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Last Updated On: April 8, 2024 | Published On: February 25, 2015
Starting May 26, 2015, qualifying H-4 dependent spouses of H1B holders will be able to receive employment authorization documents (EADs) in conjunction with President Obama’s Immigration Action announced last year. In this post, we’ll explore the H4 EAD eligibility criteria as well as the process in-depth.
The aforementioned extension was briefly covered in the President’s Action announced in November of 2014 but no official details had been made available until today. In total, nearly 179,000 individuals may be impacted by this new regulation.
According to USCIS Director León Rodríguez, extending the eligibility for H4 EAD “helps U.S. businesses keep their highly skilled workers by increasing the chances these workers will choose to stay in this country during the transition from temporary workers to permanent residents.” Moreover, Rodriguez emphasized factor contributing to the country’s economic stability and overall quality of life for affected individuals and families. We’ve compiled the H4 EAD update rules below. Consult an immigration attorney to double check your eligibility.
Just because you are an H4 visa holder does not mean you’ll automatically be eligible for the employment authorization cards. In order to be eligible, you must meet the below criteria.
EAD for H4 Eligibility
Otherwise,
While details are still being revealed by USCIS, we can say that over 179,000 H4 visa holders will likely be eligible for permits and an additional 55,000 annually after that. We’ll continue to post articles on H4 EAD update as more information becomes available.
In order to file, fill out Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization in addition to the necessary supporting evidence. There is also a $380 filing fee. Once you’re granted an approval, the card will be issued within a 90-day window. In most cases, approved individuals will receive their EAD for H4 authorization card by August 26.
Recap of Required Documents
For further clarification regarding the types of documents needed or any other information pertaining to H4 EAD eligibility criteria, it’s best to contact VisaNation Law Group’s Fort Lauderdale immigration lawyers directly.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and many political leaders believe this long-sought change will have positive effects on the economy as well as the personal stresses experienced by H-1B families. It will also facilitate a more seamless integration into society. What’s more, the EAD for H4 changes will support our domestic economy by encouraging jobs and entrepreneurship.
It is estimated that this new change will enable approximately 97,000 H4 visa holders to obtain their employment authorization documents and discourage H1B holders from abandoning their pending green card or permanent resident applications because their H4 spouses can not legally work.
Apart from the positive economic implications which we’ve mentioned there are a number of advantages to the H4 visa EAD including:
Have additional questions regarding the advantages, disadvantages or H4 EAD eligibility criteria and its process? Schedule your consultation today.
VisaNation Law Group's H1B lawyers can help you file the appropriate EAD forms and ensure you provide all the necessary evidence for approval. They'll carefully explain the H4 EAD eligibility criteria and process required to receive an H4 EAD. With years of experience handling H-1B cases, we have the knowledge and expertise to handle nearly any situation.
Tags: H-4