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H4 EAD Removal Estimated Timeline, Predictions, Revoke Status

Every regulation/rule , including H4 EAD removal, proposed by an agency like DHS goes through majority of the 9 steps in US Rule Making process . H4 visa EAD is planned to be removed by DHS and it is currently going through this process.

We have mapped current H4 EAD revoke status to the standard rule making process below. If you want full background, you can check out the entire history of H4 EAD removal, News

We will look at historical dates for original H4 EAD rule, time taken for processing by varying speed and predicted dates for H4 EAD rule revoke by DHS, if it were to happen for your planning.

H4 EAD Revoke Rule-making Current Status by Step

US Federal Rule Making Step

H4 EAD Rule Removal Status, Time Taken

Additional details on H4 EAD Revoke Status at this rule making step

Step One:

 

Initiating Events

Completed

 

Took around 24 Months with lawsuit

It all started with a lawsuit filed by ‘Save Jobs USA’ (an organization comprised of IT workers who claim they lost their jobs to H-1B workers) in April 2015, then dismissed by court in 2016 and again contested in US Court of Appeal for the DC Circuit. With new Trump Administration, the case was on hold for quite some time until mid-Nov 2017.
Step Two :

 

Determination Where a Rule is Needed

Completed

 

Took around 6 months with lawsuit.

In mid-Dec 2017, Trump Administration published Fall 2017 regulatory with an agenda item “Removing H-4 Dependent Spouses from the Class of Aliens Eligible for Employment Authorization”, indicating their intent to remove H4 EAD Rule from 2015. It was published in Federal Register. Here is the first original one at Reginfo.gov from Dec 2017 with NPRM ( Notice of Proposed Rule Making) date of Feb 2018.
Step Three :

 

Preparation of Proposed Rule

Completed

 

Close to 12 months.

Since the original H4 EAD removal rule has been published in federal register, it has been moving very slow. It was part of Spring 2018 regulatory agenda with NPRM date of June 2018.  Check Reginfo.gov with June 2018 as NPRM . Again, it was part of Fall 2018 Regulatory Agenda with NPRM  date of November 2018. Check  Reginfo.gov with Nov 2018 NPRM date

 

In January 2019, we had new Bill introduced in house called H4 Employee (EAD) Protection Act to stop the H4 EAD revoke process.  Also, on Jan 18th, replacement brief was filed by Save Jobs USA and motion to keep the case in abeyance (on hold) by DHS was denied by Court..Immigration voice is also part of the defendant team now. After another appeal DHS got the new dates for their brief moved to March 18th, 2018.

On February 20, 2019, DHS finally sent the H4 EAD removal rule to OMB for review. It is almost 12 months in this step.

Step Four :

 

OMB Review of Proposed Rule

In Progress

 

Estimated few days to 90 days or more

As H4 EAD removal rule is categorized as “significant”, it has to go through Office of Management and Budget(OMB) for review.On February 20, 2019, the rule was sent to OMB for review.  Check the H4 EAD removal rule status of Pending EO review on RegInfo.gov.

 

OMB can take anywhere from few days to 90 days as per their convenience. If they take up full term of 90 days, then this will complete on May 20, 2019.  There were few meetings done in March and latest was done on May 1st. OMB was supposed to update by May 20th,  but nothing happened. They have put it technically on hold as the input from meetings raised concerns.

H4 EAD Lawsuit Impact :  There is a lawsuit on the H4 EAD Rule challenging DHS on the authority and injury to their members filed by Save Jobs USA. This has been dragging for a very long time since 2015. Finally on Sep 27th, 2019, the Oral argument took place in this lawsuit in appeals court, you can check the highlights of the Oral Argument – H4 EAD Lawsuit  . After the oral argument, on Nov 8th, 2019, Appeals court gave judgment in favor of Save Jobs USA, indicating that they have standing in case. The Appeals court sent the case  back to district court for further review. It is not final decision or win for Save Jobs USA yet, the district court will look again in detail and merits of the case and then issue the judgment….It will be dragged further..we do not know how many months or years… Check Court Judgement Summary – Save Jobs Wins  .  The key point is, if DHS revokes the H4 EAD rule, then the lawsuit will not be required anymore, so this will play a part for DHS as they are the ones under pressure to deal with court deadlines and arguments in district court going forward.

Currently, District court is reviewing the case, briefs are submitted and Save Jobs has asked for Injuction order to stop H4 EAD, so far as of June 30, 2020 there  is no response from District Court. 

On June 30th, 2020 H4 EAD rule revoke was part of the Unified Agenda with NPRM date of September 2020. It previously appeared in Spring 2018, Fall 2018, Spring 2019 and Fall 2019 Regulatory Agenda. We need to wait and see, if DHS will really publish NPRM by September 2020.

Step 5:

 

Publication of Proposed Rule

Not StartedNot started
Step 6 :

 

Public Comments

Not StartedNot started
Step 7 :

 

Preparation of Final Rule, Interim Final Rule, Or Direct Final Rule

Not StartedNot started
Step 8:

 

OMB Review of Final Rule, Interim Final Rule, or Direct Final Rule

Not StartedNot started
Step 9 :

 

Publication of Final Rule, Interim Final Rule, or Direct Final Rule.

Not StartedNot started

H4 EAD Rule Revoke Estimated Timeline – Future Predictions

Below are the estimated timelines for H4 EAD Rule removal. They are based on some assumptions and some standard durations that each of those steps take.  The table will be updated frequently to reflect updates.

The below predictions are based on DHS Intent to remove the rule as it started process to remove the H4 EAD rule. It is ONLY for your planning and dates are not FINAL. Use these with caution.

Prediction Timelines last updated on June 30th, 2020. For below predictions, we are assuming that DHS would publish NPRM for the H4 EAD later in 2020, with best case of September 1st, 2020.  

DHS Rule-making Stage of H4 EAD RevokeDuration / Pace of Rule Execution
FastMediumSlow
Step 4 : OMB Review of Proposed Rule61 days123 days161 days
Step 5: Publication of Proposed Rule
Step 6 : Public Comments30 days60 days120 days
Step 7 : Preparation of Final Rule, Interim Final Rule, Or Direct Final Rule30 days60 days90 days
Step 8: OMB Review of Final Rule, Interim Final Rule, or Direct Final Rule15 days60 days100 days
Step 9 : Publication of Final Rule, Interim Final Rule, or Direct Final Rule.
Delay for Effective Date for Major Rules60 days90 days90 days
Total Estimated Days196 days393 days585 days
Estimated Date for H4 EAD Rule RevokeJan-14-21Jul-29-21Feb-5-22

If we put it in a chart, it looks like below

If we put the overall days in a chart, it looks like below.

Historical Timeline for H4 EAD from 2014, 2015

If we check out the original H4 EAD rule passed from 2015 at Reginfo.gov, below is the timeline from NPRM comment period start to the rule being effective. The original NPRM comment period started on May-12-2014 and the rule became effective on May-26-2015.

H4 EAD 2015 Rule Making ActionDate
NPRM05/12/2014
NPRM Comment Period End07/11/2014
Final Action02/25/2015
Final Action Effective05/26/2015

Prediction of the H4 EAD Revoke Date Timeline – How many days in future ?

As per past H4 EAD history from 2015, the timeline and dates for original H4 EAD rule making, it took over a year from the day NPRM comment period started. If we look at current state of H4 EAD rule removal, OMB has received it on Feb 20, 2019 for their review of the proposed rule and they have put in on hold since then. It is more than year now as we are in late 2020.

Since the OMB meetings with stakeholders, the rule removal process has not moved much, as they need to address many things before they roll out the proposed rule for public to review and comment.  Assuming, they take swift action, as per our estimated dates above and the projected timeline, the earliest date for the rule to be removed comes to around mid July 2020.

Now, looking at the overall situation state, there could be delays in the entire process as DHS is having hard time justifying the rule removal, as the economic analysis done by DHS is flawed as per OMB…

Many other attempts like the “House Bill to stop H4 EAD removal” is essentially dormant and no updates on that, so that may not play a part…The only thing that will push DHS to act swiftly is the court lawsuit  and the president proclamation banning entry of H4 holders. If DHS revokes this rule, they do not have to deal with court anymore and they will also comply with presidential direction to protect American jobs.

We need to wait and see how DHS will react to this because, if they roll out something without proper due diligence, there will be more lawsuits….

In summary, looking at all of these and timelines, we predict that, it may take an estimated amount of at least 6 to 8 months or more for H4 EAD to be removed. Things may change, but that’s how the outlook stands today. We will review and update the predictions as per changes and events, stay tuned.

What do you think ? What is your take on the H4 EAD removal estimate timeline ?

   

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120 Comments

  1. Hello Kumar,

    First of all, I want to thank you for your efforts to keep us informed.

    One question: so my H4 EAD will expire May 2021, and I plan to apply half-year ahead around January 2021. Looking at the removal schedule and speed, it seems like my application might be ok.

    I have a good job in IT with H4 EAD and I previously had a H1B but I am uncertain whether my employer would help me transfer given the current circumstances in regards to immigration and high pandemic unemployment. Do you have any suggestions for people in my situation? Let me know and thanks again!

    Reply
    • Singh,
      It is currently unknown, anything can change. We do not know how USCIS will handle this. The estimated dates are based on previous times, I will let you use your discretion and take a decision.

      Reply
  2. Hi,

    I filed my H4EAD in premium and filed litigation on Nov 22nd but was not approved, I created an expidite request and received an Email ‘However, your case is currently under review by an officer and will notify him on this request’ Does any one have similar experience??

    Reply
  3. Hi Kumar,

    Finally!
    (RD May 23rd NBS) H1B & H4 approved – Oct 4th
    But H4 EAD(RD Mar 15th Vermont) petition submitted with old H4 status(expired on Sep 1st) is still in process. Tried calling USCIS & raised SR multiple times but there is no change in status (either denied or RFE). Could you please suggest us what can be done?

    Reply
  4. Hi Kumar,

    As H4 EAD Revocation process is at Stage4 , till what stage we can apply for H4 EAD? my H4 extension is in process might get approved in October.

    Thank you.

    Reply
  5. Hi Kumar,

    – I have applied for H4 EAD ( Vermont Service Center) in the month of March 2019 with H1B (I 140 approved) & H4 visa status valid till SEP 2019. (expected might be approved in 90 days) but status of my case is still same as “Case was received”.
    – In the month of May 2019 we have applied for H1B & H4 extension (normal process) ( Nerbaska Service Center) received receipt numbers & done with H4 bio-metrics.

    As my visa status is going to be expired and H4 EAD case is still in process, can I tag the latest H4 extension receipt number to my H4 EAD case? If yes, please let us know the process.

    Thanks in Advance!

    Reply
    • You can write a letter to USCIS, indicating the new H4 receipt number, by submitting a copy. It can be a simple a plain letter indicating the same. Mail it to the same place, where your H4 EAD is processed. You can also discuss with your attorney and seek their advice on the best way to mail it.

      Reply
        • Just write a simple email, no templates as said. It should fine. Talk to your spouse and write a letter, there is no format required as such.

          Reply
          • Hi Kumar,

            As you suggested, I have discussed with an attorney and he has advised as “Unfortunately, there isn’t any procedure to interfile with the case that was already filed.
            The most optimal way is the concurrent filing of H4/EAD.”
            So, Will it be good apply EAD again with H1 & H4 extension receipt only? Or have to attach any other documents?

            Thanks

          • Well, your attorney know the best. You can for sure. It does not hurt as you have a new H4 extension receipt notice. The trick is in the timing. You will need to update them on H4 approval as well because sometimes, they will not have that info handy…

  6. Hi Kumar,

    My company has applied for extension of H1b and H4 in regular processing for my spouse earlier this month. I recently received my I140 approval.

    As you mentioned if H1b, H4 extension are applied under premium processing and h4 EAD application is sent along chances are h4 EAD is processed in premium as a courtesy (biometrics might delay it) . Since my h1b extension petition is already with USCIS, can I upgrade to premium and send the h4 EAD application with it? Is it still a possibility that h4 EAD will be processed in a quicker time-period.

    Thanks

    Reply
  7. Hi Kumar and exp members, Can you please guide me on how can I stop my H4 EAD application because my H1 is successfully transferred to a new employer. Also I put a cashier check in application envelope, are there any chances that I get my cashier check back?
    Any help is greatly appreciated.

    Reply
    • Well, it may not be possible, once you have sent it. You can write a withdraw letter to USCIS to withdraw the application, but I am not sure, if they would refund you…You can try calling USCIS.

      Reply
  8. As a native born American, I have many Indian friends that are on H-1B & H4 . And, unfortunately, have been awaiting for 12+ years for their Permanent Residency status. In all honesty, I’m ashamed of the shameful & unjust treatment of America’s USCIS upon so many Intelligent, Hardworking & Honest Indian Professionals.
    In response to your questions, I Hope & Pray every day now that our current “leader” called Trump will be impeached ASAP so that THEN, many, if not all, of his unjust laws & executive actions against Legal Immigrants will be reversed &/or stopped from being implemented &/or enforced, so that your concerns will be eliminated or at least be processed “Justly & Expediently” in the manner that you & others like you so deserve.
    I Wish the Best for Each & Every One of You on your admire-able & difficult journey for a Better Future here in America.

    Reply
  9. Hi Kumar/ Sourabh,

    My wife is on H4 -EAD expiring March 2nd week of 2020, so we should be able to apply for renewal in Sep of 2019.
    What are the chances the rule will be revoked by September ?
    Please provide your thoughts.

    Thank you.

    Reply
    • The rule still has a long way to go. Even, if it is on its way out, it very likely will not be revoked by September…

      Reply
        • Well, not much will change other than the graphs, we will do it soon. These are pure estimates and speculative predictions…Please do NOT make any decisions based on the speculations and predictions.

          Reply
  10. Hi,

    My fiancée is holding a H1 visa, We are planning to get married soon. She is in US now, but I am in Australia now. I am very confused now with following questions:
    1. after we get married, I still can apply H4 ead, right ? And will this process became very slow ?
    2. Since H4 ead is on its way to cancel, Will the employer start to refuse to hire candidates with H4 ead visa ? Because these days, I have saw some ad has these words “Note:: We are not working with OPT EAD/L2 EAD/H4 EAD”
    3. Let’s say if I can get H4 ead on Aug 2019. Then the H4 eas cancel on Nov 2019, then I cannot work in US immediately ?

    thanks very much, I am so anxiety these days.

    Reply
    • 1. Not everyone are eligible for H4 EAD. Read above article background to understand, if you qualify based on your finance’s H1B.
      2. No, they cannot. H4 EAD is not cancelled yet, it is just going through litigation and rule-making process, not done yet. Employers cannot discriminate in hiring based on that and will not do that.
      3. This is something that USCIS will inform, if H4 EAD removal rule becomes effective. Too early to speculate.
      Don’t worry too much on this, if you can get H4 EAD based on your fiancee’s H1B, then go for it and you will be able to work.

      Reply
  11. Hi Kumar,

    My H1 is extended to 2022 while my wife’s h4 is valid till Aug 2019. If my wife renew her h4 outside US and enter US, can my new company file my h1 transfer and her h4 EAD together in premium processing? Would the EAD be approved within the pp time window? According to USCIS, I-765 can be filed concurrently fired with an I-539, or an ‘I-129/I-539’. Does it mean I can only file the H4 EAD extension alone or along with both H1 + H4 extension?

    Reply
  12. I had H4 EAD which expired this March 2019.I couldn’t get a job while I was on H4EAD. I would like to renew my H4EAD.Will they renew it if I apply for a renewal or do I have to apply for a fresh H4EAD?My H4 visa is valid till next year August.

    Reply
  13. Hi Kumar,

    I have an H4 EAD is valid till Feb 2020. My spouse is in the process of transferring his H1 to a new employer. say if that got approved with start date from May 2019, can I file for my H4EAD renewal based on new H4 or do I need to file it 6 months before its expiration? doesn’t a new H1/H4 establish new facts on H4EAD eligibility? I appreciate your reply.

    Reply
  14. Hi,
    H1-B – stamped in passport till Dec 2019 [worked on H1 for 8 years with i140 approved].
    Employment termination date – 30 April 2019
    H4 stamping Mumbai consulate appointment – 16 April
    Entering in US – 1st May

    Will my H1B cancelled on the date I will get H4 stamp [16 April]?
    or when I enter US on H4 visa [1 May]?

    Thank you so much!

    Reply
  15. Hello Friends,

    I had my I-140 approval from employer-A and resigned after 1-year of my I-140 approval and joined employer-B. I guess Employer-A withdrawn my previous i-140 due to my resignation (no longer employed by employed-A), I get error when i search my receipt number in USCIS site. Employer-B is now filing my Green card process and it is in-progress. Do i still use my previous employer-A sponsored I-140 to apply for H4 EAD?

    Reply
    • If your H1B extension was based on I-140 approval, then you can apply for H4 EAD, it does not have to be from current employer.

      Reply
      • Hello Kumar! As I’ve been reading some of the questions presented to you from Immigrants of so many different categories of immigration statuses, I’m struck with the realization that the USCIS has such a COMPLICATED & CONFUSING & DOWN RIGHT RIDICULOUS PROCESSING MESS. SO COMPLICATED, THAT I WONDER HOW IN THE WORLD THE USCIS “EXPERTS” EXPECT IMMIGRANTS FROM A FOREIGN LAND THAT DON’T HAVE A LIFETIME OF SPEAKING & READING ENGLISH, CAN POSSIBLY UNDERSTAND THE USCIS’S COMPLEX & CONFUSING MESS OF RULES ??!!
        As an American, I’ve spoken nothing BUT English for my 68 years of living in America. I’ve got a Degree in Mechanical Eng. & practiced it for 43 years. But even so, as I read & TRY TO UNDERSTAND the many questions & answers & replies in this forum, that are inundated with acronyms & long drawn out procedures & processing & sub-processing, etc, I find my head is spinning after just a few minutes of reading them ! My heart & my sympathies go out to each & every Immigrant that’s trying to navigate through these USCIS “icebergs” that would sink the hopes of most Immigrants !!
        So many, TOO many, ‘Born as American’ Citizens seem to have forgotten that the whole Foundation Of America is built upon the legacy of THEIR very own Immigrant Ancestors that came to America long ago to seek out the many SAME OPPORTUNITIES that Immigrants coming to America today are also seeking. It’s a known fact that America is a “Land Of Immigrants”.
        I Wish the Best for Each & Every One of You. I’m quite impressed by your (Kumar) diligence & compassionate efforts to keep up with the ever changing & always complex requirements of the USCIS, in order to assist the many, many people who look to you for Help on a daily basis. “God Bless You, Kumar”.

        PS: I offer my Apologies to All Immigrants for the disparaging words & biased treatment that the current Trump Administration has unjustly heaped upon All Immigrants coming to America.

        Reply
  16. Hello,
    I am currently on l1b expiring on october 2019. My employer is suggesting me to move on H1B with COS. Do you think this is a good time to do that. Assuming that my employer files COS+H4+EAD in a month(in premium) and given changes for h4 for biometircs. Do you think i will be able to get h4 and ead together?

    Reply
  17. My employer is planning to apply my h1b for 2019 but my employer’s attorney said that h4 EAD will be revoked as soon as H1 is picked up and they have a receipt number. I was under that assumption tha I can work until October 1st on h4ead and then cos to h1b. Now it adds to my confusion since if the attorney is right I’ll have to quit work until October 1st. I found contradicting information from other attorneys online.

    If anybody knows for sure or if there is somebody who worked until Oct 1st on h4ead and then shifted to h1b without quitting work please reply back.

    Regards,
    S

    Reply
    • Hi there – you can continue to work on H4-EAD for as long as you like, an approved H1B petition doesn’t automatically revoke your H4-EAD. I am in the same situation. Applied for H1-B with consular processing (so that status doesn’t change automatically on Oct 1st), have an approved H1-B petition, but only planning to ‘activate’ it once my H4-EAD expires or is canceled. When that happens, I plan to leave the country, get H1B stamped based on approved petition and re-enter country on H1B.

      Hope that helps

      Reply
  18. Hello

    I am currently on H4 EAD valid until sep 2020. I used to be on H-1B and H-1B extensions after getting an approved I-140 when I filed for GC. That GC application is still open. Now my question is, with the way things are progressing for H4 EAD, is it advised for me to switch back to H-1B? if so, will I fall under quota or will it just be a h-1b transfer ? What is the earliest date by which I need to make that decision to switch?

    Reply
    • If you have an approved 140 from your current or ex-employer the current employer can file a H1 COS. Now that premium processing has opened, you can wait and watch how things go with EAD decision. Just my opinion

      Reply
  19. H4 EAD to H1B Possibility:
    I had used my L1B (5 year) +H1B (1 year) 6 years maxout with company A. They filed my PERM but resgined since I wasn’t able to move outside the country due to new born. I did my MBA during a 3 year break from the top college in USA and returned to work stream with H4 EAD 2 years back. I have H4 EAD until 2022.

    My question: If my current company B sponsors GC, can I move back to H1B after I140 approval? Or Do i need to step out of the country for 1 year to get back into H1B ?

    Reply
  20. Sign the petition to save H4 EAD –
    petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/h4-ead-please-do-not-revoke-h4-ead-policy

    Currently, this petition needs 60,311 signatures by March 24, 2019 to get a response from the White House.

    Also check your email to confirm your signature on this petition – its a 2 step petition process!

    Reply
    • Revoking H4 EAD is a good thing, i personally have seen people misusing it. Husbands influencing the employers to employ the H4 EAD.

      Reply
      • Because you have seen a few individuals misuse the H4, you actually believe it’s fair & just to punish EVERY H4 ? The old adage “It takes only (1) bad apple to spoil the rest of the bushel” doesn’t necessarily apply to HARD WORKING & HIGHLY EDUCATED PEOPLE. That type of thinking would apply to a bigot who meets (1) “bad Indian”, so ALL INDIANS MUST BE BAD. For your sake, I Hope you’re never treated by people with that type of thinking.

        Reply
      • I have seen people from a specific state in India misusing and defrauding all kinds of visas: F1, H1b, day 1 CPT etc. Let’s revoke everybody’s visa from that state and these problems will go away.

        Don’t hate me on this because I’m using your same logic.

        Reply
        • You state, ‘people from a specific state in India‘. But even that statement still deserves the same reply I already mentioned earlier. And I don’t “hate you” for your comment. I just don’t believe it’s “Fair &/or Just” to punish EVERYONE for the misuse of a FEW. If you feel that strongly about the misuse you’ve seen to want everyone to be punished, then INSTEAD, it would be much more “Fair &/or Just” if you were to notify the proper authorities of THE MISUSERS. Then the People that are following the rules would be treated as they should…..Fairly & Justly. I know a few Indian H-1B & H4’s, and they make EVERY EFFORT to abide by the rules. I would certainly be ashamed of my own American Gov. to punish them anyways. If you were (1) of the many H-4’s that are following the rules, I would also want YOU to also be treated Fair & Just. Please don’t think I’m trying to treat you unfairly. That’s not my intention. It’s been an “anti-immigrant” atmosphere in America since Trump came into office. America is a “Land of Immigrants”. Including ME. My Ancestors came from Germany many decades ago. And ALSO including TRUMP. And, VERY RECENTLY, Trump’s Wife & both of her Parents. Trump had NO PROBLEM WITH THEIR “FAMILY OF IMMIGRANTS” receiving American Citizenship ONLY BECAUSE of their Daughter. His bias towards others DOING THE SAME is shameful & disgusting coming from an American President.

          Reply
  21. Hi Kumar,

    My H4 EAD is expiring in 2021. My current company is applying for my H1B this year. Should I apply as a change of status (initiate H1B in October if I get picked up in the lottery) or apply as fresh H1B, continue in H4EAD and travel out of the country when I want to activate H1B? Which is least risky according to you?

    Thanks so much,
    Anu

    Reply
    • Anu,
      In general, being on H4 gives you more options to work..As of now, nothing is final on the H4 rule and how they will handle existing EAD holders. You can do your H1B COS anytime you want, if you know your H4 EAD is going to be removed by exiting the country or filing a COS. If I were you, I would file it as consular processing just to have options to work…

      Reply
  22. Hi Kumar,

    Appreciate all your efforts on answering our Questions!
    I got my I-140 Approved just few days back and Have an H1 Extension in another 2 months. Can i apply My wife’s first H4 EAD Application(not an extension) along with my H1 extension? I am planning to apply my H1 extension in premium, can i apply h4 ead in premium along with my Extension?

    Reply
    • Technically, there is no premium processing for H4 EAD. You can file for H1B, H4 and H4 EAD together, USCIS generally approves all of them together in premium processing as a courtesy…But, they are not obligated to do so…

      Reply
  23. For all those Indians who support Trump or try to justify his actions take this as a learning. Trump hates you his entire family hates you and he wants to throw you out of the country. Just DO NOT support this inhumane person every again.

    Reply
  24. This is very biased. When L2 visa will get L2 EAD for spouses why cant H1B visa get the same. Is L2 EAD folks not taking jobs?

    Also if jobs data show there are more jobs why H4 EAD became economically significant.

    The main reason is backlog why are more applications accepted if there is a backlog of 150+ years. Country quota shouldn’t be at the final stage the, it should be a initial application stage instead. Please fix the rules first instead than taking hard working peoples job who are legal and paying taxes and following rules. At one stage president is stating he accepts more legal immigrants. But he is on other hand making life of legal immigrants hard. If other countries (Canada, Europe) have spouse EAD why is US removing it now?

    Reply
  25. Hi Kumar, I am on H4 EAD currently which expires 08/08/2020 and my company has filed for H1 COS on Dec25th receipt date. Will I have a break in my employment if my H1 does not come in time ? Or can I apply for faster processing from USCIS citing huge loss of income ? Can you please throw your 2 cents on if I should be fine considering that the H4EAD will take 10 months to revoke ? Thanks.

    Reply
    • No, that’s not a cause to expedite processing. You should be fine, don’t worry. They will open up premium processing for delayed petitions at some point, you would be covered and need be can expedite at that point.

      Reply
  26. Hi Kumar,

    DHS has yesterday sent the H4 EAD draft to OMB for review. Can a lawsuit be filed now during this review period by the defendants like immigration voice opposing the removal of H4-EAD ?

    Thanks
    Sharan

    Reply
    • Not really, until the rule is published and final, lawsuit cannot be filed. The simple reason is, on what basis can they file, while the process is still ongoing on the rule details are final.

      Reply
  27. Hello Kumar,

    I am currently working on H4-EAD (valid until 2020). However, I had filed for H1-B in consular processing and got picked in lottery last year and expires in 2020. I haven’t yet converted my visa status by traveling out of US. I am waiting for a proper judgement on H4-EAD before letting go of it. Is that a good idea or do you recommend me converting to H1-B ASAP?

    What happens if I don’t end up changing to H1-B and it expires? Can I still file for H1-B later and be cap-exempt or will I be subject to lottery again?

    Thanks,
    Anusha

    Reply
  28. Hi Kumar,

    I have a question. I have H1 approved but its approved until july 2019 and I am not sure if I will get an opportunity from my employer for onsite . My husband’s I-140 is approved. Can I apply H4 and immediately apply H4 EAD and join a company but in this case I dont know if I can use my H1 later with same or different employer?

    Reply
  29. Hey Kumar!

    Thanks for the detailed analysis. The effort is much appreciated.

    i am currently working full-time on F1 CPT and thinking about transferring it to H4 EAD. I know the maximum time is 6 months. My question is, till the time my transfer from F1-H4 happens, can I continue to work on my CPT?
    I understand once my status is changed to H4, I can’t. but till that Can i continue wroking on my current work permit status.

    Thank you

    Reply
    • When you apply for COS, you can put in start date after 6 months, which means you can continue to be on F1 status until your H4 is approved and can do what you are currently doing on F1. You can apply for H4 EAD and H4 status change concurrently as well.

      Reply
  30. Hi Kumar,

    I’m on H4 visa, my visa is valid till Sep 2020 but my I-94 is stamped till Sep 2019. Soon I’ll apply for H4 EAD, my EAD validity duration will be based on my H4 visa end date or I-94 validity date?

    Please let me know your thoughts on this.

    Reply
  31. Hi Kumar,
    Can you please provide your input here. My husband i140 is filed in premium. I have plans of travelling to india for 3.5 months after applying for h4 ead. Will my Ead be approved in this case. TIA

    Reply
  32. While this forum is for H4 EAD, I wish to bring to your attention the Maria Mendoza case.

    She is an illegal alien that was deported to Mexico last year and issued a 10 year immigration entry bar. Thanks to liberal politicians love affair with illegal aliens (“immigrants” as they call them), Senator Diane Feinstein was able to lobby Immigration to grant Maria Mendoza an H1B and approve her entry to the US via the I-212 , which is a waiver for those that have immigration entry bar.

    I believe in equal opportunity and equal enforcement and hope the above is helpful to those in similar circumstances that have a reentry bar. This must be the only country in the world that rewards criminal behavior (entering illegally is a crime)

    For details on the story see:
    https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/11/30/oakland-cancer-nurse-deported-to-mexico-has-a-chance-to-return-to-u-s/

    Reply
      • In all fairness to the LEGAL IMMIGRANTS in America who have abided by every LEGAL GUIDELINE set up by the USCIS, “Aspiring H1B” DOES have a legitimate point. Personally, I’m VERY HAPPY that your case was overturned & you were allowed to return to America. At the same time, then WHY are the LEGAL IMMIGRANTS being treated so shabbily with NO, OR VERY LITTLE RECOURSE to overturn the injustice that SO MANY HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF LEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARE NOW HAVING TO DEAL WITH ? As an American Citizen, I’ve unfortunately found that in America “The squeaky wheel gets the grease.” I assume you follow what that means in reference to the current immigration atmosphere in America. There’s been MAJOR MEDIA COVERAGE & A HUGE UPROAR about the plights of SO MANY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. And rightly so. But ALSO, & EVEN MORE “RIGHTLY SO”, WHAT ABOUT THE “EVEN MORE UNJUST PLIGHTS” OF SO MANY LEGAL IMMIGRANTS ? There must be equal & just legislation for ALL IMMIGRANTS IN AMERICA.
        It’s widely known that America’s IMMIGRATION SYSTEM IS “BROKEN”. It’s needs a total revamping before it can have any resemblance of a Fair & Just System for ALL IMMIGRANTS COMING TO AMERICA. And Hopefully the injustice that was finally rightly corrected in your particular plight, can ALSO BE CORRECTED FOR THE MANY LEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHOSE LIVES ARE NOW UNJUSTLY “IN LIMBO” & FRAUGHT WITH SUCH UNCERTAINTY THAT THEY DEFINITELY DO NOT DESERVE AFTER “FOLLOWING THE RULES”.

        Reply
  33. Hello Kumar,
    Please guide me. Currently am on H1b and my 140 got approved 2 weeks back.
    Based on the information I found there are two ways to apply H4 EAD for my wife.

    1. Apply now and wait for the response ( Now approximate processing time : 3 to 4 months – Correct me if am wrong.)
    2. As my H1B is going to expire august next year. If i apply for the H1B Extension 180 before expiry in feabruary along with EAD, both will get approved simultaneously.( in premium)

    As there are rules changing over H4 EAD, Please guide me which will be the best suitable path for me. Am so confused

    Reply
    • Well, it is a tricky decision. In my view, I would go with option 1 as there is no point in waiting for future as we do not know what can change in the mean time.

      Reply
        • Usually they are approved normally irrespective of how long H1B is valid, unless something is really wrong…It would be usually tied to your H1B expiry. You can always request for extension of the same, when you file your H1B as well. Work with your attorney, they can help you.

          Reply
  34. As a Recently American Retired Mechanical Engineer, My last (8) years @ (1) firm, I had the Privilege of working with H-1B & H4 Indian Engineers. I not only enjoyed working side by side with them, but I also felt Privileged to have that Opportunity. I have MUCH Respect & Admiration for them, & many other Indian H-1B’s & H4’s that they introduced to me. We as a Group, all became Friends. I learned so much about US Immigration Policies. Both the GOOD & the BAD Policies. I learned so much about the MANY SACRIFICES & the STILL ONGOING Stress & Pressures & unbelievable Costs, both Financial & Personal, that these Talented & Motivated & Hard Working Indians had to deal with ever since they FIRST ARRIVED in America.
    I want ALL H-1B’s & H4’s to know that MANY, MANY AMERICAN CITIZENS are VERY Supportive of All of You. And are speaking out & also Praying that the Prejudices & the Unjust & Unfair treatment that each of You have had to endure here in America, & continue to endure, ARE NOT the Feelings or Beliefs of the Majority of American Citizens. We see & speak out against the many Prejudicial actions & unjust new Laws brought on by our own current Prejudicial & Unjust Trump Administration. We All stand with You in your continuing strides to Make a Better Life for Yourselves & Your Family. We have, & continue to write & voice our Support to our Congressmen & Congresswomen, of Your ongoing struggle to be treated in the Proper & Just & Fair way that America USED TO, & MUST START AGAIN DO IN WELCOMING CITIZENS & IMMIGRANTS WHO COME TO AMERICA TO NOT ONLY WORK HARD & WORK HONESTLY FOR A BETTER LIFESTYLE FOR THEMSELVES & THEIR FAMILIES, BUT ALSO TO CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS A BETTER AMERICA.
    God Bless Each of You. And God Bless America.

    Reply
    • To all H1B and H4EAD , please disregard Dear Dave the retired guy, most of us in the US are very happy with most of you going back to your home country. Like Dave, we wish you the best, but in your own country – we have an existing talent pool and upcoming generations to cater to. So farewell!

      Reply
      • Then accordingly, EO, You & All of Your Family (Including All Of Your Relatives) should ALSO go back to “Your Own Country” too. There is no doubt about the FACT that your “original Family Relatives” in America we’re ALSO IMMIGRANTS. America is, & has been for Hundreds of Years, a “Land Of Immigrants”. INCLUDING YOU, EO. I’m sorry to have to Break Your Prejudicial Heart, EO, but that’s just the way it is in America. And “That’s a Fact”.

        Reply
        • Dear Dave, what part of being born here don’t you seem to comprehend? I was born here, as were most of my relatives… As for the ones that migrated here, they did so in a manner that required a lot of sacrifice. You have no moral high ground to stand on, so get down from your high horse and back to your donkey, sir! Do you know what a country is? It’s a landmass with a given name and set of laws by those on the land. It’s called the USA here for a reason, with a constitution which was created by the founding fathers who established the laws of the land. If you don’t understand how that works then you may want to re-educate yourself with History lessons. The H1B scheme has been violating labor laws since day 1, so nice try on your false sentiment of harsh treatment towards a group on foreign individuals that have been cashing in on the scam and depriving the national citizens of this country from having a fair shake at employment in a job sector they helped create. Good day! 🙂

          Reply
          • EO: You say ‘…in a manner that required a lot of sacrifice.
            Then you HAVE NO IDEA of the every one of the H-1B’s & H4’s HAVE & ARE STILL EVERY DAY STILL MANY Financial & Personal SACRIFICES. And I would ALSO say, Many MORE SACRIFICES then what Your OR MY Immigrant Relatives ever did.
            Also Please Note: Many Of the current H-1B’s & H4’s HAVE CHILDRENS THAT WERE “BORN IN AMERICA”. But I suppose that with the Prejudicial comments you’ve already made, you’d think They should just “LEAVE THEIR CHILDREN HERE” when they follow your Suggestion of “Go Back to Your Own Country”. Believe it or not, EO, MANY OF THEM HAVE BEEN HERE FOR 10, 15, 20, 20+ YEARS , AND STILL WAITING.
            Don’t bother replying back EO. Your Prejudicial Heart is already “TOO HARDENED” to even care about ANYONE ELSE BUT YOURSELF, EO. So…Good Luck with THAT, EO.

          • Dear EO,

            I can tell by just reading your diatribe that you were neither born here nor finished your high school here.

            “what part of being born here don’t you seem to comprehend?” This sentence is so badly constructed, I can only imagine a non-native speaker of English writing it.

            Ditto with this sentence,

            “…so get down from your high horse…”

            It should read “get off your high horse”.

            You speak of being logical – well, one way the TOEFL/SAT/GMAT/GRE test your logical skills is through your verbal and written skills. Yours are abysmal, and I cannot imagine you scoring well on any of these tests. I believe you are one of those Desis who got in when the standards for immigration were not too tight, and now want the doors to close on other deserving immigrants.

            Please note though that the whole point of tightening the immigration process is NOT to discriminate against Indians per se, but to get only people with the brightest minds and best skill set into the country. America has always been very good at retaining what it needs and throwing out what it doesn’t. I can guarantee it that someone with such evidently poor skills as yourself falls in the latter category. Careful, don’t get caught up in your own wishful thinking – citizen or not, you too are expendable.

        • Dear Dave, the fact is that if you don’t put your countrymen first, then you should go to the country that you do put first. So I suggest maybe you perhaps move somewhere, like India?? You can keep attempting to sound like a person who cares about others by using caps and referring to “heart” and all that text magic that has no effect on a logical mind, but some of us prefer to use our brains. If my heart is hardened (a synonym for strong) then maybe your brain is too soft (a synonym for weak)? Feel free to message back 🙂

          Reply
          • Dear RED, your responses are simply a matter of preference in writing, a preference of who you feel should write what… I personally feel the “get down” statement is well suited. If you had only noticed that the following phrase included “high horse”. Thus, “get off” wouldn’t have the same desired effect/relationship between the two – (high, up, down, low, etc.)…

            You stated that “It should ‘read’ get off your high horse”. That is obviously a false statement, because it should be read as it is written. So perhaps you could have suggested that it be “written” differently, of which ultimately would have been read differently as a result? Perhaps instead of injecting yourself as an English teacher, you could provide a more intelligent response that would garner you something other than me correcting you?…

            Did you really throw out the “Desi” comment? What I am I supposed to do with that when considering I don’t care about categorizing the many different factions of H1B individuals?

            Please note though, that the whole point of changing the H1B process is to give the American Tech Workers their jobs back, so no longer will they be discriminated against by their guest workers…

          • Hahahahaha! EO – you just proved my point!

            Idioms, grammar, and punctuation are not a matter of preference. They are a matter of logical construct.

            You fail logic again with your false equivalency argument.
            “… don’t put your countrymen first, then you should go to the country that you do put first.”

            Too many undeserving people claim to be my countrymen but add nothing in terms of skills and intelligence to this country. I rather we get rid of them, so my country can be great again.

            Immigration reform isn’t only about getting American Tech Workers their jobs back, the President banned immigration from Muslim countries and is going to repeal DACA. This is about MAGA! Every undeserving immigrant who has not adapted to the ethos, culture and language of this country needs to leave.

  35. Hi ,

    Currently I am working on H4 EAD, It’s valid until 07/10/2019.My question is when can I apply the H4 ead along with my husband’s H1B extension, is it 180 or 150 days before.

    Thanks

    Reply
  36. Thank you for sharing such detailed timelines, this is very helpful.
    Based on current processing times if we file for H4 change of status and H4EAD, we should get them within 6 months which is before your prediction of H4EAD revoke date. My spouse if on F1 visa and I’d like to avoid all the complication involved in filing H1B now. Do you suggest filing for H4EAD now? If H4EAD is revoked, do you think if existing H4EAD will also be revoked ?

    Reply
    • yes, it is good to file H4 EAD now, if eligible. We do not know that yet, need to wait for the rule to published and how USCIS will handle it.

      Reply
  37. Hi Kumar – Could you please help me in my case

    I am a full-time employee and currently working on H4-EAD which is valid until (2021).
    I received my H-1B approval (with counselor processing) from my current employer this year, which also valid from 2018 to 2021.

    I recently got a full-time offer from another employer, but I am confused if I am eligible to file H-1B transfer now or first I have to go for stamping and then the only new employer will able to file H1-B transfer.

    Please let me know your thoughts on this.

    Reply
    • Shlok,
      You are eligible for H1B transfer as long as you have an approved petition. No need to go to stamping before you transfer. It is not really a transfer, in general they will file a new petition using your old approval notice as reference. You will need to submit documents regarding your status in US and make sure you are maintaining it.

      Reply
  38. Kumar, need your input please. I have been in H4EAD for the past 2-n-a-half years, with my wife being the H1B holder (eight years have passed in the GC queue!) My wife would have to renew her H1B in the next few weeks. Should I apply to renew/extend by H4EAD along-with? What are the chances that my H4EAD would be extended/renewed? Or should I beg my current employer to sponsor a H1B to be on the safe side? Also, I have used up 4 year and a few months of H1B. So even if my current employer sponsors me a H1B would it be for less than 2 years (the total 6 years rule) ? Thank you

    Reply
    • yes, you should apply for H4EAD along with it. It would be renewed as usual, because nothing has changed yet. It seems you are cap exempt, so you can make that decision to ask for H1B sponsorship from your employer, when you know for sure H4EAD will go way.

      Reply
  39. Thank you so much for all your efforts in helping distressed H4 EAD holders to understand the entire process.

    Every day I live with the fear – what if I lose my work status and my job and I’m back to not only sitting at home and running the house on 1 salary. Also, all these news channels and websites keep posting absolutely misleading news about H4 EAD work permits which I think is partly responsible for creating a bias against hiring H4 EAD holders.

    My story: While on H4 EAD, I was job hunting for about 6 months – it was tough with HRs actually asking a question or two about my work permit & if I need sponsorship etc. Not sure if anyone faced such a similar situation. Well, I received quite some rejections – even after a good, satisfying interview thus leaving me baffled about why I kept receiving rejections! I couldn’t help but think that this might be tied to my H4 EAD work permit.
    Well, I kept trying for 6 months with over hundreds of applications and few interviews and finally, I did manage to land a good job that I absolutely enjoy.
    Note to EAD applicants – do file for your new application if you don’t have one and EAD holders – keep applying to jobs, don’t let any news stop you until it’s officially a rule.

    I regularly visit your site as it is THE only site with sound and up-to-date information on the H4 EAD status. Thanks a lot once again for this entire timeline analysis! You guys are doing such a good thing here. Much love!

    Reply
  40. Thanks for the nice analysis!
    I haven’t filed for my wife’s H4EAD because I am waiting for the proposed rule to come out
    Don’t want her to lose her existing F1 by moving to H4EAD and then H4EAD getting cancelled as well even for existing holders
    Have been confused about what to do so this analysis helps!

    Reply

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