H4 EAD Program – All You Need to Know

The H4 EAD program allows eligible dependents of H1B visa holders to obtain employment authorization in the United States. This program was created as a way to reduce the burden on H1B families, who often have to leave the country when their visa expires. The H4 EAD program is a great opportunity for those who want to work in the United States but are unable to obtain an H-1B visa.

Introduction to the H4 EAD Program

The H4 EAD program is a work authorization program for certain dependents of H-1B visa holders. The beneficiaries of this program are spouses and children of H1B visa holders who are in the process of obtaining permanent residency. This program allows these individuals to work in the United States while they wait for their green card.

There are many benefits to the H4 EAD program, including the ability to work in the United States, the ability to obtain a Social Security Number, and the ability to apply for a driver’s license. Additionally, the H4 EAD program allows recipients to travel outside of the United States and re-enter without having to obtain a new visa.

H4 EAD Program Qualifications

Note: You must be 21 years of age or older and have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

If you are not the principal applicant for an employment-based immigrant visa, you may be eligible to file an Application for Employment Authorization (EAD) if:

You are the dependent spouse of an E-1, E-2, E-3, H-1B, H-1B1, L-1, O-1, or P-1 nonimmigrant;

You are the dependent child of an E-1, E-2, E-3, H-1B, H-1B1, L-1, O-1, or P-1 nonimmigrant;

You have been granted derivative status as an E-1, E-2, E-3, H-1B, H-1B1, L-1, O-1, or P-1 nonimmigrant;

You are the dependent spouse of a TN nonimmigrant;

You are the dependent child of a TN nonimmigrant;

You have been granted derivative status as a TN nonimmigrant;

You are the spouse of an E-1, E-2, E -3, H-1B, H-1B1, L-1, O-1, or P-1 employee who is the principal applicant for an immigrant visa and you are seeking to enter the United States with the employee on a K nonimmigrant visa;

You are the child of an E-1, E-2, E-3, H-1B, H-1B1, L-1, O-1, or P-1 employee who is the principal applicant for an immigrant visa and you are seeking to enter the United States with the employee on a K nonimmigrant visa; or..

You are the child of an E-1, E-2, E-3, H-1B, H-1B1, L-1, O-1, or P-1 employee who is the principal applicant for an immigrant visa and you are seeking to enter the United States with the employee on a J-1, Q-1, or C-1 nonimmigrant visa.

In order to qualify for the H4 EAD program, you must be the dependent child or spouse of an eligible immigrant listed above.

How H4 can get EAD?

If you are in the United States on an H4 visa, you may be eligible to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). An EAD allows you to work in the United States for a specific employer. To apply for an EAD, you must file Form I-765 with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The H4 EAD Program – How it Works

The H4 EAD program allows certain H4 visa holders to obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This document allows the holder to work in the United States for any employer.

To be eligible for the H4 EAD program, the H4 visa holder must:

1. Be the spouse of an H1B visa holder
2. Have an H-1B visa that is valid for at least another six months
3. Have an I-94 arrival/departure record that is valid for at least another six months
4. Have an approved I-140 immigrant petition, or have an H-1B visa that has been extended beyond the six-year limit

Once the above requirements are met, the H4 visa holder can file an application for an Employment Authorization Document with the USCIS. If the application is approved, the H4 visa holder will receive an EAD card, which will allow them to work in the United States for any employer.

H4 EAD Extension

The H4 EAD Extension is a work permit that allows certain spouses of H-1B visa holders to work in the United States. The H4 EAD is valid for up to two years and can be renewed indefinitely as long as the H-1B visa holder maintains their status.

To be eligible for an H4 EAD, the H-1B visa holder must have an approved I-140 petition or have been granted an extension of their H-1B status under the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-first Century Act (AC21).

Who is Eligible for the H4 EAD Program?

The H4 EAD program is available to spouses of H-1B visa holders who are in the process of obtaining lawful permanent residence. To be eligible, the H-1B visa holder must have an approved I-140 or Labor Certification.

Requirements for the H4 EAD Program

To qualify for the H4 EAD program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Have an H-1B visa that is valid for at least six months

Have an approved I-140 or Labor Certification

Be the spouse of an H-1B visa holder

How Do I Apply for the H4 EAD Program?

To apply for the H4 EAD program, applicants must file Form I-765 with USCIS. Applicants must also submit evidence that they meet the eligibility requirements for the program.

What Are the Fees for the H4 EAD Program?

There is a filing fee of $410 for Form I-765. Applicants may also have to pay a biometrics fee of $85.

What Are the Processing Times for the H4 EAD Program?

USCIS typically processes applications for the H4 EAD program within 90 days.

What kind of H4 EAD jobs am I allowed to find?

There is no specific list of jobs that H-4 EAD holders are allowed to find. However, H-4 EAD holders are only allowed to work in jobs that are related to their spouse’s H-1B occupation.

How do I find an H4 EAD job?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to find an H-4 EAD job may vary depending on your specific skillset and experience. However, some ways to look for H-4 EAD jobs include searching online job boards, contacting companies directly, or networking with professionals in your field. Additionally, you can check with your local employment office or immigrant rights organization for leads on H-4 EAD jobs in your area.