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H4 Biometrics + EAD Experiences with USCIS

As many of you know, USCIS changed the form I-539 for Extensions, added Biometrics, which delays overall processing of H4, even if it is filed with H1B in premium processing. This article has sections that cover latest news on H4 Biometrics, process with Biometrics for H4 and User experiences. Also, more importantly, check the comments, where users continue to add and share their latest experiences.

We have over 100 experiences with approximate timelines from users since the Biometrics Process started. Thanks to all our readers, who have added their experiences. Check Comments section for latest experiences in comments.

Latest USCIS News Update – H4 Biometrics

May 4th, 2021 : A Class Action Lawsuit was filed against DHS by Wasden Banias Law firm and AILA in March 2021. Today, there was an update by them saying that DHS may remove the biometrics requirements for H4 and L2 applications starting from May 17th, 2021. This is yet to be confirmed by USCIS as there is no official news. Check full details at H4, L2 Processing Delays Lawsuit by AILA – USCIS Biometrics Status

December 30, 2020 : USCIS issued a press release to their stakeholder indicating the delays with the Biometrics notices. They said that they ahve about 1.3 million pending Biometris appointments to be issued with USCIS as of mid December. They can only process about 10,400 per day for biomettrics. With that rate, it will take about 125 days, just to clear the backlog. So, be prepared for delays with getting Biometrics Appointment notices and H4 EAD, which has H4 and Biomettrics linked to it. You can check USCIS Official StakeHolder Message on Biometrics

Jul 20, 2020 : USCIS shared that they plan to open Application Support Centers (ASCs) in phases starting from second week of July. So far, only few users have reported that they have got the biometrics appointment. Many are still waiting. Check USCIS COVID-19 Office Opening Updates

Check Sample H4 Biometrics Rescheduled Notice, AIW form sent after COVID-19 related office closures and opening of offices.


Now that we have looked at latest news, let’s look at the general process and then experiences below. In general, biometrics is not required, if you are  applying for H4 EAD only and not using I-539 form for H4 Extension. 

H4 Extension with USCIS – Biometric Process, Documents

  • You file the H4 application with New I-539 Form that includes additional fee for Biometrics
    • Most of the cases, you file along with H1B. If H1B is filed in premium, you will get the H1B approved, and then H4 processing happens as it needs biometrics. USCIS guidance is that they will adjudicate it soon after biometrics are done.
  • You get H4 Application Receipt along with H1B and EAD receipts
  • You get the H4 Biometric Receipt physical copy in snail mail to visit Application Service Center (ASC) that has date and time
    • If you cannot make it on the given day, you can request for re-scheduling.
  • You visit ASC on the given day and time and give Biometrics.
  • Your H4 Biometrics may go through criminal history check of FBI
  • Decision on your H4 application with USCIS
  • Physical copy of H4 Decision Notice mailed to your address.

The process is as it stands today, we will update it based on general users’ experiences as we go along.

H4 Biometric Documents Required at the Application Support Center

  • The Biometric Appointment Notice sent to you by mail
  • Photo Identification Document issued by Government like below
    • Passport
    • Driver’s License,
    • National ID
    • Military ID
    • State Issued Photo ID.
    • If you fail to get Photo ID, you will not be fingerprinted / allowed to take biometrics.
  • It is recommended that you review that H4 I-539 application form that you submitted or sent to USCIS, so that you can confirm, if all the details are the same.
  • Any additional Biometric forms : USCIS does not have any special biometric forms and there is no need to fill out any separate forms related to Biometrics to visit the ASC.

H4 Biometrics Steps at Application Support Center

Giving Biometrics at ASC by H4 applicant is a very straight forward process. As mentioned above, you need required documents : Government issued Photo ID and Appointment letter. Below are the high level steps at ASC for biometrics

  • Step 1 : You are given a Token Number and will be asked to fill a basic form
  • Step 2 : You need to fill the form Applicant Information Worksheet (AIW), given to you, where you need to fill in information like Name, Date of Birth, Eye and Hair Color, Height and Weight, etc. Below is the sample shared by another user. Thanks to the user (anonymous for privacy) for sharing the form with the community.
  • Step 3 : Your token number is called and they will take your Photo and Fingerprints
  • Step 4 : They stamp your Biometrics Appointment Letter after the process is complete. The stamp indicates that your biometrics are taken proof that you visited the ASC. See below sample of the stamp given at ASC. Thanks to our user for sharing the stamped letter at ASC. At the end of article we have the full receipt notice with stamp as well for your reference on how it looks.
  • Step 5 : Wait for the decision from USCIS. Your Biometrics status is may or may not reflect on the USCIS status. Sometimes, you will continue to see the status “Case Was Received” , which is the status before  giving the biometrics.
    • Update : One of our readers shared that they have seen a status update on USCIS that says ‘Fingerprint Review was completed’. So, some of you may say this status
  • Step 6 : Decision from USCIS [ waiting for it. ]

Common FAQs on H4 Biometrics, EAD

Can you Travel outside of Country, with H4 Extension/ COS Pending with USCIS ?

Yes, you may travel out of US, but if you travel, your pending H4 Extension / COS with USCIS will be considered abandoned.  There are few scenarios with H4, H4 EAD and travel, read Travel out of US with H4 Extension, COS or H4 EAD Pending ? Options ?  

What will USCIS do with the Biometrics given by you ?

USCIS can use your biometrics/ fingerprints to check criminal history. You can get details of the same by checking your FBI identification record. You may request a copy of your own FBI identification record using procedures listed at Title 28 C.F.R., Section 16.32. You may also get it corrected or updated as outlined within the same Title 28 C.F.R., Section 16.34.

Can I reschedule my H4 Biometric Appointment with ASC ?

Yes, you can request to reschedule your appointment, if you cannot make it to ASC on the specified data and time. The process is simple, you make a copy of the Appointment letter for your records, check the box as listed in the ASC Appointment Letter and mail the Original letter to  address BPU, Alexandria ASC, Suite 100, 8850 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22309-1586.

Also, if you have open wound or bandage/casts, when you appear for appointment, USCIS may reschedule the appointment if they believe that they will interfere with taking the biometrics.

What if I am outside of the Country ? H4 Biometrics options outside of US ?

As per USCIS guidance, on their I-539 form instructions (page 12), you should call up the nearest US consulate/ embassy and arrange for the biometrics. It says “If you are currently overseas, instruct you to contact a US Embassy, US Consulate or USCIS Office outside of United States to setup an appointment “,  see below screenshot. USCIS H4 Biometrics - Travel and Outside of the country

What are not allowed at Application Support Center for Biometrics ?

You cannot carry Cell Phones, Cameras or any Recording Devices to the Application Support Center (ASC), when you go for giving biometrics.   Also, due to limited seating, they suggest that only person giving biometrics and who are necessary for transportation or helping with biometrics should be entering ASC.

Customer Support Number for H4 Biometrics ?

You can call the customer support at 1-800-375-5283, if you have any questions around your Biometric appointment Notice or any of the details around the same.

Can I work on H4 EAD, with pending H4 EAD ? 180 days automatic extension ?

No, you cannot work with pending H4 EAD receipt notice as the category of H4 EAD, which is C26 is not eligible for automatic 180 days automatic extension. For all details, official references, read Can you continue to work with Pending H4 EAD Receipt Notice ?

Sample H4 Biometric Appointment Letter (I-797C) for H4, H4 EAD Filing Together

See below screenshot of the sample H4 Biometrics Letter. It has the below details on the same

  • H4 Petition Tracking Number
  • Name and address of the applicant
  • Application Support Center (ASC) Address
  • Date and Time of Appointment at ASC

Sample H4 Biometric Appointment Letter (I-797C) at ASC – Stamped after giving Biometrics

H4 Biometrics USCIS Status – “Fingerprint Review Was Completed”

One of our readers, Navisha, shared that their status was updated on USCIS website after giving biometrics and it says “Fingerprint Review Was Completed ” and looks like below. Some of you may or may not see this, so nothing to worry.  Thanks to Navisha for sharing the below.

H4, H4 EAD Average Processing times with Biometrics

Using the below experiences, we have put up Stats like Average processing time by Service center, so that you get an idea. Below is one example of such average processing time. Check out H4, EAD Average Processing times with Biometrics

Approved H4 Petitions Experiences with Litigation 

Below experience are only for cases, that did not use litigation. If you are looking for ones with H4 Litigation or Lawsuit, read H4 EAD Delays Lawsuit – User Experiences 

How to file USCIS Expedite Request for H4 EAD ?

You can raise an Expedite request with USCIS, if you are eligible for the criteria. Check out the article How to raise USCIS Expedite Request and H4 EAD Expedite Request – 3 Experiences, Letters


Latest H4 Biometrics + EAD Experiences [2021]

Below are the latest H4 Biometrics and EAD related applications experiences that were filed in 2020 with decisions in 2021. Check comments for latest updates.

First time H4+EAD California with Biometrics (Apr 2021)

Shared by anonymous user. Thanks to the user.

  • Oct 26, 2020 – Applications for COS from F-1 to H4 and EAD are delivered to processing center.
  • Nov 16, 2020 – Received receipts with assigned case numbers.
  • Feb 2, 2021 – Received letter with biometric appointment detail.
  • Feb 23, 2021 – Biometric was given.
  • Feb 25, 2021 – H4 Status was updated mentioning biometric is attached with case.
  • April 20, 2021 – New card was being produced.
  • April 21, 2021 – H4 case was approved.
  • April 21, 2021 – EAD case was approved.
  • April 23, 2021 – My card was mailed to me.
  • April 24, 2021 – Received my H4 case approval notice in mail.
  • April 26, 2021 – Received my EAD case approval notice in mail.
  • April 26, 2021 – my EAD card was picked up by USPS and tracking number was shared.
  • April 28, 2021 – my EAD card was delivered to me by USPS.

It took total 6 months – exact same minimum time mentioned on USCIS case processing time. The duration of case processing time keeps varying, so you need to check every month. Usually, case status is updated either early morning or late afternoon and that is what happened in my case. I did not do any request for expedite process for my application. I recommend you maintain patience. The case officers are well familiar with the situation. In my many years of experience in the USA, If you fill your application correctly then I can say that they do their best in terms of processing it.

H4 and H4 EAD Nebraska- Experience 5 ( Feb 2021)

  • H4visa +H4EAD filled 13may
  • Service Center : Nebraska
  • Called USCIS several times and finally placed request for call of tier2 officer. Tier 2 officer called me on 30 dec 2020 and scheduled my biometric appointment
  • Biometric given 29 jan 2021
  • H4EAD approved -19 feb 2021
  • H4 visa approved- 22nd Feb 2021

H4 EAD California, No Biometrics – Experience 4 (Jan 2021)

  • Service Center : California
  • EAD Submitted and Received in USCIS : August 6, 2020
  • RFE received : Dec 14 2020
  • RFE Respond received in USCIS : Dec 18 2020
  • Expedite Request raised : Jan 11 2021 but denied
  • EAD Approved : Jan 20 2021
  • EAD CARD Received : Jan 25 2021

H4+ EAD California with Biometrics – Experience 3 (Jan 2021)

  • H1B Transfer filed on 02/13/2020
  • H1B RFE issued on 02/24/2020
  • H1B RFE responded on 04/20/2020
  • H1B Transferred Approved on 04/30/2020
  • H4+EAD(Spouse+Kids) applied on 10/22/2020
  • Biometrics given on 11/15
  • H4+EAD Approved on 01/11/2021
  • EAD Card dispatched on 01/14/2021
  • Center: California
  • TBH, I had no expectation since CA dates are running behind 18-22 months. I did not reach out to any senator, neither tried to expedite. My experience with both of these has been futile in the previous attempt.
  • I also think the processing times dates given are extreme. Don’t lose hopes, you never know what happens next!

H4 Approval with Biometrics – Experience 2 (Jan 2021)

  • Receipt date : March 26 2020
  • H1B approval : May 12 ( regular processing)
  • Processing center : Texas Service Center.
  • Biometric date : Oct 8
  • Status update on fingerprints : Oct 9
  • Approval Decision : Jan 12th 2021.

Experience 1 – H4 Biometrics +EAD ( Jan 2021)

Thanks to Nitin.

This week my application for H4/EAD got approved. I think this was by far the fastest. My application for H1B was approved in January 2021.

  • Filed for H4 & EAD in October 2020
  • Service Center : CSC
  • Biometrics in December 2020
  • Biometrics given in Massachusetts State
  • Approved: Jan 7th, 2021.
  • No Expedite request filed
  • Did not reach out to senator or anyone. I know that recent applications have now been getting processed faster.

Complete list of Over 100 H4 Biometrics + EAD Experiences [2020]

Below are the complete list of H4 filing Experiences with Biometrics and EAD that are from Year 2020. Latest one is the bottom.


H4 + H4 EAD with Biometrics Experience – #1

  • Documents sent to USCIS Offices : March 26th, 2019
  • Documents Received by USCIS at Vermont : March 27th, 2019
  • All three (H1B, H4, H4 EAD ) receipts generated : March 28th, 2019
    • Processing time – 1 day from documents received by USCIS
    • H4 Biometric Notice was generated as well.
  • H1B Petition Approved : April 3rd, 2019
    • Processing time – 6 days from receipt generated date
  • H4 Biometric Letter Received : April 5th, 2019
    • Processing time – 8 days from receipt generated date
  • H4 Biometric Appointment : April 19th, 2019
    • Appointment date – 21 days from H4 receipt generated date
  • H4 Biometrics Given : April 11th, 2019
    • Walked in to a Application Support center, as they gave out of state location, ASC accepted it and gave biometrics.
  • Travel out of Country in Ship –  H4  I-94 updated : May 20, 2019
    • Traveled out of Country and re-entered with valid H4 visa ( previous H4 stamp valid till mid July )
    • CBP officer at port of entry gave I-94 with H4 on it until end of new H1B approved in April 2019.
    • Technically H4 status is extended until end of H1B expiry.
  • H4 EAD Decision  Online :  June 11th, 2019
    • Online Status of H4 EAD Changed to “New Card is being produced” ( see below screenshot )
  • H4 Visa Application I-539 form Approved : June 12th, 2019
    • The status of I-539 Extension shows “Case Was Approved” on USCIS website.  Yet to receive the notice. See below. We need to see what happens to I-94 number.
  • H4 Approval, EAD Approval :  June 17th, 2019 in Mail.
    • For H4, Online Status Says “Case Was received”, but under DHS account it says Approved.
  • H4 EAD Physical Card : June 19th, in Mail
    • Online Status says “Card Was Delivered “

H4 Approved Status Online

H4 EAD Status updated to Card Ordered

H4 Biometrics Process Experience #2 

Ram shared his experience  Timelines on H4 + H1B with Biometric Processing. Thanks to Ram !  


Service Center : Vermont

4/03 – USCIS received H1/H4 application in PP
04/08 – H1B Approved.
04/11 – Biometrics notice generated
04/18 – Received receipt numbers for H4
04/25 – Attended Biometrics.
05/16 – Received H4 Approval Notice along with H1 Copy.

  • H4 Approved after almost 20 Days after giving Biometrics or about 45 Days from filing H1B + H4 together in premium

H4 Status still shows as “Receipt Received” as of May 22nd. Since we had India plans, we have requested H1 Copy so that the my spouse can carry it for stamping. To my surprise, i received H1 & H4 approval copies from attorney.  Check out Sample H4 Approval Notice with Biometrics – shared by User 

H4 Biometrics – Premium Processing H1B  – Experience #3 

Thanks to our reader, anonymous for sharing their experience

  • Applied H4 and H4 EAD:  April 12, 2019
    • Applied in Premium Processing for H1B
    • Filing Center : Vermont 
  • H1B Approved : April 30th, 2019
  • H4 Biometric Letter : Arrived on May 12th, 2019
  • H4 Biometrics Completed :  May 22nd, 2019
  • H4 EAD Approved on USCIS website :  June 24, 2019
    • H4 EAD status says New Card is being Produced, see below screenshot
    • Still H4 Status says “Case Received”
    • As the card is issued, assuming that H4 is also approved, but the online system is not updated. So, may not be accurate online messages. 
    • Next steps to be updated.

H4 + H4 EAD Approval Case Experience #4

Thanks to Hima.

H1B+H4+H4 EAD applied extension on Premium Processing.

Vermont was the Service Center.

  • Application send on April 13th
  • H1B Approved on April 19th
  • H4 Biometrics appointment done on May 10th
  • H4 & EAD approved on June 19th and received the courtesy copy on June 24th.
    • H4 Online status has also changed to case approved.
  • Waiting for the originals and EAD card.

Took 66 days from application and 39 days from Biometrics for the H4 case and EAD to be approved. 

H4 Approval Case Experience #5

Thanks to Desi guy 

  • Filed in Vermont Service Center
  • H1B+H4 Extension Request in Premium Mode – April 29,2019
  • H1B+H4 Extension Receipt – May 1,2019
  • H4 Biometrics Appointment Letter Received – May 5,2019
  • H1B Approval Date – May 7,2019
  • H4 Biometrics Date – May 21,2019
  • I-797(H1B) Hard Copy Received – May 30,2019
  • H4 Approval Date – June 20,2019
  • I-797(H4) Hard Copy Received – June 24,2019

H4 Biometrics Experience #6

Thanks to other user, anonymous, who shared their experience with the community. Below is the process.

  • Documents Needed : Passport, Appointment notice.
  • Outcome: They will stamp acknowledgement of your attendance on same appointment notice
  • Details of Biometric Process: Smooth process . No hassles. We went before they opened at 8:00 am and we got token number 3. So it was pretty quick .
  • One minor issue:  Wife did not have Alien number as she is not eligible for EAD yet. So they double checked her details and continued with process. Not any obstacle.

H4 Processing Timeline at CSC

  • Service Center : California Service Center 
  • H1B + H4 Filed in Premium : March 26th.
  • H4 Receipt Generated : March 27th
  • H1B Receipt Generated : March 28th
  • H1B Approved : April 4th
  • Biometric Notice Generated : April 5th
  • Biometric Notice Received : April 13th.
  • Biometrics Completed : April 26th
  • H4 Approval Notice Received :  June 24th
    • Only Courtesy Notice received so far, waiting for official notice. 
    • Processing time about 59 Days from Biometrics completion to get approval notice
    • Processing time of 90 days from filing the H4 petition. 
    • USCIS Online status still says ” Case Was Received” 

H4 Biometrics Process Experience # 7

Thanks to user Neo29J for sharing the experience in comments. 

  • Service Center : Vermont
  • H1B + H4 COS + H4 EAD Filed :  May 7th, 2019 – USCIS received H1,H4 COS and H4 EAD application in Premium Processing 
  • H1B Approved : May 15th, 2019
  • Attended Biometrics : May 29th, 2019 in Boston
  • H4 EAD case status Change :  June 30th – H4 EAD case status changed to “New card is being produced”. H4 COS status is not yet changed.
  • H4, EAD  Approval Courtesy Notices : July 5, 2019  – Received my H4 and EAD courtesy approval notices.
    • 59 Days for Approval from H4 Filing Date
    • 37 Days for Approval after H4 Biometrics 
    • Waiting on H4 EAD card

Vermont H4 experience Approved #8

Thanks to user H123123 for sharing the experience in comments. 

  • Filing Center : Vermont
  • H1 & H4 in Premium Processing  : 3/26 Submitted
  • H1B Approved : 4/5 
  • H4 Biometrics Letter  : 4/9 mail with Biometric for 4/26 appointment received
  • Biometrics done date : 4/26 Walking for biometric with a print out of I797C( appointment notice) Done
  • H4 Approval : 7/2
    • Approved in 98 days from actual filing
    • Approved in 67 days after Biometrics were done.
    • Approval notices arrived in mail
    • Online status changed to case approved.

Vermont H4 Biometrics experience Approved #9

Thanks to user RC for sharing the experience in comments. 

  • Processing Center: Vermont
  • H1 +H4+H4 EAD filed under Premium Processing  on:  5/3.
    • It was a transfer as well and old H1 was expiring on May 13, 2019.
  • H1 Approved: 5/13
  • H1 Approval Notice Arrival: 5/20
  • H4 Biometric Appointment was on : 5/22
  • H4 EAD Online status changed to “New Card is being produced” on 7/9
    • H4 online status is still the same “…can’t provide information….”.
  • We received H4 EAD card today 7/12 and collected H4 Approval notice from employer’s attorney office today as well.
    • H4 + H4 EAD Approved in 67 days from filing
    • H4 + H4 EAD Approved in 48 days from Biometrics
    • H4 online still says “USCIS can’t provide information….”. H4 EAD status is “Card has been delivered….”.

California H4 experience Approved #10

Thanks to user kym for sharing the experience in comments. 

  • Service Center – California
  • H4+H1B+H4 EAD Filing : 04/29/2019 – Filled H1, H4 and H4 EAD in premium processing.
  • H1B Approved : 05/09/2019 
  • Completed Biometrics appointment. : 05/22/2019 
  • Follow up with Senator to talk to USCIS : 07/09/2019 – Provided my case details to local senator office, they did follow up with USCIS on 07/09 and USCIS replied back to the senators office on 07/10 and mentioned that H4 and EAD will no longer be processed under premium.
  • H4 EAD Card Produced :
    • 07/10/2019 – Case status for EAD shows “New card is being produced”.
    • H4 case status still shows “fingerprint review completed”.
    • Waiting for H4 EAD Card, H4 Approval Notice. 
    • Very likely H4 Approved as H4 EAD card status is changed to New Card is being Produced. 

Vermont H4 experience Approved #11

Thanks to user ‘Finally’ for sharing the experience in comments. 

  • Processing Center: Vermont
  • H1 +H4+H4 EAD filed under PP on April 11th.(4/11)
  • H1 Approved: 4/18
  • H1 Approval Notice Arrival: 4/20
  • H4 Biometric Appointment was on : 4/29
  • 7/15 : received H4 EAd and h4 approval notices along with the new h4ead card.
    • H4 and H4 EAD Approved after 95 Days from Filing 
    • H4 approved after 77 days after Biometrics 
    • H4 online status is still the same “case was received”
    • H4 EAD online status says “card was delivered ”

Vermont H4 experience Approved #12

Thanks to user ‘HJ’ for sharing the experience in comments. 

  • Service Center : Vermont
  • 4/18 – USCIS received H1, H4 and H4 EAD extension application in PP (Vermont).
  • 04/25 – Received biometric notice for H4 extension.
  • 04/29 – H1B Approved.
  • 05/06 – Attended Biometrics.
  • 07/06 – Received mail that H4 is approved.
  • 07/11 – Received H4 extension.
    • Attorney received the approval notice and forward the physical mail to us.
    • Processing time 84 days for H4 Approval from filing date
    • Processing time 66 days from Biometrics Date for H4 Approval 
    • Waiting for H4-EAD.
    • Status of H4 and H4-EAD still shows as “Case Received” on USCIS website.

CSC H4 experience Approved #13

Thanks to user ‘Anonymous’ for sharing the experience in comments. 

  • 04/25/2019–> H1B+H4+H4EAD Applied in PP at CSC
  • 05/07/2019–> H1B Approved.
  • 05/23/2019–> Biometric Completed.
  • 07/15/2019–> Received H4-EAD approval notice by USPS.
    • H4 Approved in 81 days from H4 Filing
    • H4 Approved in 53 days after H4 biometrics 
    • H4 Status on USCIS website still shows as Case Received.
    • H4-EAD status showing as “Card Was Mailed To Me”
  • 7/172019 : H4 EAD Card Arrived in Mail. 

Nebraska H4 experience Approved #14

Thanks to user ‘SK’ for sharing the experience in comments. 

  • 04/26/2019–> H1B+H4+H4EAD Applied in PP at Nebraska
  • 05/03/2019–> RFE Received for H1B.
  • 05/10/2019–> Biometrics Completed.
  • 05/22/2019–> Response to RFE was submitted
  • 05/28/2019–> H1B Approved
  • 07/17/2019–> H4 status shows as Name was Updated and H4 EAD status shows as New Card is being produced.
    • Assuming H4 is Approved as H4 EAD says card produced.
    • H4 Approved after 82 Days from H4 Submission
    • H4 Approved after 68 Days from H4 Biometrics 
    • Waiting for Physical Copies. 

California H4 experience Approved #15

Thanks to user ‘An H4’ for sharing the experience in comments. 

  • Service Center : CSC – California 
  • May 10th 2019 — h1b,h4,h4ead applied in PP
  • May 17th 2019– h1b approved
  • June 7th 2019 — h4 biometric Completed
  • July 25 2019 — h4, h4 ead got approved
    • H4 Approved in 76 Days from H4 Filing 
    • H4 Approved in 48 Days from Biometrics Completion

California H4 experience Approved #16

Thanks to user ‘Anonymous’ for sharing the experience in our WhatsApp group.

Applied H1, H4 & H4 EAD in Premium processing.

  • Center: California
  • Receipt Date: April 8
  • H1B Approved: April 15
  • H4 Biometric: April 30
  • H4 & EAD approved : July 16
    • H4 Approved after 99 Days from H4 Receipt Date 
    • H4 Approved after 77 Days from H4 Biometrics Completion 
  • EAD Card Received: July 25

Nebraska H4 experience Approved #17

  • Service Center : Nebraska Service Center
    • H1+H4+H4EAD concurrent filing (Premium processing)
  • Submitted all three applications: 3rd June 2019
  • Received RFE for H1: 12th June 2019
  • Biometrics for H4 was done on June 27th 2019
  • Submitted H1 RFE response: July 16th 2019
  • H1B Approved: July 23 2019
  • H4 EAD case status changed to Card being produced July 23 2019
  • H4 EAD case status changed to Card was mailed on July 25 2019
    • H4 EAD / H4 Approved after 50 Days from H4 Receipt Date 
    • H4 Approved after 26 Days from H4 Biometrics Completion 
    • Waiting for physical copies. 

Nebraska H4 experience Approved #18

Thanks to user ‘H4 EAD worker Nebraska center’ for sharing the experience 

  • Service Center : Nebraska 
  • H1B + H4 Filed in Premium : March 28th 2019
  • H4 & H4 EAD Receipt Generated : April 1st 2019
  • H1B Receipt Generated : April 1st 2019
  • H1B Approved : April 5th 2019
  • Biometric Notice Generated : April 5th 2019
  • Biometric Notice Received : April 10-12th 2019
  • Biometric Appointment: April 24th 2019
  • H4 & H4 EADApproval Notice Received : July 30th ,2019
    • H4 Approved after 124 Days from initial application  date
    • H4 Approved after 97 Days from Biometrics Completion
    • Still online status says “Card generated” after getting approval for H4 EAD and for h4 it says name updated
    • I have not done any litigation or expedite .

California H1B to H4 COS experience Approved #19

Thanks to user ‘SV’ for sharing the experience in comments. 

  • H1B to H4 COS – CSC
  • Receipt Dates for H4 and H4 EAD are May 31st and  May 28 .
    • During this time H1B was in RFE phase.
  • Biometrics completed on June 19th.
  • H1b approved on July 15th.
  • Status of EAD was changed to ‘card production’ July 24th
  • H4 is approved today July 25th.
    • H4 Approved after 55 days from Filing
    • H4 EAD approved in 54 Days from Filing 
    • H4 Approved in 36 days from Biometrics 
  • H4 approval notices in mail on July 29
  • H4 EAD card received on August 1st.

Nebraska  H4 experience Approved #20

Thanks to user ‘Anish’ for sharing the experience in comments. 

  • Service Center : Nebraska
  • H1B + H4 Filed in Premium : March 28th 2019
  • H1B Approved : April 5th 2019
  • H4 EAD Filed : April 10th 2019
  • Biometric Appointment: April 16th 2019
  • H4 Approval : August 1st ,2019
    • H4 Approved in 126 Days from filing
    • H4 Approved in 107 Days from Biometrics  
  • H4 EAD – Still Pending

California  H4 experience, H1B RFE Approved #21

Thanks to user ‘Nick S’ for sharing the experience in comments. 

  • April 8,2019: H1+H4+H4 EAD applied in PP, California SC
  • April 11: Received H1 RFE
  • Initial bio metric appointment was on May 3rd, rescheduled to June 4th and completed bio metric on June 4th.
  • July 3rd: Responded to RFE
  • July 12: H1 Approved
  • July 30: EAD status changed to “New Card is being produced”, H4 status changed to “Case is Approved”
    • H4 Approved after 113 days from Filing H4 
    • H4 Approved after 56 days from Biometrics Completion  
  •  July 31: EAD status changed to “Card has been mailed”
  • August 2: Received EAD and H4 approval notices and EAD card in mail.

California  H4 experience Approved #22

Thanks to user ‘Anandi’ for sharing the experience in comments. 

  • H1/H4 filled under Premium Processing – May 16th in CSC
  • H1 approved – May 22nd
  • H4 biometric done – June 7th
  • H4 approved – July 30th
    • H4 Approved after 75 days from Filing H4 
    • H4 Approved after 53 days from Biometrics Completion
  • H4 paper received -Aug 1st
    • Waiting for Child H4 approval 

California  H4 experience Approved #23

Thanks to user ‘Anonymous’ for sharing the experience in comments. 

  • 17th May — H1/H4/ H4-EAD applied in premium at CSC
  • 23rd May — H1B approval
  • 5th June — H4 biometrics completed(This status was never updated on the website)
  • 30th July — H4 EAD card produced
  • 31st July — H4 EAD approved
  • 31st July — H4 approved
    • H4 Approved after 75 Days from Filing 
    • H4 Approved after 56 days from Biometrics Completed Date 
  • 1st Aug — H4 EAD card dispatched
  • 2nd Aug — H4 EAD tracking # updated
  • 3rd Aug — H4 EAD card received
    • These are the only status changes seen on the application.
    • We have not received H4/H4 EAD approval notices yet.

California  H4 experience Approved #24

Thanks to user ‘Anonymous’ for sharing the experience in comments. 

  • Service Center: California.
  • Receipt Num: WAC19188XXXXX
  • 05/02 – USCIS received H1/H4 application in PP
  • 05/09 – H1B Approved.
  • 05/12 – Biometrics notice generated
  • 05/12 – Received receipt numbers for H4
  • 05/21 – Attended Biometrics.
  • 07/29 – Raised Expedite Request citing financial loss by calling customer care.
  • 07/30 – Received mail saying “Your case is currently being adjudicated.
    • You should receive a notice of action in 45 days”. Did not ask for any proof
  • 08/01 – Status changed to “Card is being produced”.
  • 08/02 – Status changed to “Approved” for both H4 and H4 EAD.
    • H4 Approved after 92 Days from Filing 
    • H4 Approved after 73 days from Biometrics Completed Date

Nebraska  H4 + EAD experience Approved #25

Thanks to user ‘Anonymous’ for sharing the experience in our WhatsApp Group. 

  • Nebraska Service Center.
  • Filed H1b extension with premium processing along with H4 extension & H4 EAD all together during end of March.
  • H1B Approved : 1 week after applying. ( April 1st week )
  •  H4 extension biometric : April 25th.
    • Till yesterday no status changed from initial status, so wasn’t sure what’s happening.
    • No status strange on USCIS website till last week.
  • H4, EAD Approved : Aug-8-2019.
    • Got my wife’s H4 Extension approved as well as EAD card delivered today by USPS.
    • Checked status today and delighted to see both H4 extension status approved as well as EAD delivered to mailbox.
    • H4 Approved in 136 Days from Filing
    • H4 Approved in 105 days from Biometrics Completion

California  H4 COS + EAD experience, Separately filed – Approved #26

Thanks to user ‘Pratik’ for sharing the experience in our WhatsApp Group. 

  • 8th May – COS and H4 EAD application Filed Together
    • Not filed with H1B 
    • California Service Centre
  • 30th May – Biometric Completed
  • I539 – COS – Approved 24th July
    • H4 Approved after 78 Days from H4 Filing 
    • H4 Approved after 56 Days from Biometrics Completion
  • I-765 – H4 EAD : Card Production Ordered- 31st July
    • H4 EAD approved after 84 days from filing. 
  • Mailed New Card – 5th August
  • USPS Picked up the Card – 6th August
  • USPS Delivered the Card – 8th August.

Nebraska  H4 + EAD experience – Approved #27

Thanks to user ‘H4EAD-NSC’ for sharing the experience in comments. 

  • Service Center : NSC
  • H1/ H4-EAD filed in PP on Apr 2nd 2019.
  • H1B approved on Apr 9th 2019.
  • H4 biometrics on Apr 25th 2019.
  • H4 EAD expedite request based on significant financial loss placed on July 30th. No confirmation email received.
  • H4 EAD approved on Aug 8th 2019
  • Card ordered on Aug 8th 2019.
    • H4 EAD Approved in 128 days from filing
    • No change in H4 status. Assuming it is approved since H4 EAD approval is dependent on it.
      • H4 Approved in 128 days from filing 
      • H4 Approved in 105 days from Biometrics completion.
  • Received H4 EAD Physical Card on Aug 14th.  

Nebraska  H4 + EAD experience – Approved #28

Thanks to user ‘Ranjan’ for sharing the experience in comments. 

  • Service Center : NSC.
  • H1/H4/H4 EAD in PP : Received Date – 27th March
  • H1 approved – 4th April
  • Biometrics – 17th April
  • H4/EAD expired – 18th July
  • Expedite request accepted – 7th Aug
    •  Called USCIS to expedite under severe financial loss, they did not ask for any documents. Mentioned the loss of job.
  • H4/EAD approved – 8th Aug.
    • H4 / EAD Approved in 134 days from filing 
    • H4 / EAD Approved in 113 days from Biometrics completion.

Nebraska  H4 + EAD experience – Approved #29

Thanks to user ‘Vimal’ for sharing the experience in comments. 

  • Service Center : Nebraska Service Center.
  • April 11,2019: H1+H4+H4 EAD applied in PP
  • H1B approved – April 17, 2019
  • Initial bio metric appointment was on Apr 30, 2019
  • Aug 09: H4 and EAD status changed to “Case is Approved”
    • H4  + EAD Approved in 120 days from filing 
    • H4  + EAD Approved in 101 days from Biometrics completion.
    • Still waiting for physical copies
    • I have not done any litigation or expedite .

VSC  H4 + EAD experience – Approved #30

Thanks to user ‘Yugan’ for sharing the experience in comments. 

  • H1B Transfer(I-129), H4 Extension(I-539) + H4-EAD Extension(I-765) from VSC with Premium Processing.
  • April 19th, 2019 -> H1B, H4 Extension, H4-EAD Received Date
  • May 1st, 2019 -> H1B Transfer Approved
    • Took 12 days from Received Date for H1B Transfer to be Approved.
  • May 4th, 2019 -> H4 Biomterics Appointment Notice Received with an Appointment Date on May 13th, 2019
    • Took 15 days from Received Date to get the H4 Biomterics Appointment Notice.
    • Took 24 Days from Received Date for the H4 Biometrics Appointment
  • May 13th, 2019 -> H4 Biomterics Appointment Completed (The Petition status never reflected the completion of Biomterics Appointment after that)
  • August 6th, 2019 -> H4 EAD Case Status Changed to “Card/Document Production – Ordered New Card”
  • August 6th, 2019 -> H4 EAD Case Status Changed to “Post Decision Activity – Approved Form I765”
  • August 9th, 2019 -> H4 EAD Case Status Changed to “Card/Document Production – Mailed New Card”
  • August 10th, 2019 -> H4 EAD Case Status Changed to “Card/Document Production – Post Office Delivered Card”
  • August 12th, 2019 -> H4 Approval Notice Received but Online Status still shows as “Case Was Received”
    • H4 Approved in 115 Days from Original Filing 
    • H4 Approved in 91 days from Biometrics completion. 
    • Took 109 Days from Received Date for the H4 EAD to be Approved.
    • Took 85 Days from Biometrics Appointment for the H4 EAD to be Approved
    • I believe the online status of H4 petitions doesn’t get updated and most often do not reflect the up to date status.

NSC  H4 + EAD experience – Approved #31

Thanks to user ‘VJ’ for sharing the experience in comments. 

  • Service Center: NSC
  • H1+H4+H4 EAD Filed concurrently in premium processing
  • Received Date: April 11 2019
  • H1 Approval Date: April 16 2019
  • H4 Biometrics: April 29 2019
  • H4 EAD Card Produced: Aug 12 2019
    • H4 EAD Approved in 123 days from filing
    • Like all other cases H4 case status is not updated. Both approvals (H4 and H4 EAD) and card will come in mail.
      • H4 Approved in 123 days from filing 
      • H4 Approved in 105 days from Biometrics completion. 
    • Please note that: Email notification of EAD card production is received on Aug 12 2019 afternoon. Text message notification is received later during the night.
    • Please register your email ID too in USCIS website .
      All the best for upcoming approvals for all your cases

NSC  – H4 + EAD experience – Approved #32

Thanks to user ‘Hima Bindu’  for sharing the experience in comments. 

  • Service Center : NSC 
  • H1+H4+H4EAD in PP – receive date is April 15th NSC
  • H1 approved in a week – April 22nd
  • Biometrics Date H4 : May 6
  • H4 EAD – New Card produced Aug 12th
    •  H4 EAD Approved in 119 days from filing
    • Assuming H4 is approved as H4 EAD approved.
      • H4 Approved in 119 days from filing 
      • H4 Approved in 98 Days from Biometrics Date 
    • Tried everything Senate, Congressman and USCIS direct Expedite request. Got denied request at-least 4 times. Happy that it was approved yesterday as my current EAD ends Aug 28th. Didn’t file litigation, planned to file but I missed the dead line date many times and I was in a state of time line where if I file it or not wouldn’t affect my EAD extension on time so in my case not filing was a good option. Good Luck everyone. My receipt no. is LIN191495XXXX
  • H4 and EAD Approval Notices arrived on August 16th
    • Arrived in 4 Days in mail 
    • Received it for full 3 years term as with H1B. 

NSC  – H4 + EAD experience – Approved #33

Thanks to user ‘RB’  for sharing the experience in comments. 

  • Nebraska Service Center
  • H1+H4+H4EAD in PP – receive date is May 7th @ NSC
  • H1 approved – May 9th
  • Biometric Appointment for H4 – May 17th
  • H4 – Pending
  • H4 EAD – New Card produced Aug 13th
    • H4 EAD Approved in 98 days from filing
    • Assuming H4 is approved as H4 EAD approved.
      • H4 Approved in 98 days from filing 
      • H4 Approved in 88 Days from Biometrics Date 

NSC  – H4 + EAD experience – Approved #34

Thanks to user ‘Kavitha’  for sharing the experience in comments. 

  • March 25 ,2019: H1+H4+H4 EAD applied in PP – Nebraska
  • H1B approved – April 10, 2019
  • Initial bio metric appointment was on Apr 16, 2019
  • Aug 14: H4 EAD status changed to New card is ordered
    •  H4 EAD Approved in 142 days from filing
    • Assuming H4 is approved as H4 EAD approved.
      • H4 Approved in 142 days from filing 
      • H4 Approved in 120 Days from Biometrics Date 
    • H4 still pending
    • H4 EAD receipt number: LIN191325XXXX
    • Still waiting for physical copies
    • I have not done any litigation or expedite .

NSC  – H4 + EAD experience – Approved #35

Thanks to user ‘Anil’  for sharing the experience in comments. 

  • Our timelines at NSC
  • April 8: H1(PP)+H4+H4 EAD filed
  • H4/EAD status: Case Received
  • April 10: H1 Approved
  • May 1: Biometrics
  • August 14: H4 EAD status changed to New Card Is Being Produced
    • H4 EAD Approved in 128 days from filing
    • Assuming H4 is approved as H4 EAD approved.
      • H4 Approved in 128days from filing 
      • H4 Approved in 105 Days from Biometrics Date

CSC  – H4 + EAD experience – Approved #36

Thanks to user ‘Nilisha’  for sharing the experience in comments. 

  • Center: CSC
  • 5/10 – H1+H4+H4EAD Concurrent Filing with Premium Processing.
  • 5/24 – H1B approved.
  • 5/31- Biometrics done. Original appointment for June 6th. Did early Walk-in.
  • 8/14 – H4 and H4EAD Approved.
    • H4 + EAD Approved in 96 days from filing 
    • H4 + EAD Approved in 75 Days from Biometrics Date

NSC  – H4 + EAD experience – Approved #37

Thanks to user ‘NSC_approval‘  for sharing the experience in comments. 

  • Service Center: NSC
  • April 11th:H1(PP)+H4+H4 EAD filed
    • H1B Premium processing.
  • May 2nd: Biometrics completed 
  • August 14th: H4 EAD status changed to New Card Is Being Produced, H4 status changed to approved
    • H4 + EAD Approved in 125 days from filing 
    • H4 + EAD Approved in 104 Days from Biometrics Date
  • August 16th: Card was mailed

NSC  – H4 + EAD experience – Approved #38

Thanks to user ‘NSC Applicant‘  for sharing the experience in comments. 

  • Service Center: NSC
  • April 17th: H1(PP)+H4+H4 EAD filed
    • H1B Premium processing 
  • April 27th: Biometrics done
  • August 16th:H4 EAD status changed to New Card Is Being Produced
    • No litigation or expedite request
    • H4 EAD Approved in 121 days from filing
    • Assuming H4 is approved as H4 EAD approved.
      • H4 Approved in 121 days from filing 
      • H4 Approved in 111 Days from Biometrics Date

NSC  – H4 + EAD experience, Traveled out – Approved #39

Thanks to user ‘PA‘  for sharing the experience in comments.

  • April 09 , 2019: H1+H4+H4 EAD applied in PP – Nebraska
  • H1B approved – April 22, 2019
  • Bio metric appointment on May 01, 2019
  • Aug 16: H4 EAD status changed to New card is ordered
    • H4 EAD Approved in 129 Days.
    • Assuming H4 Approved as EAD approved
      • H4 Approved in 129 Days from Filing
      • H4 Approved in 107 Days  after Biometrics 
    • H4 still case received, but traveled out of country in between so have new extended I-94. H4 EAD receipt number: LIN1914450XXX
    • Still waiting for physical copies
    • I have not done any litigation.
    • Expedited 2 times, first with help of Senator and second self but both were denied.

CSC  – H4 + EAD experience Approved #40

Thanks to user ‘H4EAD_May14_Aug16‘  for sharing the experience in comments.

  • H1+H4+H4 EAD filed at CSC – 14th May
  • Bio-metrics – 6th June
  • H4 EAD status changed to New Card is being produced – August 16
    • H4 EAD Approved in 94 Days.
    • Assuming H4 Approved as EAD approved
      • H4 Approved in 94 Days from Filing
      • H4 Approved in 71 Days  after Biometrics 
    • H4 status still shows Case Received
    • NO expedite or follow-up calls.

Nebraska  – H4 + EAD experience Approved #41

Thanks to user ‘MG‘  for sharing the experience in comments.

  • Nebraska Service Center
  • April 15: H1(PP)+H4+H4 EAD Case Received
  • April 22: H1 Approved
  • May 10: Biometrics
  • Aug 19: New Card Is Being Produced
    • H4 EAD Approved in 126 Days.
    • Assuming H4 Approved as EAD approved
      • H4 Approved in 126 Days from Filing
      • H4 Approved in 101 Days  after Biometrics 
      • Receipt: LIN1914950XXX

CSC  – H4 + EAD experience with EAD RFE Approved #42

Thanks to user ‘David‘  for sharing the experience in comments.

  • May 1st ,2019: H1+H4+H4 EAD extension applied in PP – California
  • H1B approved – May 8th , 2019
  • Initial bio metric appointment was on May 23rd, 2019
  • July 12th H4 approved
    • H4 Approved in 72 Days from filing
    • H4 Approved in 50 Days from Biometrics
  • July 18th H4ead renew RFE for spouse pay-stub
  • July 24th replied RFE
  • Aug 14: H4 EAD status changed to H4EAD approved
    • H4 EAD Approved in 105 days from filing 
  • Aug 19: H4 EAD card is mailed.
    • Now we are waiting for new card.

NSC  – H4 + EAD experience Approved #43

Thanks to user ‘Vigbal‘  for sharing the experience in comments.

  • Processing Centre: Nebraska
  • H1B+H4+EAD applied on 04/05/2019
  • H1B Approved on 04/15/2019
  • H4 Biometric Appointment received for 04/23/2019
  • H4 Biometric scan finished at Santa Clara CA on 04/26/2019
  • H4 + EAD Approved on Aug 19th
    • H4+ EAD approved in 136 Days from filing 
    • H4 + EAD approved in 118 Days from Biometrics completion
    • Finally got it approved on August 19th after requesting to expedite twice, both of which failed and wasn’t part of any litigation

NSC  – H4 + EAD experience Approved #44

Thanks to user ‘Naren‘  for sharing the experience in comments.

  • Nebraska Service Center
  • April 22: H1(PP)+H4+H4 EAD Case Received
  • April 29: H1 Approved
  • May 13: Biometrics
  • Aug 19: New Card Is Being Produced
    • H4 and H4 EAD Approved in 118 Days.
    • H4 and H4 EAD Approved in 98 Days.
    • Receipt: LIN1915451XXX
    • No expedited request or lawsuit.

NSC  – H4 + EAD experience Approved #45

Thanks to user ‘H4Nsc‘  for sharing the experience in comments

  • H1/H4/H4 EAD: Case was received – April 16- Nebraska
  • H1 approved : April 18
  • Biometric: 24 July, it got delayed due to system error
  • H4 EAD: Aug 20- New card is being produced
    • H4 EAD Approved in 126 Days.
    • Assuming H4 Approved as EAD approved
      • H4 Approved in 126  Days from Filing
      • H4 Approved in 27 Days  after Biometrics 
  • No update on H4
    • I have raised multiple expedite requests in this whole process and It got denied immediately.
    • I have raised an another expedite request on August 19th as I have lost my job because my current EAD got expired on August 12th.

NSC  – H4 + EAD experience Approved #46

Thanks to user ‘NSP‘  for sharing the experience in comments

  • Service center: NSC
  • 15 April 2019: Applied H1+H4+EAD in PP
  • 25 April 2019: H1 Approved
  • 10 May 2019: Biometric done
  • 3 & 26 June 2019: Raised couple of expedite requests, they are denied in next day/two.
  • July 2019: Due to emergency traveled to India. Stamping for H1+H4 is
    approved through dropbox.
  • 12 Aug 2019: Raised another expedite request which is also denied
    eventually.
  • 14 Aug 2019: Status changed to card was ordered and on the same
    day status changed to Case was approved.
    • H4 EAD approved in 121 Days
  • 19 Aug 2019: Status updated to Card was mailed
  • 21 Aug 2019: Card Received.
    • No litigation filed.

NSC  – H4 + EAD experience Approved #47

Thanks to user ‘RK‘  for sharing the experience in comments

  • Applied date : April 17th- Nebraska center
  • H1+H4+EAD all applied through premium processing.
  • April 30th : H1b approval
  • May 6th : Biometric done
  • August 16th: New card is being produced
    • H4 EAD Approved in 121 Days 
  • August 19th : H4 approval
    • H4 Approved in 124 days from Filing  
    • H4 Approved in 104 Days from Biometrics 
  • August 20th : card was mailed to me
  • August 21st : Card Was Picked Up By The United States Postal Service
  • As per USPS tracking card delivers tomorrow.
    • Adding email to our case status helps. For my case it took exactly 4months from applied date. My previous EAD was valid till July 31st 2019.
    • My receipt number LIN191515XXXX.
    • Tried to expedite case through congressman and company letter, it didn’t work.
    • Not tried litigation.

CSC  – H4 experience, EAD filed later Approved #48

Thanks to user ‘gnit‘  for sharing the experience in comments

  • H1&H4 applied at California on May 30th.
  • H1 got approved on 10th June.
  • Biometrics on 21 June.
  • Applied EAD on July 17th.
  • Aug 17th it says New Card is being produced.
    • H4 EAD approved in 30 Days from filing.
    • Assuming H4 approved as well.
      • H4 Approved in 79 Days from filing 
      • H4 Approved in 57 Days from Biometrics
  • On 20th Aug, H4 status changed to biometrics review completed.

NSC  – H4 experience, EAD filed later Approved #49

Thanks to user ‘NSCFinallyApproved‘  for sharing the experience in comments

  • Nebraska Service Center
  • H1+H4+H4EAD in PP – receive date is April 17th @ NSC
  • Biometric Appointment for H4 – May 6th
  • H4 – Date of Birth was updated Aug 21st
  • H4 EAD – New Card produced Aug 21st
    • H4 EAD approved in 126 days 
    • Assuming H4 approved as well.
      • H4 Approved in 126 Days from filing 
      • H4 Approved in 107 Days from Biometrics
    • No expedite request or litigation.

NSC  – H4 experience, EAD filed later Approved #50

Thanks to user ‘Headache_from_Nebraska‘  for sharing the experience in comments

  • H1b + H4 + H4 EAD filed in premium.
  • Receipt Date: April 17th.
  • H1b Approval : April 25th.
  • H4 : Case was received.
  • Biometrics: May 10th. (Completed by walk-in on May 8th.)
  • H4 EAD : New Card is being produced – Aug 21st.
    • H4 EAD Approved in 126 Days  
    • Assuming H4 approved as well.
      • H4 Approved in 126 Days from filing 
      • H4 Approved in 103 Days from Biometrics
    • Receipt Num: LIN1915250XXX
  • Aug 21 – New card ordered.
  • Aug 22 – Case approved.
  • Aug 26 – Card was mailed.
  • H4 – Case was received.
  • Couple of my observations:
    • Receipt Numbers generated by USCIS is not exactly in the order of application received date. Some of the receipt numbers before mine were from April 18th while my receipt date was for April 17th. This gives us an impression that some how April 18th applications are approved and they might have skipped some of the April 17th applications.
    • My status got updated on Aug 22 at 3AM Pacific time. Probably some cron job updates status in bulk. IMO your case might have been already approved but it does not reflect on the website.

Vermont, NSC  – H4 experience, EAD filed later Approved #51

Thanks to user ‘PS‘  for sharing the experience in comments

  • April 16- H1 and H4 extensions submitted in PP @ NSC
  • April -26 – H1 Approved
  • May 6- H4EAD submitted @ Vermont
  • May 7- biometric completed
  • June 3, tried to expedite H4EAD through congressman and denied.
  • August 19- H4 status changed to name updated.
  • August 22- received H4 approval notice.
    • H4 Approved in 128 Days from Filing 
    • H4 Approved in 107 Days from Biometrics 
  • H4EAD still pending.

CSC  – H4, EAD experience, New Address AR-11 Approved #52

Thanks to user ‘Vikas‘  for sharing the experience in comments

  • H1 case submitted (CSC): April 17th 2019
  • H1 Case approved: April 26th 2019
  • H4 biometrics: May 7th 2019
  • H4 and EAD approved: August 22nd 2019
    • H4 Approved in 127 Days from filing 
    • H4 Approved in 107 Days from Biometrics
    • Although on their website it still doesn’t recognise the receipt number, but fortunately we received hard copy of both H4 and EAD.
    • We were super lucky as just today processing period for H4 in CSC has increased to 5.5 months.
    • Also, we moved to new address , updating AR-11 worked and we received copy on new address (last time updating AR-11 didn’t work and had to pay ~500$ to get a duplicate copy).

NSC  – H4, EAD experience Approved #53

Thanks to user ‘H4 Extension Seeker‘  for sharing the experience in comments

  • April 18 – H1 , H4 extensions and H4 EAD submitted in PP @ NSC
  • April -26 – H1 Approved
  • May 9- biometric complete
  • August 21- Call USCIS and ask to expedite due to financial loss
  • August 23- Expedite request denied
  • August 24- H4 EAD status ‘’New Card is Being Produced
    • H4 EAD Approved in 128 Days  
    • Assuming H4 approved as well.
      • H4 Approved in 128 Days from filing 
      • H4 Approved in 107 Days from Biometrics
  • H4 still pending.

CSC  – H4, EAD experience Approved #54

Thanks to user ‘Prasad‘  for sharing the experience in comments

  • May 20 – H1, H4 and EAD extensions submitted @ CSC
  • June 3 – biometric completed
  • July 17 – H1 converted to Premium
  • July 23 – H1 approved
  • Aug 17 – Both H4 and EAD approved.
    • H4, EAD Approved in 89 Days from filing 
    • H4 Approved in 75 Days from Biometrics
    • Online status for H4 was changed on Aug 23 to “FingerPrint Review Complete”
    • August 22- received H4 approval notice.

NSC  – H4, EAD experience Approved #55

Thanks to user ‘xiunanty‘  for sharing the experience in comments

  • Service Center: NSC
  • H1+H4+H4EAD extension in PP receipt date: March 20
  • H1 RFE: March 27
  • H4 Biometrics: April 18
  • H1 RFE response received: May 9
  • H1 Approved: May 14
  • H4 EAD – New Card produced: Aug 26
    • H4 EAD approved in about 160 days from from receipt date
    • Assuming H4 approved as well.
      • H4 Approved in 160 Days from filing 
      • H4 Approved in 130 Days from Biometrics
    • From July I started try Senator and Congressman inquiries, expedite requests on Aug 19th, out of normal processing inquiry (from last week). 
    • Called senator on Aug 26 morning for help, evening status changed.
  • H4 status changed to Approved on Aug 27. 

CSC  – H4, EAD experience Approved #56

Thanks to user ‘AG‘  for sharing the experience in comments

  • H1B+H4+H4 EAD applied extension on Premium Processing.
  • California Service Center.
  • Application received on May 21st
  • H1B Approved on May 30th
  • H4 Biometrics appointment done on June 10th
  • EAD approved on Aug 22nd (H4 status remains unchanged)
    • H4, EAD Approved in 93 Days from filing 
    • H4 Approved in 73 Days from Biometrics
  • Approval notice for H4 and EAD received by mail on Aug 26th
  • EAD delivered on Aug 27th

NSC  – H4, EAD experience Approved #57

Thanks to user ‘Sahana‘  for sharing the experience in comments

  • April 19- H1B ,H4 ,H4 EAD submitted in PP @ NSC
  • April -26 – H1B Approved
  • May 9- Bio metrics completed
  • August 24- H4 status changed to “Finger Print was completed”
  • August 26- Called them to check the status of my H4 EAD
  • August 27- H4 EAD status changed to “New Card Is Being Produced”
    • H4 EAD approved in about 130 days from from receipt date
    • Assuming H4 approved as well.
      • H4 Approved in 130 Days from filing 
      • H4 Approved in 110 Days from Biometrics
  • August 27- H4 Changed to “Name Was Updated”

NSC  – H4, EAD experience Approved #58

Thanks to user ‘Ramu‘  for sharing the experience in comments

  • Premium H1B+H4+EAD – Renewal
  • Nebraska Service Center
  • Date Received: 03/25/2019
  • H1B Approved: 04/03/2019
  • Biometric given : 4/16/2019
  • Expedite Request: 8/19/2019 denied
  • Out of Processing Time Request: 8/23/2019
  • Fingerprint Review Was Completed : 8/24/2019
  • New Card is being produced : 8/27/2019
    • H4 EAD approved in about 155 days from from receipt date
    • Assuming H4 approved as well.
      • H4 Approved in 155 Days from filing 
      • H4 Approved in 133 Days from Biometrics
    • Waiting for new card and H4 approval

CSC  – L2 to H4 COS + EAD experience – Approved #59

Thanks to user ‘WD’ for sharing the experience in comments. 

  • Service Center: California. CSC
  • Background : L1 to H1B COS, L2 to H4 + EAD
    • Receipt Num: WAC19197XXXXX
  • 05/14 – USCIS received H1/H4+EAD application in PP
  • 06/04 – Biometrics collected (USCIS site never updated)
  • 08/12 – EAD changed to “Name Was Updated”.
  • 08/12 – EAD changed to “New Card is being produced”.
    • H4 EAD Approved in 90 days from filing
    • Assuming H4 is approved as H4 EAD approved.
      • H4 Approved in 90 days from filing 
      • H4 Approved in 69 days from Biometrics completion.
    •  08/12 – H4 still no update, “Case Was Received”.
    • No expedite requested.

NSC  – H4 + EAD experience – Approved #60

Thanks to user ‘H4/H4 EAD‘  for sharing the experience in comments. 

  • Nebraska Service Center
  • April 16: H1(PP)+H4+H4 EAD Case Received
  • April 20: H1 Approved
  • May 6: Biometrics
  • August 15: H4 EAD status changed to New Card Is Being Produced
    • H4 EAD Approved in 128 days from filing
    • Assuming H4 is approved as H4 EAD approved.
      • H4 Approved in 121 days from filing 
      • H4 Approved in 101 Days from Biometrics Date
    • Receipt Number LIN1915050XXX
    • H4 – Case was received

CSC  – H4 + EAD experience – Approved #61

Thanks to user ‘h4eadwaiting‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • May 28- H1 and H4 extensions + EAD submitted to California center
  • June -6 – H1 Approved
  • June 10 – Biometric completed
  • June 25, tried to expedite H4EAD through congressman .
  • August 23- H4 status changed to finger print completed .
  • August 26- received EAD approval Email.(Card was produced)
    • H4 EAD approved in 148 Days from Filing Date
    • Assuming H4 is approved as H4 EAD approved.
      • H4 Approved in 148 days from filing 
      • H4 Approved in 74 Days from Biometrics Date
  • August 28- Card ( H4EAD) mailed .
  • August 29 – H4 approval notice was received
  • Waiting for H4 EAD Card now.

NSC  – H4 + EAD experience – Approved #62

Thanks to user ‘Gupta‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • Mar 22 – H1, H4 and EAD extensions submitted in Premium @ Nebraska
  • Apr 1 – H1 approved
  • Apr 18 – biometric completed
  • Aug 14 – Both H4 and EAD approved.
  • Aug 21 – Status updated to card delivered.

NSC  – H4 + EAD experience – Approved #63

Thanks to user ‘Sam Jain‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • Service Center: Nebraska
  • Applied for H1+H4+EAD in PP on Apr 11.
  • H1 approved – Apr 21.
  • H4 Biometrics – May 6
  • H4 Approved – Aug 20
  • EAD Approved – Aug 20
    • H4 + EAD Approved in 131 Days after filing
    • H4 + EAD Approved in 106 days from Biometrics
  • Received in mail Aug 26
  • Premium Processing

NSC  – H4 + EAD experience – Approved #64

Thanks to user ‘Nitya‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • Case Received- Apr 18
  • H1b approved-Apr 29
  • Biometric screening-May 6
  • Finger print review completed-Aug 21
  • Expedited H4 EAD- Aug 26
    • Expedite request denied on Aug 29.
  • H4 Approval- Aug 30
  • H4 EAD Approval-Aug 30, my expedited request got denied yesterday.
    • H4 + EAD Approved in 134 Days after filing
    • H4 + EAD Approved in 116 days from Biometrics

NSC  – H4 + EAD experience – Approved #65

Thanks to user ‘Yogini‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • April 23rd: Case received under H1B+H4_H4 EAD PP (Nebraska)
  • May 1st: H1B Approved
  • July 21st: Expedite request raised through congressman (Denied in 1 week through mail)
  • August 21st: Status changed to Fingerprint review complete @ around noon.
  • Same day raised another expedite request through Senator. This time they did ask to provide documentation which I did.
  • August 29th: Status changed (I-765 only) to Request for additional Information received & has been forwarded to an officer for review.
  • Aug 30th H4 EAD status changed to “New Card is being produced”
    • H4 EAD approved in 129 Days from Filing Date
      Assuming H4 is approved as H4 EAD approved.
    • H4 Approved in 129 days from filing 
    • H4 Approved in 119 Days from Biometrics Date

NSC  – H4 + EAD experience – Approved #66

Thanks to user ‘Sri‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • H4 EAD Receipt Date : 4/22/19 at NSC
  • Biometrics: 5/13/19Aug
  • Expedite Request through Congressman : 2 times (June and July)
  • Expedite Request through Senator: 1 time (July)
  • Personal Expedite Request by calling Customer Care: 7 times – out of which 6 times was rejected and the last time they said cannot expedite the case because the case is approved and card has been sent for production.
  • H4 status change to Fingerprint Review Completed on 8/21
  • H4 EAD status changed to New Card Is Being Produced, just now around 3PM EST (8/30)
    • H4 + EAD Approved in 130 Days after filing
    • H4 + EAD Approved in 109 days from Biometrics

CSC  – H4 + EAD experience – Approved #67

Thanks to user ‘Amul‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • 4/17 — H1+H4+EAD (CSC)
  • 4/18 — Receipt Dates
  • 4/24 — RFE Received for H1B
  • 7/18 — H1B Approved
  • 8/21 — H4 status changed to “Finger Print Review Completed”
  • 8/30 — EAD status changed to “New Card Is Being Produced”
  • Waiting for further updates
    • H4 + EAD Approved in 135 Days after filing
    • H4 + EAD Approved in 115 days from Biometrics

NSC  – H4 + EAD experience – Approved #68

Thanks to user ‘Saloni‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • Processing center: Nebraska
  • Applied for H4+EAD(new)
  • Receipt date: April 26th
  • Biometrics appointment: May 21st
  • USCIS update on Aug 28: Card/Document production.
    • H4 + EAD Approved in 124 Days after filing
    • H4 + EAD Approved in 99 days from Biometrics

NSC  – H4 + EAD experience – Approved #69

Thanks to user ‘MV‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • Service Center: NSC
  • 04/23/2019 – H1B extension +H4 extension +H4EAD renewal – Premium processing ( USCIS Received)
  • 04/25/2019 – H1 approved
  • 05/17/2019 – Biometrics for H4
  • 08/22/2019-Expedited with Congressman and Service Req ( Both got denied last week)
  • 08/24/2019 – Status changed to ‘Finger Print Review Completed’
  • 09/03/2019 – New Card being produced, H4 still in ‘Finger Print Review Completed’
    • H4 + EAD Approved in 133 Days after filing
    • H4 + EAD Approved in 109 days from Biometrics

NSC  – H4 + EAD experience – Approved #70

Thanks to user ‘FinallyApprovedH4EADFromNSC‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • * April 24th: Case received under H1B+H4_H4 EAD PP (Nebraska)
  • * May 8th: H1B Approved
  • * May 19th: Biometric Done.
  • * July 4th: Updated address.
  • * August 26th: EAD and H4 Extn Expedite request raised through the phone with financial loss reason. No document requested. Both Case statuses were “Case received” * Aug 27th – Expedite requests were assigned to an officer and completed by EOD
  • * August 28th: Status changed (I-765 only) to Request for Additional Information received & has been forwarded to an officer for review.
  • * August 29th: Status changed to – We approved I-765
  • * Aug 30th H4 EAD status changed to “New Card is being produced”
  • * August 29th: H4 status got changed Approved.
    • H4 + EAD Approved in 127 Days after filing
    • H4 + EAD Approved in 102 days from Biometrics
  • * Sept 3rd – Received both approval Notices via post. Also, EAD has updated that card is mailed.

NSC  – H4 + EAD experience – Approved #71

Thanks to user ‘Finally…‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • Service Center: Nebraska
  • H4/H4 EAD receipt date: April 22nd
  • Approval: Sept 3rd
    • H4 + EAD Approved in 134 Days after filing
  • I did raise an expedite request through USCIS and Congressman, both of which got denied immediately. Finally logged another request on August 30th stating that my EAD was going to expire in 4 days. I received a mail stating that the case is already with an officer and there is no need to expedite it.
  • Also when I called USCIS to raise the expedite request, they told me, NSC received Bio-metrics for my case on August 21st. This was not updated on the online portal. So that might explain why a lot of people are seeing ‘Fingerprint review complete’, because NSC started to get actual bio metrics information in third week of august (smh). I hope this is a sign of the process getting streamlined and hopefully this will trigger faster approvals for everyone who are waiting.

NSC  – H4 / EAD experience – Approved #72

Thanks to user ‘RVN‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • Receipt date: April 29th.
  • Service center – Nebraska
  • From May till July , did 3 or 4 times expedite request by calling USCIS and through senator.
  • Every time I requested expedite, it got denied.
  • Finally tired of request raising and started waiting.
  • August 24th- status of H4 changed to “Fingerprinting completed”.
  • September 4th- New card produced.
    • H4 / EAD Approved in 128 Days after filing
  • H4 status has no change. Now also “Finger printing completed “

NSC  – H4 + EAD experience – Approved #73

Thanks to user ‘Anu‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • Service Center: Nebraska
  • May 01 : H1/H4/EAD filed in regular processing
  • Aug 05:H1B approved
  • May 22: H4 biometrics completed
  • Aug 25: H4 case status changed to ‘Fingerprint review was completed’.
  • Sept 04:new card is being produced for EAD
    • H4 + EAD Approved in 126 Days after filing
    • H4 + EAD Approved in 105 days from Biometrics
  • H4 status still showing fingerprint is reviewed.

NSC  – H4 + EAD experience – Approved #74

Thanks to user ‘NoOne‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • Center – NSC
  • May 10 – H1-Ext, New H4 & EAD filed in PP
  • May 23 – Biometric completed
  • May 17 – H1 Approved
  • Aug 12 – Senator expedite request denied on grounds of lack of evidence for urgency
  • Sep 05 – H4 and EAD approved.
    • H4 + EAD Approved in 118 Days after filing
    • H4 + EAD Approved in 105 days from Biometrics
    • Case series LIN***695****
    • It is taking 4 months at NSC to get H4 approvals on average. I have been tracking the cases for quite a while now.
    • Didn’t file R&N litigation as we could wait and had that option. You might want to if you are to loose your job but I feel R&N are monetizing on this unfortunate circumstance of H4 spouses.

CSC  – H4 + EAD experience – Approved #75

Thanks to user ‘Another H4 EAD User‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • H1+H4+EAD in PP at CSC
  • RD– 5/20/2019
  • Fingerprints–6/3/2019
  • No status updates since then
  • 8/8– raised an expedite request with USCIS mentioned abt job and financial loss
  • 8/9–got email from uscis for more evidence
  • 8/12–submitted docs for financial loss. Letter provided by employer
  • No updates after 8/12
  • All of a sudden on 8/21 –Fingerprint review completed on USCIS website
  • 8/23–Requested senator for assistance
  • 8/26–Senator contacted uscis, but uscis asked for same details when I called on 8/8
  • 8/29– contacted uscis again for status updates. they said no updates except an inquiry on 8/26
  • 8/30–H4 EAD status changed to New card produced
    • H4 + EAD Approved in 102 Days after filing
    • H4 + EAD Approved in 88 days from Biometrics
    • 9/4–H4 EAD card being mailed to me
    • 9/5–Added usps tracker
    • H4 status is still case received
    • 9/11–old ead expiry date
    • I have been following this forum and at one stage I thought of going with RN law but later decided to wait. My expedited request status is still not updated and congressman request was not fulfilled by uscis. But I felt like raising awareness to uscis on our case is helping .

CSC  – H4 + EAD experience – Approved #76

Thanks to user ‘Sindhu‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • H1+H4+EAD in PP filed on– 5/30/2019
  • Fingerprints–6/17/2019
  • 8/12– raised an expedite request through senator with USCIS – job and financial loss, my future employer Microsoft gave a support letter too. Status changed on H4 and EAD changed to “expedite request received”
  • 8/13– but expedite request rejected on email but no status change after that.
  • 9/5 – EAD status changed to “new card is being produced”. H4 status is still case received.
    • H4 + EAD Approved in 98 Days after filing
    • H4 + EAD Approved in 80 days from Biometrics

NSC  – H4 + EAD experience – Approved #77

Thanks to user ‘farida‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • Center – NSC
  • May 1 – H1-Ext, New H4 & EAD filed in PP
  • May 22 – Biometric completed
  • May 10 – H1 Approved
  • Sep 05 – “New card being processed.
    • H4 + EAD Approved in 127 Days after filing
    • H4 + EAD Approved in 106 days from Biometrics
  • H4 still pending.
  • Case series LIN19162*****
  • Didn’t file R&N litigation and 3 times expedite denied.

NSC  – H4 + EAD experience – Approved #78

Thanks to user ‘Sub‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • Apr 18: H1+H4+H4 EAD filed PP
  • H1B approved in a week’s time
  • Sep 4: Called USCIS with a request to expedite
  • Sep 5: Expedite request denied
  • Sep 6: New card is being produced
    • H4 + EAD Approved in 141 Days after filing
    • H4 + EAD Approved in 114 days from Biometrics
    • H4 – Case was received status.

NSC  – H4 + EAD experience – Approved #79

Thanks to user ‘Neeru‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • RD: 5/28 :H1+H4EAD filed under PP (Nebraska)
  • H1 approved in 2 days.
  • 6/10: Bio metrics Done
  • Raised Multiple USCIS requests starting in August 1st week and everything got denied.
  • August 1st:Contacted USCIS through senator and it got denied again
  • August 3rd week: Contacted Junior Senator and submitted documents through them
  • August 4th week: Contacted Ombudsman and submitted documents through them
  • Sep 5th: New card is being produced
    • H4 + EAD Approved in 100 Days after filing
    • H4 + EAD Approved in 87 days from Biometrics
    • H4 still pending!

NSC  – H4 + EAD experience – Approved #80

Thanks to user ‘H4EAD-NSC‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • RD: 4/30 :H1+H4+H4EAD filed under PP (Nebraska)
  • H1 approved in 5 days.
  • 5/23: Bio metrics Done
  • 8/24: Fingerprint review completed on H4 status
  • 9/6: New card is being produced
  • H4 + EAD Approved in 129 Days after filing
  • H4 + EAD Approved in 106 days from Biometrics
  • No Change in H4 status .
  • No expedite request or litigation .

CSC  – H4 + EAD experience – Approved #81

Thanks to user ‘ETBT‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • CSC – WAC1922xxxxx
  • 6/11 – Receipt date for H1, H4, H4 EAD (premium)
  • 6/22 – H1B approved
  • 7/1 – H4 Fingerprinting
  • 7/10 – Expedite request raised (was rejected in less than a week on insufficient proof)
  • 8/26 – Status changed to “Fingerprint review completed”
  • 9/6 – H4 Status changed to “Name was Updated” and EAD status shows “New card is being produced”
    • H4 / EAD Approved in 87 Days after filing
    • H4 / EAD Approved in 67 days from Biometrics

NSC  – H4 + EAD experience – Approved #82

Thanks to user ‘Neer‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • Center – Nebraska
  • April 8 – Receipt date LIN191435xxxx
  • May 2 – Biometrics
  • Aug 27 – Case approved
  • Sep 4 – I-797C copies received in mail
    • H4 / EAD Approved in 149 Days after filing
    • H4 / EAD Approved in 125 days from Biometrics
  • Sep 5 – EAD card in mail

NSC  – H4 + EAD experience – Approved #83

Thanks to user ‘raji‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • NSC Service Center
  • H1b PP/H4/H4 EAD received date Apr-2-2019
  • H1b Approved – 08- apr
  • Biometric done – 24-apr
  • H4 EAD : 08/20/2019 – We ordered your new card.
    • H4 / EAD Approved in 140 Days after filing
    • H4 / EAD Approved in 118 days from Biometrics
  • 08/21/2019 – We approved your Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.
  • 08/22/2019 – We mailed your new card your Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, directly to the address you gave us.
  • 08/23/2019 – The Post Office picked up mail containing your new card.
  • 08/24/2019 – received the card

NSC  – H4 + EAD experience – Approved #84

Thanks to user ‘H4EADFinallyApproved‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • Processing Center: Nebraska
  • 04/25/2019: H1B+H4+EAD applied in PP
  • 05/08/2019: H1B Approved
  • 05/14/2019: H4 Biometric Appointment
    • In between tried to expedite a few times by calling USCIS and also working with our Congressman, neither avenue succeeded and we didn’t get to submit any documents either.
  • However, the status on the EAD got updated on 08/16/2019 to say that they have received documents that are being reviewed by the officer
  • 08/21/2019: H4 status said Fingerprint review completed
  • 09/03/2019: EAD status said New Card is being Produced
    • H4 / EAD Approved in 131 Days after filing
    • H4 / EAD Approved in 112 days from Biometrics
    • 09/05/2019: EAD card was shipped
  • 09/09/2019: EAD card received in the post with I-797 approval for I-765
  • 09/09/2019: called USCIS about H4 status since no change was observed since 08/16 and were informed that H4 was approved on 09/03/2019 as well, but has not been shipped yet. Moreover, they said that the applicant is allowed to rejoin work (old EAD expired on 08/23) on the basis of the approved EAD card
    FYI we did not participate in any litigation

NSC  – H4 + EAD experience – Approved #85

Thanks to user ‘HK‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • Nebraska Service Center
  • H1+H4+H4EAD Applied on —- 8/5/19
  • Appointment for Biometrics —- 8/28/19
  • H1 moved to Premium —- 9/3/19
  • H1 + H4 EAD Approved —- 9/9/19
    • H4 / EAD Approved in 35 Days after filing
    • H4 / EAD Approved in 12 days from Biometrics
    • we have not filed any litigation. Just started regular processing. Since my spouse’s office agreed for premium processing we converted that into premium and got approval in a week.

NSC  – H4 + EAD experience – Approved #86

Thanks to user ‘f5uscis‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • Nebraska Service Center.
  • April 9, 2019 (Concurrently filed with H1B extension. H1B extension was approved on April 12, 2019)
  • Biometrics date – May 9, 2019
  • H4 changed to Fingerprint review completed on Aug 25,2019
  • H4 EAD changed to “New Card Being Produced” on Sep 7, 2019
    • H4 + EAD Approved in 151 Days after filing
    • H4 + EAD Approved in 121 days from Biometrics
  • H4 status is still “Fingerprint review completed”

NSC  – H4 + EAD experience – Approved #87

Thanks to user ‘Swathi‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • Center: NSC
  • May 29: RD, filed H1B + H4 + EAD all together in PP
  • H1-B approved on June 6th.
  • Biometric Walk-in July 9th.
  • EAD expired on August 20th.
  • My employer terminated and lost Job.
  • Raised expedite request on August 16th by calling and denied on August 19th.
  • Approached senator on August 23rd saying job loss.
  • Got email from Senator on September 4th saying he approached USCIS.
  • Same day Online Status changed to in review.
  • Sep 10th: Card/ Document Production.
    • H4 + EAD Approved in 104 Days after filing
    • H4 + EAD Approved in 63 days from Biometrics

CSC  – H4 + EAD experience – Approved #88

Thanks to user ‘Srikanth‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • Service Center: California
  • H1/ H4 / H4 EAD Receipt Date : May 3rd
  • H1 Approved : May 12.
  • Case Expedited by Phone : July 29th. Did not ask any proof.
  • H4 EAD and H4 Approved on August 2nd. Received H4 Approval and H4 EAD approval on Aug 8th. Did not receive EAD so far.
    • H4 + EAD Approved in 91 Days after filing
    • H4 + EAD Approved in 69 days from Biometrics
  • But H4 status changed to Finger Print review complete on August 24.

NSC  – H4 + EAD experience – Approved #89

Thanks to user ‘Chocy‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • 04/30/2019–> H1B+H4+H4EAD Applied in PP at Nebraska
  • 05/07/2019–> RFE Received for H1B.
  • 05/23/2019–> Biometrics Completed.
  • 07/29/2019–> Response to RFE was submitted
  • 08/05/2019–> H1B Approved
  • 08/25/2019–> Fingerprint Review Done
  • 09/10/2019–> H4 status shows as Name was Updated and H4 EAD status shows as New Card is being produced.
  • 09/11/2019->H4 and H4 EAD status updated to Approved.
    • H4 + EAD Approved in 133 Days after filing
    • H4 + EAD Approved in 110 days from Biometrics

NSC  – H4 + EAD experience – Approved #90

Thanks to user ‘h4eadmay6‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • H1B + H4 + H4 ead filling date: May 3, 2019
  • Service Center – Nebraska
  • Recieved date: May 6, 2019
  • Current EAD expiring: Sep 30, 2019
  • H4 ead Card production: Sep 11
    • H4 + EAD Approved in 131 Days after filing
  • Expedite 2 times in July and August but was rejected same day. No lawsuit.

NSC  – H4 + EAD experience – Approved #91

Thanks to user ‘EADApproved‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • Applied H1+H4+H4EAD on April 26th in PP to Nebraska.
  • April 29th – the case was received.
  • May 21st- completed Biometric
  • Sept 12th – Update for EAD – New card is being produced
    • H4 / EAD Approved in 139 Days after filing
    • H4 / EAD Approved in 114 days from Biometrics
  • No update on H4
  • No expedite request or litigation.

NSC  – H4 + EAD experience – Approved #92

Thanks to user ‘MyH4EADApproved‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • H1B – H4 – H4EAD filed in PP:
  • RD for all – 17 April
  • H1B – Approval – 19 April
  • H4-H4EAD – Finger Print Given – 01-May
  • H4EAD – Approved – 12-Sep
    • H4 / EAD Approved in 150 Days after filing
    • H4 / EAD Approved in 134 days from Biometrics
  • No updates on H4.

NSC  – H4 + EAD experience – Approved #93

Thanks to user ‘sk‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • 04/25/2019–> H1B+H4+H4EAD Applied in PP at Nebraska
  • 04/29/2019-> Received all three Receipts
  • 05/06/2019–> H1B Approved
  • 05/10/2019–> Bio metrics appointment received dated 05/22/2019
  • 05/22/2019–> Bio metrics completed
  • 08/22/2019 –> H4 status changed to “Finger print review completed”
  • 09/11/2019–> New card being produced
    • H4 / EAD Approved in 139 Days after filing
    • H4 / EAD Approved in 112 days from Biometrics
  • No Litigation or expedite request raised. There is no change in H4 status yet. Receipt staring numbers LIN19160. Looks like approval received late evening on 09/11/2019.

NSC  – H4 + EAD experience – Approved #94

Thanks to user ‘EADH4Approved‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • H1+H4+H4 EAD applied in PP at Nebraska – April 23, 2019
  • H1B approved – May 01. 2019
  • Bio metric appointment on May 15, 2019
  • Walked in to near by ASC on May 7th, 2019 and gave the biometrics
  • Travelled out of country and got H4 via drop box(in July 2 week)
  • Reached US back August 2nd week and raised expedite request.
  • Status changed on H4 to Fingerprint review completed on Aug 21, 2019
  • Even after 3 weeks after the expedite request, no updates..
  • Raised another expedite request on Sept 3.
  • Expedite request got denied on Sept 4, saying that application is already approved. Not sure if the second expedite triggered the approval or it was already approved.
  • New Card Is Being Produced – Sept 4. 2019
    • H4 / EAD Approved in 134 Days after filing
    • H4 / EAD Approved in 112 days from Biometrics
    • H4 changed to approved – Sept 5, 2019
  • Card mailed – Sept 9, 2019
  • Card arrived – Sept 12, 2019
  • Start date on the card is the H1B start date..
  • I have not done any litigation.
  • Expedited 2 times, both were denied.

CSC  – H4 + EAD experience – Approved #95

Thanks to user ‘SGR‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • May 30- H4+EAD filed with H1B PP at CSC
  • June 6- H1 approved
  • June 17 – completed Biometrics
  • July 20 – Had to travel to Canada. I had expired visa but valid H4 i-797 upto Oct 2019. Asked many forums, company attorneys, even called USCIS and was told I am eligible to travel under 30-day rule, automatic visa revalidation. USCIS said my applications should not be affected since I would not get a new i-94
  • July29 – Returned from Canada. At vancouver airport, the visa officer first denied entry. Then a senior officer in back office gave me entry but issued a new i-94 and online i-94 showed F1 status.
  • Aug 10 – CBP i-94 correction office corrected the status back to H4 but was stuck with new I-94. Didnt know what would happen to my applications. Company attorney said if RFE comes, we will address it.
  • Sep 5- EAD application changed to “new card is being produced”.
    • H4 / EAD Approved in 99 Days after filing
    • H4 / EAD Approved in 81 days from Biometrics
  • Sep 6- EAD I-765 was approved
  • Sep 10- EAD mail picked up by USPS.
  • Sept 11- Called USCIS why H4 was still “case was received”. The rep told me they mailed the H4 I-539 approval also on Sept. 6th itself.
  • Sept 12- Received the EAD card and H4 I-797.
  • I have same experience as many users that online status of H4 did not reflect the approval. I was super worried that I would be given EAD up to Oct 2019 and my extension would be denied because of my new I-94 after Canada trip.But Everything worked out finally. Got EAD and H4 approval for 3 years upto May 2022.

NSC  – H4 + EAD experience – Approved #96

Thanks to user ‘KB‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • H1+H4+EAD : Applied on 04/04/2019
  • H1 RFE : 04/10/2019
  • H1 RFE Response : 05/23/2019
  • H1 Approved : 05/28/2019
  • H4 EAD SR Raised : 08/21/2019
  • H4 RFE : 08/24/2019
  • H4 EAD Expedited : 08/23/2019
  • H4 EAD Assigned to Officer : 08/26/2019
  • H4 EAD Expedite denied : 08/29/2019
  • H4 RFE Recieved : 08/29/2019 – Replied on the same day
  • H4 EAD SR Closed cos of H4 RFE : 09/03/2019
  • H4 RFE Response Recieved : 09/04/2019
  • H4 EAD Expedite : 09/09/2019
  • H4 EAD Assigned to Officer : 09/12/2019
  • H4 EAD : New card being produced 09/12/2019
    • H4 / EAD Approved in 161 Days after filing
    • H4 / EAD Approved in 131 days from Biometrics
  • H4 no change yet
  • No Litigation!!!!!!!!!

CSC  – H4 experience – Approved #97

Thanks to user ‘CYC‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • 04/11/2019–> H1B+H4 WITHOUT PP at CSC
  • 05/17/2019–> H4 Biometrics Notice
  • 06/07/2019–> Biometrics Completed
  • 07/12/2019–> H1B Approved
  • 08/24/2019–> H4 Fingerprint Has Been Reviewed
  • 09/05/2019–> H4 Approval Notice
    • H4 Approved in 147 Days after filing
    • H4 Approved in 90 days from Biometrics
  • Since my case has no expedite or premium process, I think my case is worth to share with many people who still keep waiting for approval. It looks like the approval is normally happened in 2 week after fingerprint has been reviewed.

CSC  – H4 +EAD experience – Approved #98

Thanks to user ‘Itsalongwait…‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • Processing Center – CSC ( H1 + H4 + H4EAD PP)
  • RD – 5th June 2019
  • H1b approved-13th June 2019
  • Biometric screening-17th June 2019 ( Did a Walk-in)
  • Finger print review completed-Aug 21
  • New card is being produced- Sep 12
    • H4/ EAD Approved in 99 Days after filing
    • H4 / EAD Approved in 87 days from Biometrics
    • WAC19215512XX – No Litigation / No expedited request.
  • Also my wife had to travel out of country & she got her visa approved. After going through the Administrative processing. ( No documents requested). Hope this helps someone.

NSC  – H4 +EAD experience – Approved #99

Thanks to user ‘redBusGuy‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • Nebraska service center
  • May 6th – H1B + H4 + H4 EAD extensions in PP
  • May 13th – H1B approved
  • May 27th – H4 fingerprint review completed
  • Sep 12th – “Case was approved” for both H4 and H4 EAD
    • H4 + EAD Approved in 129 Days after filing
  • No expedite request or lawsuit, just waited patiently.

NSC  – H4 +EAD experience – Approved #100

Thanks to user ‘NSCtootooslow‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • Nebraska center
  • May 6 — H1b, H4 and H4 EAD extension in PP;
  • May 10 — H1b got approved
  • Aug 19 — reach out to congresswoman to expedite
  • Aug 24 — H4 changed to fingerprint completed
  • Sep 11 — card expired
  • Sep 12 — expedite denied
  • Sep 13 — H4 EAD changes to new card is being produced in Sep 12
    • H4 + EAD Approved in 130 Days after filing
  • H4 still shows fingerprint completed

NSC  – H4 +EAD experience – Approved #101

Thanks to user ‘Snat‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • NSC
  • May 13 – H1b, H4 and H4 EAD extension in PP
  • May 23 – H1b approved
  • June 9 – Biometrics
  • Aug 24 – Finger print Review was completed
  • Sep 11 – EAD Expired
  • Sep 12 – EAD changed to “New card is being produced”. H4 no change in status
    • H4/ EAD Approved in 122 Days after filing
    • H4 / EAD Approved in 95 days from Biometrics
  • Sep 13 – H4 changed to “Case was approved”.
  • Called USCIS twice to expedite. Once on Aug23rd –>Denied message in mail. Again on Sep 9th –>Case already assigned to officer message in mail.

TSC  – H4 +EAD experience – Approved #102

Thanks to user ‘PSP‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • 07/01/2019 Applied H1 premium+H4+H4EAD Renewal to Texas Service Center
  • 07/03/2019 Package received by USCIS
  • 07/09/2019 H1 approved
  • 07/11/2019 Received receipts for H4 and H4 EAD in mail
  • 07/16/2019 Biometrics appointment notice received in mail
  • 07/24/2019 Biometrics given
  • 07/26/2019 H4 case status changed to Finger Prints review completed
  • 09/11/2019 Received H4 approval notice in mail; but case status didn’t change for H4
  • 09/12/2019 H4 EAD case status changed to New car being produced
    • H4/ EAD Approved in 73 Days after filing
    • H4 / EAD Approved in 50 days from Biometrics
    • 09/13/2019 H4 EAD case status changed to case was approved

NSC  – H4 +EAD experience – Approved #103

Thanks to user ‘Finally_approved‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • Center: Nebraska
  • 2 May : H1b , H4 and H4 EAD applied in pp
  • 9 May : H1 approved
  • 24 May : Biomterics done
  • 13 sept : H4 EAD status changed to new card is being produced.
    • H4/ EAD Approved in 134 Days after filing
    • H4 / EAD Approved in 112 days from Biometrics

NSC  – H4 +EAD experience – Approved #104

Thanks to user ‘VCEAD‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • 03/26/2019 – H1 extension +H4 extension +H4EAD all filed together in premium @Nebraska Service centre
  • 04/05/2019 – H1 Approval received04/12/2019 – I got physical mail for Biometrics appointment
  • 04/24/2019 – Biometrics Appointment
  • June – Travelled to India and got H4 visa stamped through dropbox
  • Aug – Came back to the US and got RFE on H4 due to new I94. Submitted new stamped visa and I94 copy in response to RFE. As per my lawyer, although post getting visa stamped, we could even withdraw H4 application, however we kept it going as this could impact EAD application too.
  • 09/09/2019 – Raised Service Request as the processing timeline was beyond the timeline published by USCIS.
  • 09/12/2019 – EAD Status changed to Card being produced
    • H4/ EAD Approved in 170 Days after filing
    • H4 / EAD Approved in 141 days from Biometrics
  • 09/13/2019 – H4 approval

CSC  – H4 +EAD experience – Approved #105

Thanks to user ‘Mayapur‘  for sharing the experience in comment

  • 04/24/19 H1 +COS H4+EAD applied in PP at CSC
  • 05/07/19 Walked in early for Biometrics
  • 05/09/19 H1 approved
  • 07/10/19 Expedite request through Senator
  • 08/12/19 Expedite request denied via email to Senator, USCIS provided reasons saying that they could not identify a criteria (I guess I did not make the reason for expedition very clear or compelling in my cover letter)
  • 08/22/19 Fingerprints review completed (online status still showing “We received your case” for both H4 and EAD; this update was told by Customer Service)
  • 08/23/19 Expedite request again by calling USCIS, citing government interest and personal financial loss
  • 08/24/19 Received email with instruction to send documents
  • 08/28/19 Send documents via email, no response or update, spoke to Tier II Customer Service and was told to wait for up to 2 weeks
  • 09/14/19 Online status changed to “New Card is Being Produced” for EAD, and still showing “We received your Case ” for H4
    • H4/ EAD Approved in 143 Days after filing
    • H4 / EAD Approved in 130 days from Biometrics
  • Lesson: Not sure if expedite request helped, since I did not hear any response or update, and we’ve waited long enough. But if it did, I think using USCIS language in the cover letter and submitting clearly arranged documents were important.

Did you file for H4 Extension with the New I-539 Form? How was your experience? Share your experiences with the community by creating thread at User Experiences or post it as comment.  Share your comments, thoughts, tips.

You may also check out H4 EAD Rule Removal, Lawsuit Latest News, Updates 

   

Other Articles

4,515 Comments

  1. Hi,
    Here is our timeline

    Oct 1– H1(premium), H4 & EAD filed together
    Oct 7 – H1 Approved
    Oct 14 – Bio metrics completed
    Feb 20 – expedite request raised
    Feb 24 – expedite request denied with no documents asked
    March 30th – New card being produced
    March 31st – H4 approved

    It took 6 months for approval. Thanks for maintaining this forum.

    Reply
  2. How long is it taking for H4 EAD approval from California service center? I understand its case to case basis but an approximate time range would be helpful.
    We applied H1B (PP) H4 & EAD (renewal) together on Jan 16 2020
    H1B approved in a week.
    Biometrics completed on Feb 1st.
    H4 EAD Expiry date is June 2020
    Should we raise an expedite request if I don’t receive the approval by end of April or mid May?

    Reply
      • Hi Kumar,

        Scenario 1. My spouse applied for H1b extension in Dec 2019, his person got approved for just 6 months. My H4 and H4 EaD applications still pending At Vermont center – no result

        Scenario 2. Now feb 2020 my spouse did H1b transfer and got 2yrs extension Validity until 2022- my H4 and H4 EaD application pending at California center – no results yet

        My questions-
        1. Does my H4 and H4 EaD gets approved and validity captured based on my spouse latest validity or
        2. Validity based on each center or each H4 H4 EaD application?
        3. Does my both applications valid at both center or will it be replaced by my latest

        Kindly please answer, awaiting for your response

        Reply
        • H4 EAD wait,
          Well, as both are pending, very likely the second one would take precedence. It is hard to say with timing.
          You could potentially write a withdrawal letter to USCIS indicating to withdraw first one. Talk to your attorney, it can be difficult with timing of both.

          Reply
          • Thank you Kumar for prompt response. While processing the application do they take spouse h1b validity of latest cases or will approve based on old petition.

      • Thank you for the link. After reading some of the user comments regarding sending USCIS the “tear off portion” from a previously approved H4 EAD that will speed up the approval process, I too sent the “tear off portion ” to USCIS. Hopefully this will help with the quick approval. Will have to wait and see.

        Reply
  3. • Service Center: Nebraska
    • Receipt Date 14 Feb: H1 +H4+H4 EAD filed under Premium Processing.
    • H1 Approved: 20th Feb
    • H1 Approval Notice Arrival: 22nd Feb
    • H4 Biometric Appointment: 2nd Mar walk-in (Actual appointment was on 11th Mar).
    • H4 status changed to “FingerPrint Review Complete”: 3rd Mar
    • H4 EAD status “Case was received”.
    • H4 EAD Online status changed to “New Card is being produced” on 27th Mar
    • H4 status still “FingerPrint Review Complete”.
    • H4+H4 EAD status change “Case was approved”: 30th Mar.
    • H4 + H4 EAD Approved in 43days from filing.
    • H4 + H4 EAD Approved in 25 days from Biometrics.
    • These are the status changes seen on the application until today.
    • We are yet to receive H4/H4 EAD approval notices and card in mail.

    Reply
  4. Question – My H1B, H4 and H4EAD extension was filed together and my H1B got denied. My H1B was refiled recently as my old petition was valid and I moved back to old job and location after denial and was able to file my extension again. This time I just filed H1B and H4 extension. Question – Do my earlier H4EAD application is still valid as it shows status “case is received” or do i need to file new H4EAD application?

    Reply
    • SD,
      You may need to send the updated H1B case number to USCIS, otherwise they may give RFE or NOID. Talk to your attorney and figure out way to communicate the same.

      Reply
  5. Here is my timeline (H1B, H4 and H4 EAD filed together in premium processing):

    Service Center: Vermont
    Receipt Date for all the three: 02/13/2020
    H1B Approved on 02/19/2020
    H4 biometric request received on 02/24/2020
    Biometric completed on 02/26/2020
    H4 and H4 EAD approved on 03/17/2020 without any expedite request. The reason for the quick turn around could be I sent my application with Tear-Off portion I received with my last EAD Card (Important Information- Save This Notice, Use this tear-off portion to speed your application for an extension or replacement card).

    Thank you,
    Navisha

    Reply
    • As of today there is no Automatic extension for H4-EAD. We have created a petition to grant automatic extension for H4 EAD (c26) category. Please sign the below petition and share it with others http://chng.it/hzb2GHTHV8

      Reply
    • Hi, sharing my experience on H4 visa extension approval.
      H1B & H4 applied for premium processing- jan 8,2020
      H1B approved- Jan 16, 2020
      H4 Biometrics Finger printing done- Jan 27
      H4 extension approval status on uscis- March 31, 2020.

      ** H4 visas no longer fall under premium processing.**
      Good luck to all.

      Reply
  6. Dec 13: Filed H1b in premium + I-539 + I-765 at NSC
    Dec:20 – H1b approved
    Jan 10: fingerprint Done
    Mar 22: EAD Card and approvals received
    No Expedite Request

    Reply
  7. 7 Months (210 days) and still waiting…One of the most delayed cases..Vermont Service Center.

    Applied H1 +H4 + H4 EAD on 27th Aug 2019. H1 Approved in week. Finger Print done 18th Sept. Then waited for long time. Previous EAD expired in Dec. Raised Expedite for I765 on 24th Jan 2020, denied same day without asking for documents.
    Raised service request for I765 on 16th March 2020, it has been assigned to officer for review, but it has been again a week now. No update.

    Reply
    • Andy,
      Can be very frustrating, I can only imagine….stay positive…Also, this current situation with offices closed for USCIS can create more delays.

      Reply
      • Update- Service request raised on 3/16/2020 got completed on 3/26/2020. After 216 days, EAD case status is changed to “New Card Is Being Produced”, so I think its approved now.
        But the linked H4 Extension is not approved yet, so waiting.

        Question: In case if I receive the physical EAD card but H4 Still pending, would I be able to start work or both should be approved?

        Reply
        • Andy,
          Usually, if your EAD card is approved, it means that most of the cases H4 would get approved. So, you should be fine. Many users have faced the same situation…

          Reply
          • I have received the H4 Approval Notice as well and received the EAD card today.
            There is an Official Approval notice for I539 that should also arrive that contains I94, I do not get it yet and its not showing in USCIS Status Check.
            Any idea on how much time do they take for Official Approval Notice I539, it was approved on March 27, 2020

  8. Below is my timeline – Still waiting

    Receipt date for PP H1+ H4 – 21/Oct/19
    H4 EDA – 24/Oct/19
    H1 approved with in a week.
    Called USCIS on 13Mar20 and Expedited my case
    Request denied on 16Mar2020
    MY visa expires on 23mar2020.

    I am wondering, why some are getting approvals faster, and others are not even though their receipt dates are ahead.

    Any Idea?

    Reply
    • SK,
      There is no reason, some centers process faster, some do not…I wish we knew how USCIS works, there is no predictable pattern.

      Reply
  9. Wanted to share our timeline.

    Applied 6+ years H1B extension in premium. H4 anD H4 EAD extension was applied together with H1B.

    Receipt number: LINXXX
    Receipt date: 11/07/19
    H1B approved : 11/15/19
    Fingerprinting : 11/26/19
    H4 and EAD approved: 03/02/20
    H4 EAD card received: 03/07/20

    All as per normal process, no expedite request.

    Reply
  10. Hi,
    My wife and kid completed their biometric appointment last week. I see the status is updated to “Case Was Updated To Show Fingerprints Were Taken” for my wife but for my son the status is still “Case Was Received”. Is this normal? I was expecting both cases to have updated status.

    Reply
  11. Nsc -Receipt date November 25th ,Approved on March 18th 2020 .I raised Sr in January through senator but got denied .Thank you friends for all your updates .

    Reply
  12. Hi,

    We filed for my H1B extension along with H4/H4-EAD extension petitions for my wife. The receipt date was Oct 10 2019 and sent to VSC (Vermont), I got the H1B approved on Oct 16th and H4 approval on 02/27/2020. However we got an RFE the same day for the H4 EAD asking for 2 passport size photographs. We responded to the RFE by sending the photos and the case status now just shows “RFE response received”.

    Did anybody else get a similar RFE for H4-EAD or know how much longer I should be expecting to wait for my wife’s H4-EAD.

    Thanks,
    Karthik

    Reply
    • Karthik,
      I have seen few people get it. Do not worry, it can take few weeks..hard to say though with all the COVID-19 situation.

      Reply
  13. Hello Everyone,
    those who have filed or going to file H1/H4/H4EAD, i would like to share my experience.
    I filed all 3 together on Feb 3rd in regular processing. Below are the time lines:
    Receipt Date: 02/07
    Finger Print invitation letter received on 02/12
    Finger Print date: 02/25
    After giving finger print I updated my H1 to premium after waiting for a week.

    New receipt date after premium : 03/07.
    H1/H4/H4EAD all approved on 03/13.

    Reply
      • HI Kumar,
        My case for h4 extension status changed to fingerprints were taken last week, even though i didn’t give any, this time and not sure if this is by mistake, or did they consider previous one

        Reply
        • Hi Sudha,
          I also got the same update. I think they reused our previous biometrics. Please update here when your case gets approved.

          Reply
          • H4March2020,
            They have not published officially that they will re-use biometrics for H4 category, so I doubt it…

          • Hi Kumar,
            Uscis sent me a receipt notice, saying they are able to use my previous biometrics, just if it helps anyone

          • Sudha,
            That’s good to know. Thanks for sharing. There was some fine print on the website that said, they will re-use biometrics, if given already…

  14. Hello Everyone,

    Thanks Kumar for maintaining such a phenomenal forum. Kudos to you! Here’s my timeline:

    H1+H4+H4 EAD documents sent to California Service Center (CSC) –> September 13, 2019
    H1 approved after RFE –> November 26, 2019
    H4 bio metrics done –> September 24, 2019 (walked-in without appointment to save a few weeks)
    H4-EAD status changed to “New Card Being Produced.” –> February 20, 2020 (We didn’t raise any expedited request)
    H4 status changed to approved –> February 21, 2020
    H4-EAD received –> February 25, 2020 with incorrect DOB printed on the card

    *That’s when things got interesting for us*

    February 25, 2020 -> We double-checked I765 to make sure it wasn’t our mistake otherwise we’d have had to submit a new I765
    February 25, 2020 -> Raised an expedited request
    February 27, 2020 -> Expedited requested completed (I assume it means it was accepted)
    February 27, 2020 -> Overnight shipped all the documents to USCIS
    March 02, 2020 -> USCIS updated the status that they received the documents
    March 03, 2020 -> USCIS updated DOB and ordered a new card
    March 06, 2020 -> Corrected EAD was mailed
    March 09, 2020 -> Corrected EAD card was received in the mail

    We got the corrected EAD in 2 weeks as opposed to 30-45 days that it normally takes.

    Hope this helps!

    Reply
  15. Hello Kumar,

    I need help to decide effective date for H4 COS and H4 EAD applications. My spouse’s employer is filing for her H1-B (expires in Sept’20) extension this month and will apply for my H-4 COS and H-4 EAD concurrently. I would really appreciate your help with the following questions regarding H-4/H-4 EAD effective date – 

    1. Does it have to be after the effective date of her H1-B renewal (Sept’20)?

    2. My current H1–B is valid until March’22 and would like to continue working for the current employer on H4 EAD. Which effective date makes sense to make sure I do not have lapse in my employment authorization?

    3. My PERM is pending right now and I-140 will be filed in April’20 with premium processing. Does H-4 COS effective date affect it in any way?

    Thank you for your help in advance.

    Reply
    • A R,
      1. No such rule. It can be anyday
      2. Well, you should be fine, if you have valid h1B status. But, situation could be you get H4 COS done, but H4 EAD gets delayed, then you can get break as your status changes…this does not happen often, but a possibility.
      3. No, it should not.
      I would suggest you discuss with your attorney and then plan for all the possible situations

      Reply
  16. Hi Kumar and company,

    I am asking a question for my friend. Let’s say he applies for H1b, H4 and H4EAD in regular today, will he get biometric appointment letter only after the H1B is approved or will he get it within a couple of weeks? Please let me know.

    Reply
  17. Hi all,
    My H1 expires in Aug 30,2020. My company is planning to apply fot h1 renewal by April 1st. My wife is in india and planning to come back in May. Can she apply for h4 extension separately after coming back to usa even if h1 renewal is pending?

    Reply
  18. Hello, Kumar~

    Thanks a ton for maintaining this blog. It has really been helpful.

    Here is our saga:

    Nov 15: Filed H1B in premium + H4 + H4 EAD at NSC
    Sep:22 : H1B “Approved”
    Nov 25: Fingerprinting done (Appointment was give on Dec 2)
    Mar 02: EAD status changed to “New Card is being produced”
    Mar 03 : Both EAD and H4 status changed to “Case Was Approved”

    I have a couple of questions if someone can help.

    Reply
  19. Anyone facing delay with getting receipt confirmation for standalone H4 EAD applications ?
    My usps tracking shows delivered on Feb-24. but till now did not get email or text or mail confirmation. check also not showing drawn .
    Anyone facing same issue ?

    Reply
  20. Applied at California Service center

    Receipt Date: 29 July 2019
    Biometric Completed: 22 Aug 2019
    Case still shows status as ‘Case Received’
    My current EAD expires on May 2 2020 and I currently work in a Full time job. And I might loose my job if not approved before May 1 2020.

    I see ppl who have applied after August getting approvals. Any pointers on how i should proceed? Should i wait or raise any expedite request. I did raise a service request saying it is taking more than 7 months, but uscis quoted saying ‘Within processing time’ and disregarded the SR. Processing time still shows May 2019 and pretty much there’s no change at all.

    Note : Yes, I applied in premium processing along with my husband and His H1B was approved in a week in Aug 2019.

    Reply
      • Hi,

        Tried applying expedite request for I765. But it was denied. Also current H4 extension processing date is August 2019 whereas mine is July 2019. Raised an SR again as to why there’s a delay and no response yet.

        Do i have any other option other than raising SR or expedite request. Anyone else in the same boat for California Service center? I need to complete my I9 verification with employer in a couple of weeks. It is over 8 months and this is frustrating.

        Thanks

        Reply
  21. Hi Folks,

    Its been a tough few months anticipating for my wife’s H4-EAD approval. I wanted to share my timelines as soon as I saw a change in status just in case someone applied during that time. They might find this helpful:

    H1+H4+H4 EAD documents sent to California Service Center (CSC)–> September 23, 2019.
    Current H4+H1+H4-EAD expiry -> March 5 2020
    H1 approved–> October 3, 2019.
    H4 BioMetrics done–> October 15, 2019.
    Called USCIS and raised an expedite request–> February 14, 2020.
    Contacted senator to check status with USCIS –>~Feb 25, 2020.
    H4-EAD status changed to “New Card Being Produced.”–>March 2, 2020.
    H4 status is still unchanged. Yet to receive EAD.

    Reply
    • Hi,

      Under what pretext did you raise the expedite request? I’m planning to do one and not sure what documents to gather.

      Thanks

      Reply
      • Hi Priya,

        I was going to claim personal and company financial loss for what it’s worth. However, thankfully, it didn’t come to that. Before they could make a decision on our expedite request, they approved it – just in the nick of time.

        -MM

        Reply
        • Hi,

          Whats the procedure to contact Senator. Did you call them or raise any request in their site? If so, do we have to claim it as ‘Agency help’ ?

          Thanks

          Reply
  22. Hi All,

    I want to sincerely thank Kumar and others for contributing to this discussion. It was very helpful. My wife just got her EAD card today. Here’s the timeline:

    H1+H4+H4 EAD documents sent to California Service Center (CSC)–> October 25, 2019.
    H1 approved–> November 7, 2019.
    H4 bio metrics done–> November 19, 2019.
    Contacted senator with all documents–>~January 30, 2020.
    Called USCIS and raised an expedite request–> February 18, 2020.
    Senator’s office called us and said they had put in an expedite request and USCIS had told them that they’d get back to them in 30-45 days–> February 19, 2020.
    H4-EAD status changed to “New Card Being Produced.”–>February 20, 2020.
    H4 status changed to approved–> February 23, 2020.
    H4- EAD received–> February 27, 2020.

    Very thankful to the Senator’s office. They helped a lot. Also, USCIS guided us well on how to submit supporting documentation on the expedite request we raised on our own. We did this as I was not getting an answer from the Senator’s office on whether they put in a request or not prior to February 19.

    Reply
    • EAD Standalone Receipt date 11/13/2019
      card approed 02/28/2020
      NSC.
      No expediate request.

      Thanks a lot for all the people keep this comments going . it helps a lot.

      Reply
    • Can you please let me know what did you speak with Senator and what are all documents needed to be handy at that time. My receipt date is also Oct 25th and still pending. Also, do we need to contact the senator based on application service center location or my current residing location?

      Thank you so much in advance and congratulations on your EAD approval!!

      Reply
    • Hi Abhi,

      Thanks for your valuable information.

      Could you please guide me on what documents you used to contact and put in a request to the senator?

      I have applied for H4/EAD both applications in October and the case received at the California Center shows 27th October and bio metrics was completed on 4th Dec 2019.

      Reply
      • Hi,

        Yes, go to your senators website and fill out the release form. Sign the release form and send supporting documentation along with a cover letter. State in the cover letter that if you don’t get your ead and h4 in time, you’ll undergo financial harm and will not be able to drive. Supply all bank statements, mortgage documents, and other expenses. Also include a letter from your tax filing person how much you contribute to your family’s income.

        These are all the documents I supplied.

        Reply
  23. Hello,

    Does anybody have any experience with Typographic Error on the EAD card? USCIS incorrectly printed my Date of Birth on the card. I raised an e-Request last night and I got an auto-reply that USCIS will review the case and get back in 20 days. I also called USCIS helpline and they asked me to send my card back along with a letter explaining the issue and supporting documents that it was their fault.

    Does anybody know whether I should wait to hear back on my e-Request or should I just send all the documents to CSC right-away?

    It’s so frustrating that we had for 5 months to get it the EAD card and now have to deal with this.

    Appreciate your help.

    Thanks.

    Reply
    • CSC_Sep13,
      Sorry to hear…Well, it can take anywhere from 30 to 45 days to get the card. Do update the community once you get new card.

      Reply
    • H1B+H4+H4EAD filed on 01/23/2020; H1B with premium processing. Received my H4 Biometrics appointment letter on 02/14/2020; appointment date was on 02/25/2020. Biometrics given. Will keep you updated on any changes. Oh and also, it is Vermont Processing Center.

      Reply
    • H1B+H4+H4EAD filed on 01/23/2020; H1B with premium processing. I received my H4 Biometrics appointment letter on 02/14/2020 with appointment date of 02/25/2020. H1B approval was received on 02/25/2020 morning. Will keep you updated on any changes. Oh and also, it is Vermont Processing Center.

      Reply
  24. Hi,

    Anyone waiting on H4+ EAD renewal for Aug file date at CSC?

    Applied for H1 + H4 + EAD renewal on Aug 21st . H1 was approved in a week. However, we are still waiting on H4+EAD. I see few folks in Sep and Oct have received their approval. This is making me anxious

    Reply
    • CSC_Aug_pending,
      It can be very painful to wait…don’t worry, it is common. If the processing times are beyond normal processing time, raise a service request.

      Reply
      • On 03/09 the case status for i-539 i.e the H4 application was denied. This was quite bizarre that EAD was approved but H4 was denied.
        My suspicion is that it’s because my wife traveled to India in Dec and her i-94 changed as a result

        Reply
        • CSC_Aug_Pending,
          Very interesting….if your H4 was COS, then that is possible, but if it was extension, we have not seen anyone’s H4 being denied… Just double check with an attorney to be sure and do update here.

          Reply
          • Sure Kumar, I will update this thread as I get more information. Today the status for EAD changed to “Card Was Mailed To Me”. So it appears we will be getting our EAD after all.

            I’m not sure what the difference between COS and extension is. This was a H4 renewal application

          • CSC_Aug_Pending, COS is change of one status to other meaning from some other status like F1 or H1B to H4, whereas extension is H4 to H4 renewal or extension…
            That’s positive!

          • The lawyers have responded and they informed that the denial is because there is no longer a need for H-4 to be extended as it was automatically extended when my spouse traveled back to the country and this will not have any negative impact on future filings.

  25. We applied for extension for H1+H4+H4 ead with receipt date 12/23/2019. H1 was approved in 2 weeks. Went for biometrics scanning on 01/15/2020. My case status online still shows case was received. It dont show fingerprints were taken.

    Is that normal? Can i call to see why it is not showing it?

    Reply
    • Sasikumar,
      It does not reflect the fingerprints, it is quite normal, not to worry ! You can call, but online status are not really reliable..

      Reply
  26. Hi,

    i applied for F1 to H4 on Sep 13th 2019
    Bio metrics on Oct 09,2019
    Center California

    Not heard anything after that

    Has anyone got approval from California and is around the dates i have mentioned?

    Thank You

    Reply
  27. Hello All,

    Our H1(Preimium)+ H4 were Filed on November 14th and EAD on Dec 9th at the Nebraska center.

    Receipt Notice date is DEC 13th , I’m waiting on my H4 and EAD. Anyone who applied around their same time frame got their EAD card approved. I may loose my job soon and it worries me 🙁

    Thanks for all the above posts its really helpful or tracking

    Reply
    • Hi, I have a question, our h1 and h4 extension were filed on 8th of January 2020. and bio metrics is done on 2nd FEB 2020. Can I apply for H4 EAD now ? Since H1 or H4 is not approved yet, what are the documents I need to provide.
      TIA

      Reply
      • pooja,
        You can apply it anytime, you can submit receipt notices as proof of filing. One key thing, you may be asked for approval notice at later stage…

        Reply
    • Kumar, Thank you for maintaining the blog

      Here is an update H1+H4 applied on Novem 15th at California Service Center. H4 EAD applied on DEC9 at Nebraska service Center.

      25 FEB – raised expedite request through Senator but they dint consider
      3 March – raised Expedite request through USCIS. this blog had info how to dail in
      10 March – Case Status Changed to Request for additional Evidence

      Will keep you posted on next steps . thank you All.

      Reply
        • March 26: raised another service request as i had an emergency in the family.
          March 26: got an email saying your case is with an officer for review its their discrestion to accept or reject expidite
          March 27: Case status changed to expidite request rejected
          Can anyone help me understand, how many days i might get an approval if an officer is reviewing the case already . Did anyone faced similar situation. I had 3 expidite request rejected 1 for H4 and for 1 EAD.

          Reply
    • Hey! I was following you to see how/when your case is getting processed, but just want to let you know that my receipt was for Dec 27 at Nebr Center and my EAD and H4 got approved last week ( like in 2 months from the date of finger print) No additional request raised. Hopefully you got yours!

      Reply
      • March 16 raised another expidite request through USCIS but that dint go through as well.. I dint hear anything so far about the status . Thanks for updating your details

        Reply
  28. My H4 & H4 EAD Extension are approved on Feb 19th 2020 NSC. But both the cases are showing ‘Case Was Approved’ …. any idea when will I get the card.

    Reply
  29. Hi, Here’s the situation: My wife’s H4 extension and EAD filing date is 09/20/2019 and there has been no response from USCIS on that. However, my wife got her H4 stamped in India in late January. My wife has seen blogs suggesting to call USCIS when you have an approved H4 stamping and they would start working on H4 EAD right away. Has anyone else heard that?

    Reply
    • H4 September,
      I am not sure, if that is true. We have no data and none of our users has shared that info. You can try calling them and do update the community here.
      In general, some users did post that after they went to India, their H4 and EAD were approved…But, it has nothing to do with their travel though..

      Reply
    • Hi H4 September,

      I have also filed H4 extension and H4 EAD and I am about to do the H4 stamping in US consulate. Please share with me what USCIS says about your Wife’s H4 EAD When you call and tell them about her approved H4 Stamping. Thanks!

      Reply
  30. I have raised a ticket to USCIS that my case filing date crossed the processing date shown in USCIS website and later they assigned an officer for response. Today I see notifications that “we sent a response to your enquiry” and “the referral number was completed”. What does that mean? I see there is no change in my status. Please lighten up more details on this case of anyone familiar to this type. TIA

    Reply
  31. Hi Kumar,

    USCIS received my my wife H4 extension last month but we still did not receive any details about her biometric processing. I have seen people notifying here that they got biometric processing in 1 month of receipt date. I am not sure whats happening with my wife application. Does online case update saying that biometric appointment information has been mailed / does it just come via paper mail etc.? I want to make sure that I did not miss seeing the appointment information.

    Reply
    • Kumar, could you please help and share your insights.
      I also raised an expedite request but have not got any email for docs. Also the status has not changed to expedite request raised or anything like that.
      Any feedback would be helpful.

      Reply
        • Thanks for the details.
          I did get an email from USCIS that my case is already with an officer so they cannot take expedite request. They have informed the officer but it will be officer’s discretion.
          Has anyone faced similar situation? Any idea how long it might take in this scenario?

          Reply
          • CS,
            It is very common. Basically, it is already with an officer, it can take anywhere from a week to less than 30 days.

          • Received approval today.
            Thanks!

            Thanks for the details.
            I did get an email from USCIS that my case is already with an officer so they cannot take expedite request. They have informed the officer but it will be officer’s discretion.
            Has anyone faced similar situation? Any idea how long it might take in this scenario?

  32. Hi Kumar,
    I think i should start a new post. I accidentally put my original comment on others’ post.

    I can see some people get their H4 EAD card produced before their H4 extension get approved. I think H4 extension (i539)needs to be approved before H4 EAD card produced(i765)?

    My current H4 visa expiration date is 06/20/2020, I am thinking of going to US consulate overseas to get a new H4 visa before 06/20/2020 if i still have not get my H4 extension approved by then. I can go now in March or anytime between March to May. If I apply for new H4 visa earlier in March will it mean it can get my H4 EAD earlier compared to if i get it in May?

    Here is my case:
    Current H4 valid until 06/20/2020.
    Jan 17: Filed H1b + I-539 + I-765 at CSC
    Feb 5– H1b approved
    Feb 19- H1B i797 approval letter receipted. Valid date 6/20/2020 to 06/09/2023
    March 5- H4 Biometrics test rescheduled from Feb 10 to March 5

    Reply
    • Hi Kumar,
      Two more related questions. Thank you so much for you help!

      Q1My current EAD is filed on 01/17/20. I understand there is a long waiting time up to 8.5 months for it to be approved so I want to keep the EAD filing. And I wonder if I can still keep it even after I apply for a new H4 visa in March or do I need to file a new H4 EAD because I have a new H4? My understanding is that i don’t necessarily need to file a new H4 EAD in this case and the filing date of my H4 EAD will remain the same as 01/17/20 so as not to result in delay on the work authourisation.

      Q2 I prefer to go to us consulate to apply for H4 visa each time instead of filing an extension in US. If my spouse reallocates to other offices within the same company (different states) or if he changes employer after I get my 2nd H4 in March, do I need to apply for a 3rd H4 visa in US consulate? My understanding is his reallocation within the company or his change in employer will result in a new i797 receipt number and hence i need to apply for a new H4 visa . How about my pending H4 EAD application? Do I need to file a new H4 EAD because he has a new i797 receipt number? My understanding is that i don’t necessarily need to file a new EAD in this case either.

      Reply
      • Melody,
        Q1. your understanding is correct. You don’t have to file a new one again, if you prefer to keep the old one. The only thing is the dates may not be in sync.

        Q2. No need to file a H4 as long as it is valid and your Spouse has valid H1B. Usually, if there is an amendment or extension/ transfer petition filed for H1B, then employers file H4 as well to keep the dates in sync. So, technically you do not need to file H4 and H4 EAD everytime as long as they are valid and can use the same. Key is your spouse should have valid H1B

        Reply
        • Hi Kumar,

          In regard to your answer to Q2, do you mean that i can still keep my current H4 and H4 EAD application even if he changes employer when my 2 applications are still pending?

          Thank you!

          Reply
          • Hi Kumar,

            Thank you. But does it mean that my processing time for H4 extension and EAD will be longer if he changes employer?

            Two more questions seeking for your advice. Really appreciate if you can help!

            1.If I don’t apply for a new H4 visa in Canada in March but I still need to do international travel in October, can I reenter US by applying for a new h4 visa in October based on my spouse’s H1B extension approval letter (i797)
            2. Will my travel to overseas in October after my current visa valid date(06/20/2020) affect my current pending H4 extension and H4 EAD application?

  33. Our current extension expires on 04/13/2020 so we have applied for H1B + H4 extension at the same time in Nov’2019. H1B approved within one week for 3 years and H4 extension approved after 4 months but the dates on the H4 approval show as 04/14/2020 to 04/14/2020. We are contacting the attorneys but any idea why this happened?

    Thank you.

    Reply
    • Geet,
      It could be a mistake in printing. Call USICS as well and ask them regarding the mistake or error in the same. You maybe able to expedite it as well and get a new notice re-issued. Do update on what you find out here.

      Reply
  34. Thank you for sharing your experiences.

    Anyone on here who filed H4 EAD in August or September and has received a H4 EAD approval from Texas Service center?

    My filing is September 25 and have still not heard any update.

    Reply
    • Hi AJ
      The timelines for Texas shows they are processing Nov 1 2019. Did you send an email to your lawyer or to USCIS requesting for more information? Your case seems outside the processing time for Texas Service center.

      Reply
  35. NSC

    Oct 15 – H1(premium), H4 & EAD filed together
    Oct 19 – H1 Approved
    Nov 6th – Biometrics completed
    Feb 7th– New card being produced
    Feb8th – H4 approved
    Feb 14th – Card received, h4 received

    No SR raised

    Thanks for this forum admin and also the people who shares their experiences

    Reply
  36. Hi,

    I have been following this website from last 3 months. It was really helpful. I got my EAD card yesterday.

    Thank you for all of your updates and comments.

    Reply
  37. Hi All,
    I am planning to apply COS from H1 to H4 and apply for H4 EAD as well.
    Is there a way to continue in my current job without a break during this conversion process.

    If H4 & H4 EAD gets approved together then it works out for my case.
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Krishna,
      You technically hold H1B until your H4 is approved. Usually they are approved at the same time…I would suggest you double check with an attorney to be sure on the working part…Do update here after you speak to someone.

      Reply
  38. Hello Kumar,

    Thanks for maintaining this blog. It has really been helpful.
    Our story is:
    Sep 16: Filed H1b in premium + I-539 + I-765 at CSC
    Sep:24 – H1b approved
    Oct 10: fingerprinting done
    Jan 24: Raised expedited request for I-539 and I-765, USCIS asked for proof.
    Jan 25: Provided USCIS with a letter of financial loss from my wife’s company.
    Jan 31: USCIS updated page to show they got our email
    Feb 10: Expedite request denied
    Feb 13: I-765 status changed to new card being produced.

    One question, the I-539 page is still showing expedite request denied. Is this normal or is it just USCIS being slow.
    We also approached local congressman and senator’s office. Not sure whether they called or not.

    Reply
    • Aditya,
      Thanks for sharing !
      The online status can be very misleading…dont worry about it..just stay positive and wait for the card…Your congressman would have informed you, if the expedited or not…do update as you have the card here…

      Reply
      • Thanks Kumar.
        Indeed the status of I-539 changed today to being approved.
        The congressman’s office called yesterday to confirm that the EAD has been approved so it seems their intervention worked.
        Lets hope everyone gets their EADs in time!

        Reply
        • Aditya,
          That’s really good to hear it is approved. Yes, you should get EAD in time as one is approve now…Fingers crossed, do update here once you get the card.

          Reply
        • Hi Kumar,

          I can see some people get their H4 EAD card produced before their H4 extension get approved. I think H4 extension (i539)needs to be approved before H4 EAD card produced(i765)?

          My current H4 visa expiration date is 06/20/2020, I am thinking of going to US consulate overseas to get a new H4 visa before 06/20/2020 if i still have not get my H4 extension approved by then. I can go now in March or anytime between March to May. If I apply for new H4 visa earlier in March will it mean it can get my H4 EAD earlier compared to if i get it in May?

          Here is my case:
          Current H4 valid until 06/20/2020.
          Jan 17: Filed H1b + I-539 + I-765 at CSC
          Feb 5– H1b approved
          Feb 19- H1B i797 approval letter receipted. Valid date 6/20/2020 to 06/09/2023
          March 5- H4 Biometrics test rescheduled from Feb 10 to March 5

          Reply
          • Melody,
            It is very hard to say, you going out and coming will speed it up. It is going to be a nervous wait for the next few months…You can try walking to any of the center and give it. No need to wait…try to do it soon, instead of waiting, you maybe be able to gain some time there…
            In general, both are supposed to be done at the same time, it is probably logistics delays with mailing card, etc. Not sure, why though…

  39. Hi All,

    Can someone please tell me what option to pick after calling USCIS (1-800-375-5283) to make an expedite request for a pending H-4 and H-4 EAD case? I could not find an option for case expedite request. Does one have to pick infopass? Please let me know.

    Reply
  40. Hello Everyone,
    Thanks for all the wonderful posts.
    My wife still does not have EAD, my I140 is approved very recently.
    Now I have to apply for her extension and EAD.
    Do you suggest us to do both at some time? Does this make difference?
    Thanks in advance.

    Reply

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