H4 Visa Holder Work Authorization

H4 visa holders are dependents of H1B visa holders. They are not allowed to work in the United States without an employment authorization document (EAD).

Requirements for H4 EAD

To be eligible for an H4 EAD, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be the spouse or child of an H1B visa holder.
• You must be physically present in the United States.
• You must have a valid H4 visa.
• You must not have a criminal record.
• You must be able to read, write, and speak English.

How to Apply for H4 EAD

To apply for an H4 EAD, you must submit the following documents to USCIS:

• Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
• Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record
• Copy of your H4 visa
• Copy of your H1B visa holder’s passport
• Copy of your H1B visa holder’s employment authorization document (EAD)
• Evidence of your English proficiency

Timeline for H4 EAD Approval

The processing time for an H4 EAD can vary, but it typically takes around 90 days.

Cost of H4 EAD

The filing fee for an H4 EAD is $410.

Benefits of H4 EAD

An H4 EAD allows you to work in the United States for any employer. It also allows you to travel in and out of the United States without having to apply for a new visa.

Restrictions of H4 EAD

An H4 EAD does not allow you to change your immigration status to a green card. It also does not allow you to sponsor your spouse or children for a green card.

EAD Renewal for H4 Visa Holders

Your H4 EAD is valid for 2 years. You must renew your EAD before it expires.

H4 EAD Transferability

Your H4 EAD is not transferable. If you get married to a U.S. citizen or green card holder, you will need to apply for a new EAD in your own name.

FAQs on H4 EAD

• Q: Can I get a driver’s license with an H4 EAD?
• A: Yes, you can get a driver’s license with an H4 EAD.
• Q: Can I open a bank account with an H4 EAD?
• A: Yes, you can open a bank account with an H4 EAD.
• Q: Can I buy a house with an H4 EAD?
• A: Yes, you can buy a house with an H4 EAD.

II. Requirements for H4 EAD

In order to apply for an H4 EAD, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be a H4 visa holder.
• You must be the spouse of an H1B visa holder.
• You must be physically present in the United States.
• You must have a valid Social Security number.

If you meet all of these requirements, you can apply for an H4 EAD. The application process is relatively straightforward, but it can be time-consuming. You can find more information about the application process on the USCIS website.

II. Requirements for H4 EAD

To be eligible for an H4 EAD, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be the spouse of an H-1B visa holder
• Your H-1B visa holder spouse must be currently employed in the United States
• You must be physically present in the United States
• You must have a valid passport
• You must have a Social Security number

II. Requirements for H4 EAD

To be eligible for an H4 EAD, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be the spouse of an H-1B visa holder.
• You must be a lawful permanent resident (LPR) or have been granted asylum or refugee status.
• You must be physically present in the United States.
• You must have a valid Social Security number.
• You must not have a criminal record.

If you meet all of these requirements, you can apply for an H4 EAD.

V. Cost of H4 EAD

The cost of obtaining an H4 EAD is $495. This fee is paid to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

VI. Benefits of H4 EAD

There are many benefits to having an H4 EAD, including:

• The ability to work legally in the United States
• The ability to contribute to the U.S. economy
• The ability to gain valuable work experience
• The ability to support your family financially
• The ability to obtain a green card through employment

VII. Restrictions of H4 EAD

There are some restrictions on H4 EADs. These restrictions include:

• H4 EAD holders cannot work for the same employer as their H1B spouse.
• H4 EAD holders cannot work in a job that requires a security clearance.
• H4 EAD holders cannot work in a job that is considered to be a public safety risk.

H4 EAD holders should consult with an immigration attorney to make sure that they are aware of all of the restrictions on H4 EADs.

EAD Renewal for H4 Visa Holders

H4 EADs are valid for a period of 3 years, and they can be renewed as long as the H4 visa holder’s status is still valid. The renewal process is similar to the initial application process, and it can take up to 90 days to complete.

To renew your H4 EAD, you will need to submit the following documents to USCIS:

• A completed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
• A copy of your valid H4 visa
• A copy of your valid passport
• A copy of your most recent I-94 card
• A copy of your most recent paystub
• A copy of your most recent tax return

You can also renew your H4 EAD online through the USCIS website. The online renewal process is similar to the in-person renewal process, but it is typically faster.

If you are unable to renew your H4 EAD before it expires, you can apply for a temporary extension of your EAD. A temporary extension can be granted for a period of up to 180 days.

To apply for a temporary extension, you will need to submit the following documents to USCIS:

• A completed Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status
• A copy of your valid H4 visa
• A copy of your valid passport
• A copy of your most recent I-94 card
• A copy of your most recent paystub
• A copy of your most recent tax return

The cost of renewing your H4 EAD is $410. The cost of applying for a temporary extension is $380.

IX. H4 EAD Transferability

H4 EAD is not transferable to another H4 visa holder. If the H4 visa holder whose name is on the EAD card changes their status to another non-immigrant status, their EAD will become invalid.

For example, if an H4 visa holder gets married to a US citizen and changes their status to a green card holder, their H4 EAD will become invalid.

If you are an H4 visa holder and you are planning to change your status to another non-immigrant status, you should apply for a new EAD card in your new status.

You can find more information about EAD transferability on the USCIS website.

Q1: What is an H4 EAD?

An H4 EAD is an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) that allows H4 visa holders to work in the United States.

Q2: Who is eligible for an H4 EAD?

H4 visa holders who are the spouses of H1B visa holders are eligible for an H4 EAD.

Q3: How do I apply for an H4 EAD?

You can apply for an H4 EAD online through the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.