4 EAD Card)
Below is the screenshot of the actual 180 days extension policy
H4 EAD Automatic Extension increased to 540 Days
USCIS processing times were really hit hard during the COVID pandemic due to the staff shortages and other issues. H4 EAD was not an exception the same, the delays with H4 EAD processing continue to increase.
USCIS announced in March 2022 its goal to streamline the overall processing times and reduce the backlogs for all types of applications by end of FY 2023. As part of that initiative, USCIS announced a temporary rule that they are increasing EAD automatic extension duration for certain EAD applicants from 180 days to 540 days. H4 EAD was also included in that list of eligible categories for the 540-day automatic extension.
How does the 540 days automatic extension rule work for H4 EAD?
- As per the regulation, up to 540 days of the EAD automatic extension would be applicable for all eligible EAD holders, who currently get 180 days of automatic extension. As H4 EAD is already in this list of eligible categories, so H4 EAD holders would get 540 days of automatic extension as well.
- Up to 540 days of H4 EAD automatic extension would be given for such applicants, who file for H4 EAD renewals/extensions starting from May 4th, 2022 until October 26, 2023.
- The 540 days of automatic extension for H4 EAD would end as soon as a denial decision is made on the EAD application by USCIS or at the end of 540 days from the date of expiration on the EAD Card.
- After 18 months starting from May 4th, 2022, which is from October 26, 2023, the automatic extension duration for H4 EAD EAD would revert back to 180 days. It means that, if you file for H4 EAD renewal after Oct 26th, 2023 you will only get 180 days of automatic extension.
Below is the screenshot of the official regulation in federal register:
I-9 Compliance Documents for H4 EAD holders to use 540 days provision
As per law, an employer who hires anyone in the US is required to complete I-9 Form (Employment Eligibility Verification). The goal of this is to verify the employee’s identity and work authorization. It is to prevent illegal or undocumented workers. The I-9 form requires that employees verify a set of documents that are related to identity, visa status, and work authorization.
Below is the list of documents that employers need to use for I-9 compliance and avail of the 540 days automatic extension rule for H4 EAD holders :
- Expired H4 EAD Card that indicates relevant category code regarding eligibility.
- H4 EAD Receipt notice ( I-797C notice of action for form I-765) that has relevant class requested stated as from the above list of codes in the previous section.
- Form I-94 Arrival-Departure Record of H4 EAD holder.
Common FAQs
You can work on the H4 EAD receipt notice, only if you filed for H4 EAD renewal and you are in proper H4 status. You cannot work on H4 EAD receipt notice as a first time H4 EAD Applicant.
Yes, the C26 category of H4 EAD is eligible for 180 days automatic extension and you can work when H4 EAD renewal is pending with USCIS. In the past, there was no automatic extension for H4 EAD. This changed in November 2021, when DHS announced the automatic extension for H4 EAD. See above official reference in article.
In general, you can work up to 180 days, while your H4 EAD is pending if you meet all the other general requirements. Also, from May 4th, 2022, H4 EAD holders get up to 540 days of automatic extension.
The H4 EAD automatic Extension in general is 180 days. But, starting from May 4th, 2022 it would be 540 days of automatic extension. The 540 days of automatic extension rule is valid until October 26th, 2023. You can read more at 540 days automatic Extension of EAD – USCIS rule
What was your experience in the past before the automatic extension? How do the 540 days of automatic extension feel for everyone? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Hi Kumar,
My Spouse’s H1B, my H4, I94 and H4EAD are all expiring in Sept 30 2023 and my spouse’s employer has filed for renewal of all three (his H1B, my h4 and ead) on time and I have receipt notices for all three.
Will I be eligible beyond Sept 2023 for work if I don’t get approval notice for EAD by Sept 30, 2023 and what options do I have ?
any suggestions is much appreciated, following is the situation for my wife.
26 Jun 2022 – Visa & H4 EAD expired (travelled to India)
17 Aug 2022 – got H4 visa till 2025
applied to EAD renewal – 10Jan2023
EAD receipt received (not approval) – 17Jan2023
question;
does auto extension (540 days from last EAD expiration) is applicable to above situation?
Hi Kumar
I have my h1b till Aug 2023 my current project will be getting over on 11/10/2022 and my employer will not keep me beyond that dat.Recently my h4 and h4 ead got expired on 8/9/2022 can i apply for Cos H1 to H4 and start working in the grace period.
Hello Kumar, Thanks for the detailed write-up.
One thing that is still not clear to me is ” If an unexpired i94 is needed to continue working on the H4 EAD receipt”? Can you please clarify?
H4 spouses can work while the EAD extension is in process https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/05/04/2022-09539/temporary-increase-of-the-automatic-extension-period-of-employment-authorization-and-documentation#citation-41-p26617
Ipsingh,
Thanks for pointing it out. We had this as a separate article, but missed this one. Now it is fully updated. Please check the updated article above.
My Case is a bit unique. Any valuable suggestion with links will help me here. My H4 will expire by Dec 2021. However my husband has valid h1 till 2023 and since I had applied H4 EAD after h1b approval, my EAD is also valid till 2023. So I’m in a situation where I have valid H4 EAD but H4 is expiring in a month and the extension applied a few months back is still in progress. (Applied in August 2021). Some of the attorneys say I cannot work as H4 is going to expire but others say I can work as H4 EAD is valid and the H4 extension is in progress. Please suggest if you have gone through these scenarios or know what to do here. Also, can I expedite my H4?
HI! What was the conclusion on your question? Seems like I am in same boat.
Same here, both H4 and EAD arw getting expired in August, renew applications are in pending status , can I continue in my work?
Did your approval came through? or are you out of processing time ?
Mine was applied in April this year and H4EAD was expiring on september. Where as my H4 i-94 was valid till october 10th. So my employer let me work till oct 10th. But later I was put on unpaid leave.
The issue is my application both are still in pending status- and its out of normal processing time.
Hi, My H4 EAD got approved; received the Approval Notice but my H4 EAD Card was never delivered and lost. Is it ok to start working with I-9 verification, though H4 EAD Card is lost. OR Do I need to file a new H4 EAD Application and wait for it’s approval & Card again. Please let me know how I can get more information on this.
Is there anything stopping me from working for my former employer (outside of the USA) while I have my EAD and I continue to reside in the USA? I am an H4 visa holder until September 2023.
Is there anything stopping me from returning to my home country to work for this employer for 10 months? I would return before my H4 expires in September 2023.
My h1 expires in aug 2021 and my wife h4 ead expires in aug 2022 . Can she work till aug 2022 or she should wait for new EAD ?
I am on pending H4/H4Ead status applied back in July 2020. My H4-EAD expired in October. I have approved
I-140 from 2017, can I claim my H1 with premium processing while on pending status?
If yes, approximately how much time it will take to get H1 with premium processing?
My H4 and H4-EAD are expiring on 12/31/2020 though my husband has a valid H1 till 5/2022. I am currently working on H4-EAD and had H1 in the past.
My employer is ready to sponsor for a new H1B for me. Can I file H1 while I am in status (before H4 expires) You see any issues here?
Should I expect delays in spite of premium processing? Does my pending H4 extension case cause any issues. Please advise.
Deepz,
No issues. If you want to continue working that is the best course of action. There can be delays with Premium processing due to COVID…so, plan to stop working after your H4 EAD expires. You do not get H1B status when filed, you need to get the approval to continue working again.
Thank you Mr. Kumar. Can I apply for H1B after the current H4 expires? I will be out of status when I am applying but I had h1 in the past. Any issue with that? Thank you again.
Deepz,
You need to apply for COS only when you are in Status or have valid I-94, otherwise they will deny the COS.
This is very helpful! Thank you very much.
My husband’s H1 got renewed (thanks to premium processing). Now I am waiting for H4 and H4 EAD renewal. My H4 EAD is expiring on December 21, 2020.
I work for non-profit. My employer already reached out to me and is well aware of my situation.
1. Until what date is it reasonable to wait (& hope) that H4 EAD might come through on time?
2. What are my options if H4 EAD doesn’t come through on time? Can I stay on the roster, go on leave of absence and get rehired after the approval comes through?
3. Should I request for H1 filing under non-profit?
Deepika,
1. You can check USCIS H4 Processing times to get an idea…but, that is just approximate
2. It is usually better to resign and re-join later.
3. You may try that option anytime. If they are willing to do it. You can apply in premium and go for it.
H4 EAD validity: March 25 2021
I765 validity: March 25 2021
H4 I94 expired on: Jun 12 2020
H1B & H4 extension applied on March 08 2020 and H1B approved for 3 more yrs & waiting for H4 approval.
Is it legal to work until March 25 2021?
Just to give you more context: I have requested immigration team to apply EAD extension along with my H1B & my wife H4 extension and they said “your spouse’s EAD card expires more than 8 months from today, so it is still too early to initiate the EAD renewal. Please reach out again 8 months before the EAD expiration” this was 4 months ago and now I am checking if they can initiate extension & surprisingly they are saying “As the I-94 has expired, the EAD card is no longer valid and she must wait until she receives the new EAD card. ”
Ram,
Your situation is not very common. The rule of thumb is, you cannot work when you do not have status. Usually H4 status and EAD expire at your I-94 expiration. Now, it is slightly grey area…In H1B case, you can work as you applied before expiry upto 240 days… Now, H4 it not clear. You definitely cannot work without EAD card validity…I suggest you speak an attorney and clarify this..
Dear Kumar,
My H4 visa and EAD is expiring on April 29th. However I am not working at the moment. I have still not received my receipt number. But the fedex tracking saying USCIS has received my application.
Can I still stay in the country post my i94 expiry date? I have a newborn who is only 2 weeks old and doesn’t have a passport to travel.
Please urgently reply.
Thanks
H4 EAD expiring end of August. Because of Covid, biometrics is delayed & EAD card will be delayed. Can the H4EAD holder work for a foreign company until the EAD card comes through?
any suggestions to keep the employment going? has anyone experienced any exceptions with Employers during this COVID situation?
Zeva,
No, it is illegal. You need to resign, that’s the only option. DO NOT try to bend rules and get into issues. Many have lost jobs and it is sad situation… but that’s life…
Thanks Kumar, I have a question, I filed my H1B extension, my wife’s F1 to H4 CoS and H4 EAD together, and requested the CoS to be effective right before her OPT expiration. Now I’ve got my H1B extension approved, but I noticed that the H4 & EAD processing time may take way longer than before, so we are not sure if she can transit from F1 to H4 smoothly without pausing employment. We are wondering if she can still file OPT extension now to get the 180 days automatic extend before we hear anything on her H4 & EAD decision. Do you have any insights on this solution? thanks
Shifan,
If she is still on F1 and valid status, she can. Talk to DSO and then apply for extension. Usually, you will be in previous status until your COS is approved. So, it maybe possible, if you are eligible for F1 STEM OPT. Talk to DSO and also an attorney to be safe. Do update, if any changes.
EAD expiring soon. While waiting for renewal which is going to be delayed, Can I go on unpaid leave until then or I have to resign from my job?
Please suggest.
Thanks a lot in advance.
Rajana,
This is grey area. It is better to resign the job.
My H4 EAD expired during lockdown. Primary H1 somehow got an extension with premium processing. No appointment/no offices open for H4 Biometrics during lockdown. Could I quality for 180 days extension/some other temporary extension based on receipt notice. DLs expiring during lockdown are auto renewed till Jul 31st. Any such rule for H4EADs.
Any thoughts on this would be highly appreciated.
Shailee,
No, H4 EAD category does not qualify for 180 days extension. Check the above article again, it has official info on the same.
Is there no covid-19 extensions?
https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/covid-19-delays-extensionchange-status-filings
Nonimmigrants generally do not accrue unlawful presence while the timely-filed, non-frivolous EOS/COS application is pending. Where applicable, employment authorization with the same employer, subject to the same terms and conditions of the prior approval, is automatically extended for up to 240 days after I-94 expiration when an extension of stay request is filed on time.
czur,
No covid-19 exceptions. This is old rule.
Just writing to see if anyone has specific guidance on this USCIS news. It’s not really clear whether it applies to certain categories only unlike the 180 day extension. Do you have any info about this? https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/covid-19-delays-extensionchange-status-filings
Nidhi,
There is NO special guidance there. NOTHING has changed. All the old rules apply. That was intended only as a note to file on time and re-iterate the old rules.
Please sign this petition to support the 180 day automatic extension for H4 EAD, please share it with your circle. In this tough times if we stand together USCIS might consider a temporary relief.
http://chng.it/4Z2Zbk6D
Hello Kumar,
Thank you for this helpful article. My spouse has EAD valid until April 2021. I have changed jobs last September and had the new employer apply for H1B, H4 and EAD for my spouse together. Immigration attorney at the time didn’t state EAD has to be applied only within 6 months to us. Should I expect EAD application to be sent back? Please advise.
Harsha,
In fact, there is no rule telling that EAD has to be applied only 6 months before expiry, it is usually done around 6 months timeframe as practice…so, hard to say. The 6 months rule applies for H1Bs. Hopefully they process it. Do update here once you hear anything for community benefit.
Isn’t your h4 ead extension dependent on your h1 validity ?.
If you cannot file your h1 extension before 6 months of expiry , then how will you even apply for h4 ead before that?
This is a very helpful article. Thank you so much for writing it.
I am in similar boat. My current EAD is expiring on end of January and I am waiting for my EAD to renew, which could be after January. I work at a small firm who are not aware of H4 EAD related situations and I want to abide by law and not work during the entire time in between.
My question is, can I just go on leave of absence (or leave without pay) while I am waiting for my EAD to renew and come to my hand? Or do I have to resign from my job and then rejoin later?
Thank you so much in advance.
Usually friends around here apply leave a day before expiry for a month and keep extending the leave until it is renewed.
Zalak,
Well, some have taken full leave of absence without pay and joined back…Some have quit the job and rejoined latter…The logic is employer need to maintain I-9 compliance, if you are working for them, I am not sure how that works…This is slightly grey area…If you have an option to quit and re-join, that would be ideal as that is very clear…but, the option of going on paid leave is not fully clear…talk to an attorney on this.
Dear Kumar and Team,
Thank You for taking time to answer many questions. I have a question to ask.
My H1B Status is active and Valid till September 2022 and I am in the US
I received the H4-EAD for my Spouse which is also Valid till September 2022 since I have an Approved I-140
Question
If I switch to a new employer what will happen to the H4-EAD that was issued ? I see there isn’t any clear explanation about this as it only says that I will have to maintain my H1B Status as the H4 & H4-EAD is purely depended on my H1B Status.
I did some research on this and found the following explanation… Does it mean that even if I change my employer the my spouses H4-EAD will still be valid till the end of your H-4 EAD validity period which is September 2022
Explanation:
The requirements explicitly state that to be eligible for an H-4 EAD the H-1B spouse must have an approved Form I-140. If for whatever reason the USCIS revokes this petition, you would not qualify. However, you still have the potential to qualify if your spouse received an extension on their H-1B status under section 106(a) or (b) of AC21.
If you have already received your H-4 EAD and your spouse’s I-140 is revoked, then your employment authorization will remain valid until it expires. When you reach the end of your H-4 EAD validity period, you will only be able to renew it if your spouse has an approved I-140.
If your spouses loses his or her H-1B job and falls out of status, there is a 60-day grace period with which a new H-1B job can be acquired. After that, both you and your spouse will be considered out of status and your EAD will be invalid.
I am on H4 visa. My last H4 EAD had expired on Aug 31, 2019. My application for EAD renewal was under processing at that time. I did not know the rule and I was under the impression that I can continue to work for 180 days while my renewal application was getting processed.
My employer did not ask for the renewed EAD even after the old one got expired. On Sep 10, 2019 I came to know from a friend that it is not allowed to work once EAD is expired. At that very moment I decided to stop working and I conveyed the message to my employer. I again started working on Oct 17, 2019 when I got my renewed EAD.
I already got paid for the 10 days I worked after expiry of my previous EAD.
Please advise what can I do next to rectify the unintentional mistake. Thanks.
Well, talk to your attorney, if something needs to be done…As it was really short amount of time and as there is really not much you can do about it now, you can ignore it…Usually, when you travel out of the country and re-enter all your status related things get cleared out…so, you can consider doing that…either case, talk to your attorney of your spouse and seek advice. Also, update here for community benefit.
Hi Swathi,
Do you have any update? It will help us.
Hi Nani/Swathi
Any update on working for some days after H4 EAD expiry? Does one need to take any specific step to rectify?
Hi,
My current H1b visa expires on November 23rd 2019 and my spouse H4 status is also the same which is Nov 23rd 2019, but my spouse EAD expiration date in Dec 2020 which is more than her H4 expiry date and currently she is working.
I just applied for H1b extension in premium processing along with H4 extension and H4 ead extension and my H1b has been approved till May 2021, I am still waiting for my spouse H4 and H4 Ead to be approved.
Can my spouse continue to work on her H4 ead as the expiry date is till Dec 2020 or doe she have to wait for the new H4 and H4 ead to be approved and then work?
Thanks, Please Advice
If her EAD card is valid, she can continue to work until the EAD card validity date, though her current application is pending. Once the card expires, she need to stop working. Read above article on the reason.
Can We travel out of the US? After Biometrics done?
Hi I got my h4 eAD approval
And card but not my h4 approval! Can I still work??
This happened with my wife couple of years ago but our lawyers suggested that as long as you have physical EAD card in hand, you are eligible to work. It is a glitch at the end of USCIS’s system when H4 is delayed even after H4 EAD’s arrival. But, in general terms as per our lawyer, H4 EAD gets approved only when H4 is approved. So you should be fine. Congratulations and Good luck! We are still waiting for my wife’s H4 EAD renewal and hope it comes soon so that she can join back to her work.
Can I apply H4 ead when H4 visa extension is pending and my I 94 is pending
Lavanya,
Well, you can apply using the receipt notice. But, you need to submit the approval, if asked by the officer.
Hi Kumar
Is it advisable after my H1B gets approved I can send my wife to India and get H4 stamping and then file her H4 EAD once she is back in USA? Will her H4 EAD application gets processed faster as she already have H4 stamped?
please advise
Yes, that’s better idea, if you can. Well, maybe slightly better, but hard to say…You can check USCIS website for the current processing times.
Hello, Thanks a lot for this article. Can we support the company’s work without pay while the EAD application is pending? The company is in a critical phase in the project and I am a key resource.
I understand. Legally, you cannot be employed in US, even without pay. The moment you work, your employer has to maintain your I-9 and be compliant.
You should never engage in anything that violates your status.
Hi ,
I have a H1B and H4 valid till feb 2020. I am planning to file extension.
My spouse H4 EAD is valid till Aug, 2020.
Can I file H4 EAD extension with H1B and H4 extension applications?
Thanks & Regards,
sam
Yes, you can. In general, that is the practice as well.
Hi, Is there any justification as to why H4 EAD, the C-26 category, is not eligible for the 180 day extension, while others are? I am sure that USCIS always has a definitive purpose for every thing to do 😉
Well, we don’t know…I do not think they have a definite purpose for everything…
Thanks Kumar..
But in my case, my spouse H4 EAD has six months more validity than H4.
H4 Validity : 02/2020
H4 EAD Validity : 08/2020
I am planning to file H1B and H4 extension in september 2019.
My concern is, whether I should file for H4 EAD extension along with my H1B and H4 right away OR wait till march and only file 180 days before the expiry of current EAD document?
If we will apply H4 EAD now what are the complications expected? Can USCIS will reject current H4 EAD or I can we get RFE for new application.
Please suggest before taking any step.
I am referring below link for them
https://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/temporary-workers/faqs-employment-authorization-certain-h-4-dependent-spouses
Thanks
Sam
No, you can apply now as part of your H1B extension, that is pretty normal. It talks about I-129 form that you cannot apply before 180 days, that’s it. It is a general practice to apply for H4 and H4 EAD along with H1B extensions, so nothing to worry, go for it.
Thanks Kumar for your inputs.
Please refer below URL:
https://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/temporary-workers/employment-authorization-certain-h-4-dependent-spouses
“You will not be authorized to work until USCIS approves your Form I-765. Once your employment authorization is approved, the expiration date on your EAD should be the same date as the expiration date on your most recent Form I-94 indicating your H-4 nonimmigrant status. You are only authorized to work through the expiration date on your EAD. If you still will be eligible for work authorization after that date, you should file for a renewal EAD by submitting another Form I-765. You cannot file for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your original EAD expires”.
That’s why I am little worried. I have few scenarios in my mind regarding H4 EAD on which I want some more clarity.
They are as follows—–
A) What can be the maximum consequences/disadvantages/implications if we apply H4 EAD extension along with my H1B and H4 extensions?
B) Can USCIS reject the H4 EAD and take application fees OR send RFE OR put our H4 EAD case on hold? If they put it on hold, when they will resume?
C)If they reject supposedly, then will there be any impact on our current H4 EAD approval ? Can they revoke or change the expiry date of current EAD?
E) If USCIS cancel/reject(not process) our new H4 EAD application for extension if we apply now, and if they do, will I be able to re-apply that again on the desired time, that is before 180 days of expiration of my current EAD.
F) What can be future consequences on my H4 EAD extensions we apply for ?
Thanks & Regards,
Sam
Hi Kumar,
I am waiting for your response.
Thanks & Regards,
Sachin
As I said, it is absolutely fine to apply, many apply H4 and EAD together when they file for H1B extension, no issues at all.
Please discuss with your H1B attorney, if you need confirmation.
Hi kumar,
I am in same boat!
Thinking of filing h1 and h4 together with Amendment + Extension application first and then h4 ead after 1 month to satisfy 180 day rule.
Can you update what you ended up doing? Did u file all 3 applications together?
Thanks,
Sunny
Sunny,
I did not file anything, it is the users. I am just giving guidance. It is ideal to file all 3 together in most of the cases…having said that, you can file it the way you said too, it is your discretion.
Hi,
I need to apply for H4 EAD Extension since my H4 EAD is getting expired in Nov 2019. My Husband has filed an extension for his H1B and my H4.He got the receipt in March.
1. Can I apply for my H4 EAD Extension with his receipt
2. How long will it take to get the receipt. Can I work with my H4 EAD Receipt?
3. When can I expect the EAD Card and Validity will be based on My Husband H1B Period
4.USCIS will process my Extension only after My Husband H1B Extension got approved.
Will be really helpful if someone answers my above questions.
I applied H1B ext and H4 extension in Dec 2018 in regular processing and got approved in March 2019. Meanwhile, while waiting on the extension approval, I applied my wife’s H4 EAD renewal (going to expire on March 2019) based on H1B & H4 receipts in Feb 2019. I got the H4 EAD receipt dated March 09, 2019. Since I got my H1B & H4 approval in March 2019, I am waiting on getting EAD approved. Not sure if this is usual these days to wait almost 4 months. I have couple of friends who applied after me at same location and got it approved within 3 months.
One thing I notice is that, when I check my case at USCIS site, I don’t see my case updated even though I got my approvals in March. Do I need to provide approval copy for H4 in order to process EAD for my wife or does USCIS will get it from their internal records? I am asking because, it doesn’t seem to me that the records got updated as I can’t see my updated status online.
Appreciate any help !!
Yes, usually they look for H4 approval and validity to issue EAD. Try calling USCIS or send a service request.
My wife’s H4 is pending since December 2018. It was filed along with H1 transfer in California center, which was later on sent to Vermont center in February (1st). H1 got approved in premium on May 29th after RFE, however no update on H4 yet though.
Can I apply for her H4 EAD with pending H4 I539? I am planning to send receipt notice, and transfer notice along with the application. Please suggest.
Hi Kumar,
Can my Wife work while H4 EAD is in process? Her EAD will expire in august 2019.She got H4 Approved and received the document.
or do we have to wait until she get the EAD card ?
She can work until the expiry date, after that cannot. Read the above article again, all your questions are answered.
Really good clarity of all the nitty-gritty details on this subject.
Thanks for great work Kumar. Appreciate it.
No worries 🙂
How good is to have a 180 days automattic extension if your driver license is expired and you can’t drive to work?
At least u will be able to work on automatic EAD extension.. u need to call your DMV to find out about driver’s license on just receipt notice.
Well, at least for the eligible ones, it gives an option to work….something is better than nothing…can pay for Uber and go to work…Just see the brighter side of it 🙂
If your h4 EAD renewal is approved on the USCIS website but there is delay in receiving the EAD card .. is it ok to continue working ?
USCIS website update is not official. As you know there are many times, you see wrong status as well. So, you need to have the EAD card in hand to work. This is for I-9 compliance, employer cannot accept what you see on the USCIS website as official documents
My status got approved on June 7th. I received H4 extension and H4 EAD USCIS approval courtesy notice last week. But the lawyer has not received any documents until now. Why is there a delay? Is this normal?
Usually mail can take couple of weeks, give it this week. If not ask your attorney to follow-up.
When did you apply for H4 and H4 EAD? Did you go through biometrics process?
March 20, No biometrics. I tried so hard to avoid it.
@cake what is your service center?
@Cake was your H4 applied along with your spouses h1b in premium or was it a regular processing? Please let me know as I applied on March 28th. No update after biometrics.
@Cake was your H4 applied in premium along with h1b or was it in regular processing and which service center?