Frequently Asked Questions - H-4 EAD
- Does withdrawing a timely filed application/petition with the USCIS lead to unlawful presence?
- Effect of H-1B Approval on H-4 EAD
- What to Expect from H-4 EAD Revocation
- Traveling While H-4 and EAD is Pending
- Is H-4 EAD Tied to an Employer of H-1 Holder or to an I-140?
- Traveling Abroad While H-4 EAD is Pending
- H-4 EAD Based Upon Prior Employers
- Can An Employee Withdraw An H-1B Petition?
- H-1B and Green Card Transfer From a Non-Profit Organization to For-Profit
- H-4 EAD Termination and Converting to H-1B
- Can I Get H-4 Visa Stamping While the H-1 to H-4 Change of Status is Still Pending?
- H-4 EAD and H-1B Extensions Rules Change
- Revocation Of H-4 EAD Rules
- Erroneously Given Longer Duration On H-1B Than Eligible
- Doing Business on H-4 EAD
- Status of H-4 EAD Litigation/Suit
- Transfer from H-1 (with I-140 approved) to H-4 EAD
- Query Regarding Impact on H-4 EAD During Job Change
- Regarding Impact On H-4 EAD During Job Change
- Changing employers after I-140 approval; impact on H-1, green card, H-4 EAD, etc.
- Extending H-1/H-4EAD; working while extension pending
- Activities permitted under H-4 EAD
- H-4 EAD Status When Moved to Different Employer
- Travel while H-4 EAD is pending
- Can a revoked I-140 help for H-4 EAD?
- Consequences of I-140 revocation
- Do jobs have to be same or similar when I port my priority date?
- H-4 EAD changing back to H-1
- Changing employers after 6 years of H-1 are over
- "Retroactive" effect of the new regulations; would H-4 EAD remain valid if I-140 is withdrawn
- Revoke H-4 EAD Regulation
- Will H-4 EAD Rule be revoked?
- When is an H-1B amendment required?
- Converting from another work status (such as H-1) to H-4 EAD
- H-4 EAD Employer Change
- Does H-4 EAD have to be applied again if H-1 changes jobs?
- H-4 and EAD
- The Proposed I-140 EAD Rule - FAQ's
- Pros and cons of H-4 EAD
- H4 - EAD validation if H-1B holder moved to another company
- Applying for H-4 EAD while H-4 is pending
- H-4 Visa Approval
- Application for H-4 EAD
- H-4 EAD filing based upon I-140
- Filing I-765 while the I-539 is pending
- Can I travel while my H-4 EAD is pending?
- H-4 EAD Expediting Possible?
- H-4 EAD - Documents needed; name issues; processing times, etc.
- H-4 EAD - Converting from H-1 to H-4 EAD - good idea or not?
- H-4 EAD filing while H-1 extension is pending
- H-4 EAD Filing
Does withdrawing a timely filed application/petition with the USCIS lead to unlawful presence?
1. Can I just withdraw the whole petition? and go out of the country and travel back on H4
2. Will withdrawing the "Extension+Amendment" petition without responding to the RFE make my presence UNLawful for the last 11 months. (I-94 Expired Dec 2018 last year) because I worked on the client on their new address without an approved amendment?
Effect of H-1B Approval on H-4 EAD
My wife currently working on H4 EAD which is valid till October 2020. Her company filed for H1B this year and she got approval for 3 years starting 10/01/2019.
However, She would like to stay on H4 EAD. Does law permits her to work on H4EAD even after her H1B approved? or naturally her work visa status will convert to H1B effecting 10/01/2019?
Watch the Video on this FAQ: Effect of H-1B approval on H-4 EAD
Video Transcript:
What to Expect from H-4 EAD Revocation
I am on H4 EAD working in a full time job .Now as their are news coming to revoke H4 EAD, if the H4 EAD rule revokes, what might be the other options for me to continue my job? If I join masters, will I get the CPT if I change to F1 visa in the final semester. Is it valid like that?
Traveling While H-4 and EAD is Pending
Wife's H4 change of status application (I-539) and EAD (I-765) filed concurrently and in process. Can she travel outside country, get H4 visa stamping done and reapply separate EAD (I-765) again?
Is H-4 EAD Tied to an Employer of H-1 Holder or to an I-140?
I had an approved i140 from employer A for over a year. And my wife has her H4 and EAD approved recently (employer A).
In between, I switched to a new employer B and they have filed her H4 and EAD together with my H1b application. Currently her H4 & EAD is pending from employer B, but my H1b from employer B is approved. my i140 with employer B is not started yet but previous employer i140 was approved for more than 180 days. In this scneario, can the H4EAD approved with my previous employer A's i140 can still be used/valid?
Traveling Abroad While H-4 EAD is Pending
I changed my job from company A to Company B. H1,H4,H4 EAD is approved for company A. I moved to company B and my H1 change of employer is approved. While H4 is pending with company B. Can my wife travel to India and apply for H4 visa stamping in India?
H-4 EAD Based Upon Prior Employers
I am currently working with employer A on H-1B visa with I-140 approved for over 180 days. My wife is on F-1 EAD. I am planning to move her visa status from F-1 to H-4 EAD AFTER I join Employer B next month based on my approved I-140 from my employer A.
My questions are:
1. Once I join employer B, will I be able to apply for my wife's H4 EAD based on approved I140 which I have from employer A? Can I apply both visa status change (F1 to H4) and application for H4 EAD concurrently?
2. In other words, will changing my employer impact my wife's eligibility to get H-4 EAD based on my approved I-140 from previous employer?
3. Can I change multiple employer based on I-140 approved from employer A? If yes, what if employer B has already started green card process (PERM)?
4. If I get I-140 approved from employer B also then what will happen to I-140 approved with employer A?
Can An Employee Withdraw An H-1B Petition?
I'm working on H-4 EAD with company A. Company B filed for H-1B for this year and it was picked in lottery but no decision made yet, now I don't want H-1B and asked company B to withdraw the H-1B and he agreed to it and shared the H-1B withdrawal letter along with the I-129C notice. Just to make sure that the petition is withdrawn without any issues, can I also post the same letter again to USCIS with company's from address on it?
H-1B and Green Card Transfer From a Non-Profit Organization to For-Profit
I am currently working for a Non-profit org on a cap-exempt H-1B. and my company initiated my GC processing. Below are the few questions:
1. Is the GC processing any different thru a non-profit from a for-profit organization? meaning, is it any advantageous to process my GC thru a non-profit?
2. Can my I-140 from a non-profit be transferred to a for-profit org, if I was able to move to a for-profit org?
3. What are the possible ways that I could move to work for a for -profit organizations? From your previous calls and thru my research I found out below few ways that I could to that. Please give your inputs
a. Finding a profit employer to file my cap-subject H1 (Can I start working for my new employer as soon as my H1b is picked in the lottery or approved, instead of waiting till Oct 1st?)
b. If a new employer sponsor my cap-subject H1 and if I dont move to the new employer, will my current cap-exempt H1 be still active and should I have to go under the cap next time I file a Cap-subject H1
c.applying for concurrent H1b
d. Moving on to H4EAD and filing a H1b next April
e.Joining a Masters CPT college and filing a Cap-subject H-1B next year
Video Transcript
1. The answer is No. There is no advantage in going through for-profit or non-profit that's just irrelevant.
H-4 EAD Termination and Converting to H-1B
I was on H1 before completed all 6 years on it and converted to H4 and working on H4 EAD now. With latest court update, USCIS may decide to end H4 EAD program or stop new applications in next few months( we still do not know the final outcome). My EAD expires in November 2018 which leaves me no option of applying renewal before May 2018 ( 180 days clock). If this EAD goes away will I be able to file fresh H1 in April 2019 ? If in next couple of months, my spouse decides to switch Job based on his approved I-140 then my H4 will also need to transfer/extend. At the same time, will I able to extend my EAD at that time or I still have to wait to fall under 180 days expiry clock based on my current November 2018 EAD expiration date.
Can I Get H-4 Visa Stamping While the H-1 to H-4 Change of Status is Still Pending?
H1 to H4 COS pending from Jul 14 2017. I94 expired Nov 2nd. H4 to B2 applied on Oct 31 2017 as per our attorneys suggestion due to some delay with spouses visa. Spouse's H1 is now approved. I would like to get my H4 as soon as possible and apply for H4 EAD. Can I go to Canada/ any close by country and get my H4 stamping done while the petitions are pending or wait till H4 is approved? or going to India is my only option
H-4 EAD and H-1B Extensions Rules Change
1. I have completed 6.9 years on L1A and move to H4-EAD based on my wife’s approve I-140. Now H4 EAD may go away. What option do I have to stay here and continue working (even after gap of a few months if needed) or I need to go out of US for at least 1 year and come back?
2. I have already completed my 6.9 years. Can company apply H1B for me in April 2018 and I can come back to US after spending 1 year outside. I believe H1B can be applied only 6 months prior to joining that job. But I can’t start working from Oct 1st as I already completed 7 years without pending GC labor/ I-140. In that case I can apply H1B only in April 2019 and start working from October 2019?
Watch the Video on this FAQ: H-4 EAD rules change and H-1B extensions rules change
Video Transcript
1. What you could try doing is have your green card started and you can use that to extend your H-1.
Revocation Of H-4 EAD Rules
I have recently heard lot of news about the H4 EAD will be removed and DHS are planning to decide on it after Dec 31st 2017. How much of this is true?
Watch the Video on this FAQ: Revocation of H-4 EAD rules
Video Transcript
Erroneously Given Longer Duration On H-1B Than Eligible
I'm completing 6 years on H1B on 14-Jan-2018 and I have a visa stamped with the same date from my previous employer on my passport. When I changed job on 24-Jan-2017 I received an approved I-797 with an expiry date of 14-Mar-2019. I'm not sure if there was an error from the employer or attorney while filing or while approving the application. Now I have an approved I-797 with an additional year which would mean 7 years on H1B at a stretch. I'm planning to visit India with my wife (on H4 visa) next month for a couple of weeks and return back before the visa expires on my passport. Also, I'm thinking of not getting the new visa stamped on my passport and just show the approved I-797 to the officer while entering the US. Do you see any problem or issues if I do this?
Watch the Video on this FAQ: Erroneously given longer duration on H-1B than eligible
Video Transcript
You are not allowed to take advantage of USCIS errors. More...
Doing Business on H-4 EAD
I am on H-1B and my spouse is on H-4 EAD. She got her EAD last year. She would like to do online business where she will sell items online on eCommerce website like ebay, amazon, etsy. These items will be shipped from India. I would like to know if she can do such online business where the items are going to be shipped from India.
Watch the Video on this FAQ: Doing business on H-4 EAD
Video Transcript
Of course on H-4 EAD, she can do anything she likes, she can do online business, sell items on ebay amazon no problem at all. These items shipped from India is perfectly fine.
Status of H-4 EAD Litigation/Suit
My question is about the latest news regarding H4-EAD. I understand that DHS has asked for abeyance until 30 Dec, 2017. USCIS and DHS is evaluating the H4- EAD rule in accordance with the Presidential "Buy American, Hire American" policy. DHS will refocus its review of the H4 rule to ensure that it meets the newly announced priorities and to decide whether to undertake a new rule making concerning the H4 rule and comply with the Presidents Order.
Please find this note requesting you to explain in layman terms what this could mean for the H4-EAD holders.
Watch the Video on this FAQ: Status of H-4 EAD litigation/suit
Video Transcript:
Right now, according to the government, this lawsuit pertains to regulations that may not be relevant because the government may decide to overrule these regulations with some new regulations.
Transfer from H-1 (with I-140 approved) to H-4 EAD
I have approved I-140 with company A and my wife has her I-140 approved or over 2 years. I'm planning to move to H4 EAD. Can I file for H4 and H4 EAD concurrently? What would happen to my earlier I-140 and also to the GC process if I am on H4?
You can most definitely file H-4 and EAD together. Your green card process can continue even though you have changed your status.
Query Regarding Impact on H-4 EAD During Job Change
1. If I have my I-140 Approved and its been more than 180 Days after approval then I believe that even if I change the employer the I-140 does not gets revoked and it still stays valid. I can continue to extend my H1B with my old I-140. Is my understanding correct?
2. If suppose I have applied for my H4 dependents EAD while I am in my first company and both of us are working. Now it's been 180 days after my I-140 got approved and I switch my employer. In this case does my dependents EAD get's affected in any way?
3. Now assuming that answer to first question is Yes, but I believe that in-order to apply for GC my new employer has to file my PERM and I-140 again. If that happens will my dependents EAD gets affected in any way until the new I-140 gets approved?
1. The essence of your understanding is correct. You are safe against revocation.
2.
Regarding Impact On H-4 EAD During Job Change
1. If I have my I-140 Approved and its been more than 180 Days after approval then I believe that even if I change the employer the I-140 does not gets revoked and it still stays valid. I can continue to extend my H1B with my old I-140. Is my understanding correct?
2. If suppose I have applied for my H4 dependents EAD while I am in my first company and both of us are working. Now it's been 180 days after my I-140 got approved and I switch my employer. In this case does my dependents EAD get's affected in any way?
3. Now assuming that answer to the first question is Yes, but I believe that in order to apply for GC my new employer has to file my PERM and I-140 again. If that happens will my dependents EAD gets affected in any way until the new I-140 gets approved?
1. The essence of your understanding is correct. You are safe against revocation.
2. No effect on H-4 EAD of H-1 change of jobs, as long as the H-1 holder maintains status.
3. Again, no effect on H-4 EAD if your new green card is filed.
Changing employers after I-140 approval; impact on H-1, green card, H-4 EAD, etc.
Planning to change my employer. Priority Date: Sept 2014 (EB2). H1: on my 5th Year (Filed for an extension it is currently in process). My plan is to change my employer once my extension is approved but I have the following questions. I am 100% sure my employer is going to withdraw my I-140. How is my H1 transfer going to work?
Extending H-1/H-4EAD; working while extension pending
I am on H1 Visa, my H1, wife's H4 and H4 EAD expires on 7/18/2017. I will be completing my 6 years by 7/18/2017. My I-140 is approved. I have a question
1. Should I file for H4 EAD extension along with my H1 and H4 extension
2. Can my spouse (H4-EAD) work while her extension in progress?
Watch the Video on this FAQ: Extending H-1/H-4EAD; working while extension pending
Video Transcript
1. Yes, you should.
2. No. Once the current H-4 expires and EAD expires and you are waiting for the new EAD to arrive she has to stop working. More...
Activities permitted under H-4 EAD
1. Can an H-4 EAD person open a small business like ice cream shop as part time?
2. Also can h1b spouse support the maintenance of the business without taking any remuneration. Is it legal and allowed?
Watch the Video for this FAQ: Activities permitted under H-4 EAD
Video Transcript
1. With a H-4 EAD, you can do anything you like. You can work, you can choose not work, you can start your own business, you can work three hours a day, you can work ten hours a day, you can work eighteen hours a day.
H-4 EAD Status When Moved to Different Employer
1. I have approved I-140 with company A and my wife got H-4 EAD. I am planning to move to company B. Can my current employer (Company A) revoke I-140? (I-140 has been approved for more than 6 months). If he can't revoke I-140, can my wife work on the H-4 EAD that she got based on company A's I-140?
2. If my H-1 and my wife's H-4 transferred to Company B, do I need to apply for new H-4 EAD or can she continue working on H-4 EAD from company A (that H-4 EAD still has validity)?
1. The employer can revoke, but, USCIS says, after 180 days they will not revoke the H-4 EAD.
2. You will not need to change the H-4 EAD upon moving to any number of companies, as long as you maintain your H-1 status.
Travel while H-4 EAD is pending
Can my wife travel to India and then back to the USA for a period of 12 days while her H4 EAD application is pending? Based on current estimates of processing times we do not estimate that her H4 EAD will come before the first week of July. We will be back to the USA in the first week of May.
Watch the Video on this FAQ: Travel while H-4 EAD is pending
Video Transcript
Can a revoked I-140 help for H-4 EAD?
Do we have any more clarity whether the revoked I-140 can also be used to apply for new H-4 EAD? My I-140 was approved in 2015 but I recently changed job (after Jan 18) and was looking to apply for my wife's H4 EAD based on old I-140.
Watch the Video on this FAQ: Can a revoked I-140 help for H-4 EAD?
Video Transcript
Consequences of I-140 revocation
1. Consequences if revoked (I-140) within 180 days. Benefits, if unrevoked(I-140) for 180 days and end date at work still be May 15th (or, should I ask my employer to EXTEND my end date until end-of-June so I complete my 180 days of I-140).
2. How question (1) above will impact H4-EAD which is under processing. if approved before May-15th H4-EAD is still valid and can be used ?
3. Does it mean after May-15th (last day at work) I have 60 days grace period to look for a new employer who sponsors my H1-B?
Watch the Video on this FAQ: Consequences of I-140 revocation
Video Transcript
1. If I-140 is revoked within 180 days of its approval you only get to keep your Priority Date. You do not get to keep your right to extend your H-1.
Do jobs have to be same or similar when I port my priority date?
1. I'm on H-1 visa and on my 8 th year …visa is getting extended based on I-140 approved. I'm getting an offer to join different company end client(currently I'm with the consulting company) designation not decided yet. In my current employer, I am manager and wondering if I get a different position in other company like Director or solution architect or Sr Manager…and if I join that company what effect that will make on my current approved I 140 or GC process. Is this safe to jump? I heard job category needs to be same or similar in various forums for PERM but I don't have clarity or understanding what that rule is and….how that thing impact my situation.
2. I have not filed I-485 yet since my priority date is back in 2013 in EB2. Also, my wife has H-4 EAD does that impact as well?
H-4 EAD changing back to H-1
1. Had H-1B petition approved in 2015 through consular processing while residing outside the USA? But did not get stamped for H-1 but came to the USA on H4 visa. Currently working as an employee on H-4-EAD. Can I change my status to H-1B from H-4, If Yes - Will it be treated outside H-1B Cap?
2. Do I have to leave the country and get stamped and re-enter with H-1B status?
3. Will I get a new I-94 with latest 1 yr or 3 yrs approval?
4. How many days will the process take to change status?
5. Can I continue working while the COS is in progress or pending with USICS as I would like to continue working without a break? Also, do I have to go back to the same petitioner who applied for H-1B visa or can I transfer it to a different employer?
Watch the Video on this FAQ: H-4 EAD changing back to H-1
Video Transcript
Changing employers after 6 years of H-1 are over
1. With my approved I-140 from Company B can Company C use that to file my extension for 3 years. I have a copy of approved I-140. Is it safe to change companies in the 6th year.
2. Using the approved I-140, I have filed H4-EAD for my spouse in Feb 2017 and is yet to receive the EAD approval. If I get it will be only valid till Nov 2017 based on current I-797 validity. So, if H1-B is approved for Company C, can I file extension of H4-EAD 120 days before validity based on that approval. If EAD is provided, it is going to expire on Nov 2017 based on the H1-B's current I-797.
"Retroactive" effect of the new regulations; would H-4 EAD remain valid if I-140 is withdrawn
My I-140 got approved in Oct 2016, after this rule is passed do I have to wait for 180 days after Jan 17 or will it be applied from Oct 2016 itself?
Revoke H-4 EAD Regulation
If Trump administration tries to revoke H-4 EAD through rulemaking /congressional Act, is there some way for the H-4 community to fight for it in the court to retain the H-4 EAD? What are the least possible ways to fight for it?
Watch the Video on this FAQ: Revoke H-4 EAD regulation
Will H-4 EAD Rule be revoked?
1) Is it true H-4 EAD rule will be revoked by the government?
2) My H-1B visa is going to expire in 14-Jan-2018 and if my employer submits my PERM application in the month of June (i.e. before 6 months of my current 6 years of H-1B visa duration).
a) If my PERM is not approved before my current H-1B visa expires. Can I change to H-4 EAD at that time?
b) If my PERM approved after change to H-4 EAD, Can I change back to H-1B?
c) Is it possible to convert from H-1 to H-4 EAD without taking a break in employment?
d) If my PERM gets approved after my current H-1B expires can my employer file for H-1B extension?
3) I would like to move to H-4 EAD but I would like to come back to H-1B anytime in future, in that situation what is the best status for H-1B?
4) If I apply for new H-1B is it comes under H-1 quota (After 6 years completes.)?
Watch Video on this FAQ: Will H-4 EAD Rule be revoked?
Video Transcript:
1. I don't think it will be revoked.
When is an H-1B amendment required?
I am on H-1B visa and my 9th year H-1B approval will expire on 09/01/2017. This approval is when I was working at client A and from 09/19/2016 , I am working at client B but my employer checked with Lawyer and she is saying no need to file amendment as it is in same MSA. Is that ok? and my wife she on H-4 with EAD she wants to travel to india and She has to go for stamping so since my H-1B amendment is not filed do you see any issues for her H-4 stamping ? Is it safe to travel ?
Watch Video on this FAQ: When is an H-1B amendment required?
Video Transcript:
Converting from another work status (such as H-1) to H-4 EAD
My spouse is currently working on F-1 OPT or H-1 status. How can he/she change to H-4 status and obtain H-4 EAD without a gap in the ability to work?
We have received several requests about how to ensure there are no gaps in a spouse’s ability to work when converting from another work status (such as H-1) to H-4 EAD.
H-4 EAD Employer Change
I have an approved I-140 with PD 2013. My wife works on H-4 EAD based on my I-140. If I join another company with my I-140(say I get H-1, my wife's H-4 and EAD for 3 years), Would it be fine if she continues to work on that EAD even if my I-140 gets revoked/withdrawn after H-1 approval.
USCIS has said if an I-140 is revoked, they reserve the right to revoke the H-4 EAD. So far, they have not been revoking.
Does H-4 EAD have to be applied again if H-1 changes jobs?
I am currently on H-1B(Valid till Sep 2018) with approved I-140 for Company A and spouse has H-4 EAD (valid till Sep 2018). My question is, if I switch my job to a company B. Can my spouse continue working with the current H-4 EAD (which is valid till sep 2018)?Will it cause any issue during next H-4/EAD extension?
H-4 and EAD
My wife has H-4 plus EAD. If my job details changes, will my wife's EAD will be affected?
As long as appropriate H-1 amendments are filed and you maintain status, the change in your job description has no effect on the H-4 EAD.
Question 1: Redo the PERM or just the I-140. If redoing the PERM again then what's new in this regulation?
Answer: After 180 days, you can extend H-1 even if 140 is withdrawn.
Question 2: It seems that there is no easy provision for EAD/AP for approved 140 applicants. So is there any point in waiting for this rule or Should I consider Visa stamping is only option for traveling outside US? Please suggest as I waited for a year or long thought they are going to give AP.
Pros and cons of H-4 EAD
My wife is on H-1B and became aware of her project end dates. We are currently evaluating the options of H-4 EAD.
See clip from Attorney Rajiv S. Khanna's conference call video that addresses this question.
H4 - EAD validation if H-1B holder moved to another company
I have a question on EAD validity for the below scenario.
H-1B holder got I140 with Employer A and applied EAD for H-4. H-4 is valid until MM-DD-YYYY 10-29-2018. Now H-1B holder moved to Another Employer B, then at this point he doesn't have Approved I-140. Will EAD which received using Employer A valid until MM-DD-YYYY 10-29-2018? I knew for renewal of current EAD after 10-29-2018, we need approved I-140, but not sure exiting EAD is valid until 10-29-2018 if H-1B holder moved to Employer B.
USCIS has said that revocation of I-140 does not automatically invalidate an approved H-4 EAD, but they reserve the right to revoke such an EAD.
Applying for H-4 EAD while H-4 is pending
I am on H-4 visa and my husband is on H-1 visa since 2008. We have an approved I-140 and have applied for a three year extension on the basis of approved I-140 on May 8, 2015, but we have not got any confirmation from USCIS yet, so my concern is that can I apply for a H-4 EAD before our visa extension is approved.
See clip from Attorney Rajiv S. Khanna's conference call video that addresses this question.
H-4 Visa Approval
I received my H-1 approval & other documents yesterday. I am worried because the I-129 document I received yesterday states no dependents are filed with my petition (Page 4, Part 4). I had sent all my spouse details/ marriage certificate etc. while attaching supporting documents in March. What is the process for H4 visa approval as my spouse would be accompanying me.
H-4 visas do NOT require a USCIS approval for a spouse who is going to the consulate for visa stamping.
Application for H-4 EAD
FAQ 1. I am presently in Canada on a work permit and want to apply for H-4 EAD. My husband has a valid H-1 and an approved green card application . So we are eligible for applying. My question is that can I visit US for 2-3 days, mail my application and then leave the country? Do I need to be in the US when the USICS receives my application? Or I can immediately leave after mailing the application?
FAQ 2. My spouse's PERM approved & his employer is still gathering required documents to file I-140. It is still within 180 days limit. Can I apply for H-4 EAD with my spouse approved PERM copy and other documents required ( eligible under beyond 6 years extension of H-1 & PERM pending 365 days) ? Or do I have to wait until his I-140 filed ?
Answer 1: Unless you are already on H-4, you cannot leave while the change of status request is pending.
Answer 2: I think you will need the I-140 APPROVAL, not just receipt (or 7+ year H-1 extension).
H-4 EAD filing based upon I-140
My husband got his I-140 approved from his previous employer. Then he changed his employer and has filed his LC which has NOT been approved yet. His previous employer has WITHDRAWN the I-140.He is in his 11th year of H-1. Couple of questions.
1) Can I file for H-4 EAD?
2) My husband currently has no I-140 approved. While checking my application, will they look into his application and cause any issues to his present H-1 extension?
See clip from Attorney Rajiv S. Khanna's conference call video that addresses this question.
https://youtu.be/8N82R3qAiJo?t=569
FAQ Transcript:
Filing I-765 while the I-539 is pending
I have a question about the H4 EAD. The USCIS states, "You may file Form I-765 with Form I-539, Application to Extend/ Change Nonimmigrant Status. However, USCIS will not process Form I-765 (except filing fees), until after USCIS has adjudicated Form I-539".
In our case, my spouse's employer will be filing for our extension (I-539) but are not willing to file the I-765, as it is a new process. I was wondering if I need to wait to receive the approval before filing the I-765 or if it would be fine for us to file the same once we receive an acknowledgement.
See clip from Attorney Rajiv S. Khanna's conference call video that addresses this question.
https://youtu.be/8N82R3qAiJo?t=382
FAQ Transcript:
Can I travel while my H-4 EAD is pending?
First of all thank you for all your blogs and videos on immigration. They are very informative and knowledgeable. I follow your views and suggestions on all my immigration work. I also recommend your suggestions to lot of my friends and colleagues. I appreciate your help towards the community.
I have a situation:
I am in my 3rd year of my H-1B status, my I-140 is approved and need to file for my spouse H-4EAD on May 26, but she needs to travel to India for family reasons in August this year.
Questions:
1) Will that be a Ok for her to travel to India while her H-4 EAD petition is pending?
2) How long will the petition will take to come to a decision (~estimate)?
3) What happens if her H-4 EAD petition gets approved and she is in India? Does she have to go to the US Embassy again?
4) (Being positive but need to think the other sides of a same coin) what happens if her H-4 EAD petition gets denied? Will she be able to retain her H-4 status? Will she able to enter US without any issues?
5) What would you suggest? Will that be ok for her to visit (or) to wait till the decision is made on her H-4 EAD petition?
See clip from Attorney Rajiv S. Khanna's conference call video that addresses this question.
https://youtu.be/8N82R3qAiJo?t=123
FAQ Transcript:
H-4 EAD Expediting Possible?
My wife is eligible for H-4 EAD, I know there is no formal way for expediting the process but I've seen a clause in F-1 (OPT) EAD process called "financial loss" and if you've got a job and submit the offer letter while you're waiting for an EAD to get approved, they process your case faster and you get the EAD much sooner than expected. Does this rule apply for H4-EAD as well?
See clip from Attorney Rajiv S. Khanna's conference call video that addresses this question.
H-4 EAD - Documents needed; name issues; processing times, etc.
Q1. Among the documents needed for filing H-4, what are the ones we really need to make sure, we have them. I mean few like Date of Birth Certificate from Indian Municipal/Registration office….. is that needed even for H-4 EAD. What if the name on the Birth Certificate from Registration office is different from name on Passport? What should be done here? Any other documents etc. we need to be careful about and should be working to get ready now. (Education certificates and marriage certificate etc. we already have)
Q2. Would it again be first come -first served in terms of filing H-4 EAD? I mean people who file on May 26-27 –would their applications be processed earlier than the ones who file little later.
Q3. Approximately how much time it’s expected for EAD to arrive, everything going well
Q4. One last question, if I happen to change my employer at this time, and if my GC process is re-initiated would my wife be still eligible for filing H-4 EAD or NOT ( in a situation if old employer revokes I-140 )
See clip from Attorney Rajiv S. Khanna's conference call video that addresses this question.
FAQ Transcript:
H-4 EAD - Converting from H-1 to H-4 EAD - good idea or not?
My I-140 was approved on Sept 2011. I came to US on 2008 beginning on L-1 visa and then my employer converted to H-1 visa. On February'15 I got an extension on my H-1 visa based on I-140 approval but I didn't get it for 3 years from Feb'15 rather I got it till Nov'16 (about 1 year 10 months). I am thinking to join another company now. What should I consider before I transfer my H-1 to employer B from employer A on my situation? My wife is on H-1 and it’s valid till 2018. I am also thinking my wife to apply H-4 EAD rather continuing on H-1. Is that going to be a better option?
See clip from Attorney Rajiv S. Khanna's conference call video that addresses this question.
FAQ Transcript:
H-4 EAD filing while H-1 extension is pending
I am on H-1B visa more than 6 years. I also have I-140 approved. However my H-1B is under renewal process. I do have 'receipt of notice' but not approval notice yet. Looking at the waiting time I don't think I will get H-1B approval along with renewed I-94 before May 26th 2015. I need to file EAD for my wife on 26th May.
See clip from Attorney Rajiv S. Khanna's conference call video that addresses this question.
https://youtu.be/y6RtaKhuoIY
H-4 EAD Filing
My spouse is on H-1 visa and his former employer filed I-140 and then my spouse changed his employment to another employer and transferred his H-1, the I-140 has not been revoked by former employer. So my H-4 is with the former employer valid for three years, and current employer for my spouse has not filed H-1 for me. Is the H-4 from the former employer valid for file EAD or do I have to apply for H-4 again and what would be the documents that would I need to file H-4 EAD ?
Every time the H-1 holder changes job, the H-4 holder does not need to re -apply for H-4. Your H-4 is good. You don't have to have different H-4 for the employer. Of course, every time the H-1 holders change their job they have apply for new H-1 but as long as you never violated status and H-1 holder has never violated status that H-4 continued to be good from job to job to job, you are good.
Your second question was what document need to file H-4 EAD?