USCIS tweets how much they care for applicants regularly but never responds to the complaints that people make on those tweet threads. This H-4 EAD FAQ series is intended to act as a guideline for filing. The only way to get employment authorization, in this case, is to already have H-4 status. The fee is going up by over $1,000. Before you can apply for your EAD, you will need to obtain the H-4 visa, which will likely require an interview if you are not already in the U.S. under a different nonimmigrant visa. Lying or exaggerating the truth can lead to much more serious consequences than having your H-4 denied. I have two more questions - I have a H1B and I-140 with my current employer and I file for a H4 EAD for my wife. The fee will vary from $1500 to $2500 for other types of applications. The premium processing clock would only commence after the. The first and most viable solution is to obtain a work visa yourself. You can craft things to sell, collect inventory, and even build a website for your self-employment venture while youre waiting for your EAD, but you cannot accept any form of payment for goods or services until your EAD arrives. It was with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for a long time until February 2022. Divyendu, Yes, H4 EAD will also start in FY 2025. This is done the way that you would get a renewed card. If you have a significant sum of money to invest, you may qualify for an, The first and most viable solution is to obtain a work visa yourself. While this rule is very advantageous to the spouses of H-1B holders, it may not last forever. As an H4 visa recipient, your visa isnt considered work-related. Key Takeaways: The H4 EAD processing time varies depending on several factors, and each USCIS service center has different time statistics. How to Check US Visa Status Online? A key worker is someone whose employment makes the normal operation of a workplace possible. How long does it take once USCIS approves my H4 EAD before I receive a card? Unfortunately, you will be responsible for all H-4 fees. H-4 visa spouses need an EAD to work in the United States and contribute to their household. No, you do not need to show that working is a necessity for your financial stability in the U.S. Each case varies depending on the service center that is processing the petition. Processing times vary from center to center, but H-4 EAD usually takes a while to process. It is not mentioned in the settlement agreement. While it is possible for you to travel without directly jeopardizing your status, it is usually not recommended to do so until your EAD has been approved. Premium processing for H-4 EADs will allow people to pay an additional fee to file expedited requests and have documents or paperwork processed by USCIS in a much shorter time frame. These are just some questions that may or may not appear in your interview. We will update this page as soon as we get any concrete information. USCIS will provide option for H1B visa holder dependents, who are H4 Visa holders, to file Extensions and Change of Status (COS) applications that are typically filed using Form I-539 in Premium processing. First, the principal H-1B worker has to have an approved I-140 OR have been approved for H-1B status under sections 106(a) and (b) of the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-first Century Act (AC21). If youre acting as a day trader and youre only making personal investments, your investments are considered a normal part of financial management. Thanks. What is the current processing time of application filed in vermont SVC ? You would need to get an immigrant visa through a family member or employer to be eligible to receive lawful permanent residency. Theyll each have different information that would be relevant to your situation. View Profile. Hi Anil, This is much better than filing court litigations or losing a job. 6. Any request that involves lengthy research or correspondence with USCIS isnt eligible for premium processing. H-1B visa approvals surge to 97% in fiscal 2021. Fragomen expressly disclaims any and all liability with regard to actions taken or not taken based upon the content of this website. The premium processing time for H4 visa using Form I-539 will be 30 Days. Filed in Articles, Visa Form by TMLT Editorials on January 4, 2022. The EB1 Green card category is current anyway and hence the applicants do not really need it immediately. 4. Based on the predictions, an estimated 179,600 H-4 visa holders are eligible for this work authorization. If you need help with your EAD or your H4 visa, wed be more than happy to assist you. How long have you and your spouse been married? USCIS will issue additional guidance regarding its implementation of the rule, including when premium processing will become available for each new filing type. It is not advisable to file more than 180 days before this date. This is a hefty sum, but 30 days . Visas. The fee for H4 COS, extensions cannot exceed $1,750 USD as per Congress. Disclaimer: Website, software platform and administrative support are provided by VisaNation Inc., a Delaware corporation. Oct 16, 2020 - The USCIS issues a press release with the following updates: Premium processing fees for H1B categories have been pushed up to USD 2,500 according to Public Law 116 - 159. However, since then both the cases havent moved any further. Specifically, USCIS announced the following goals: I-765 Employment Authorization Document (EAD): within three months. When someone comes to the United States to work in a specialty occupation with an H1B visa, they have the ability to bring their spouse with them on an H-4 visa. Kentucky based Devi Sree has been awaiting her dependent work permit (H-4EAD) for close to 10 months . Licensed for 49 years. Any update when will this be implemented , it is pending since oct 2020. So, I used the reply option. It is not clear whether EAD premium will start on May 31, 2022 or that will also start in FY2025. The rule has come under the administrative spotlight over the past several months, meaning that a day may soon come when H-4 holders are no longer able to apply for work authorization. Once H1/H4 are approved and then new I94 dates are posted on H1/H4, then you will have a 180-day automatic extension on the current H4 EAD. Many households need two incomes in order to make ends meet. Its easy to request an expedited EAD if youre a healthcare worker or a childcare worker. Once approved, the EAD will be processed in under 30 days. US Congress passed Bill HR 8337 which added provisions for H4 visa extensions, change of status(COS) that use form I-539, and H4 EAD that use form I-765. USCIS remains committed to delivering timely and fair decisions to all we serve, said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. We know that almost all H4 EAD applicants are eagerly waiting for it as they just want to save their hard-earned jobs even if they have to pay an extra fee for the approvals within 6 months. 2. However, getting an H4 can be a complex process. | 5. The regulation implements Congress's October 2020 legislation directing USCIS to expand premium processing service to a number of additional case types . The second recommendation is that the premium processing service be made available for H-4, L-2, and EAD applications. File it now, and it will be approved before premium processing is implemented. If losing you as an employee would cause a workplace to suffer great financial harm or lay off other employees, USCIS may expedite your H-4 EAD request to avoid harming the livelihood of others. Does anyone know if this is a Interim Rule or Direct Final Rule? What is the processing time for H4? It is a service that is reserved for visas that require the I-129 and I-140 petitions, so it could potentially be used for your spouses H-1B or green card petitions. VisaGrader.com tracks data from US Dept of State, USCIS, DHS, USTravelDocs for latest processing times, reports, analysis. Since there are no restrictions on self-employment for the H-4 EAD, you technically are not prohibited from hiring employees if you begin your own business with your work authorization. Therefore, it will be valid for as long as the H-1B is valid, which is an initial period of three years with the opportunity to extend it to a maximum of six. A U.S. These goals are internal metrics that guide the backlog reduction efforts of the USCIS workforce and affect how long it takes the agency to process cases. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and resource constraints resulting from the prior administration, USCIS inherited a significant number of pending cases and increased processing times. Conclusion How much time will it take to make it a law? https://www.quarles.com/newsroom/publications/impact-and-timing-of-the-dhs-final-rule-to-expand-premium-processing 4. This added unnecessary delays and increased processing time by up to 2 years. Proposed Filing Fee Increases. If the h4 biometric requirement is not removed, we suspect the delays will still be there. Get all 3 approved in 15 days using premium. The fee is $1500 and the processing time is 15 calendar days for H-2B and R-1. To get the H4 and EAD approval quickly, do this: File H1B extension/transfer/Change of status, H4, and H4 EAD in the same package (at the same time). What does that mean? Change US Consulate interview location on DS-160 after Submission? This long-awaited change is a relief for the thousands of H-4 holders who will be eligible for the benefits of employment. If the company you work for in your home country doesnt have any corporate presence in the United States, youre registered as an employee of that company in your home country and the company deposits the money into your bank account in your home country and in the currency of your home country, you arent working in the United States. Does that jeopardize H4 EAD or my H1B transfer? [ 67] Copy of your marriage certificate. First, the principal. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced in late March of 2022 that they planned to extend premium processing to H-4 EAD documents, extensions, and changes of status. Fifteen days to get EAD card. USCIS hasproposedsubstantial government filing fee increases for 2023. It is not a priority for Trump Administration. The premium processing fee for most I-539 applications pertaining to B1/B2 visitor visa extensions should not exceed $1,750. Below is our H4 visa EAD FAQ series based on information released by USCIS. The premium processing fee for H4 EAD using form I-765 form is going to be $1,500. USCIS committed to improving processing times for petitions and key documents back in March 2022, which we reported on in detail here. H4 EAD Premium Processing And 2022 Visa Application Guide. Read More. Avvo Rating: 10. If approved, USCIS sends an approval notice to the applicant. This rule applies to people whose H-4 EAD is pending. The premium processing fee for current eligible categories such as H1B, L1, I-140 and other categories will be increased to $2,500 USD from $1440 USD. This H-4 EAD FAQ series may help you determine whether you are eligible for work authorization. If youre a creative professional, like an author or a musician, you probably work with a record label or a publishing house that pays you for your work. Prior to March 2019, USCIS's policy was to generally adjudicate I-129 petitions (for H-1 or L-1) at the same time with concurrently-filed I-539 (for H-4 or L-2) and I-765 (for H-4 EAD and L-2 EAD) applications and this policy applied to both regular and premium processing filings. It may take few months at least. H-1B Lottery Rule Changes Could See Reversal, March 2023 Visa Bulletin: Analysis & Predictions. The premium processing fee for H4 visa extensions and change of status(COS) using form I-539 form is going to be $1,750, The premium processing fee for H4 EAD using form I-765 form is going to be $1,500, The premium processing time for H4 EAD using Form I-765 is going to be 30 Days. Delayed USCIS processing times for H-4 applications will still mean that many individuals with pending H-4 applications will not be able to work past their I-94 expirations even if the automatic EAD extension timeline advances past that timeline. No, not possible at the moment. Any situations not addressed below should be addressed with a qualified immigration attorney. If you need to file an H-4 EAD, theres no sense in waiting. Until the fiscal year 2025 which starts on Oct 1, 2024, the only viable option would be filing the mandamus lawsuits to make USCIS work for timely approving EADs. i485 EAD processing time is 2 to 6 months at the National benefits center. Inclusion of I-765 in premium processing may decrease EAD delays, but many see it as extortion. Hello Anil, firstly thanks for posting great information. Its only applicable if the H4 and/or EAD are applied with H1B at the same time. 1356(u)(3)(A) and establish new benefit requests eligible for premium processing and the associated fees made available by 8 U.S.C. The premium processing clock, when someone. USCIS will also adhere to the congressional requirement that the expansion of premium processing must not cause an increase in processing times for regular immigration benefit requests. Through todays actions by the Biden administration, USCIS is acting to reduce these caseloads and processing times, while also ensuring that fair and efficient services are available to applicants and petitioners. Oct 1, 2020 - President Trump signs Bill HR 8337 into law. The statute does not specifically apply this limit to certain types of I-539 applications, such as those for B-1/B-2 applicants. As we have been pushing for since we started litigating these in 2019, USCIS will return to concurrently processing L2 and H4/EAD filed with the I-129. Weve received many questions regarding qualifications, documentation required, processing procedures and the. Processing time 15 to 45 days. Advance parole allows foreign nationals to re-enter the U.S. without a valid visa status. Be aware that the USCIS cannot adjudicate your I-765 until they make a determination about the H-1B spouses eligibility for status. Weve received many questions regarding qualifications, documentation required, processing procedures and the EAD lawsuit. As the lawmakers note, the USCIS could charge up to $1,400 for each application, and this revenue could pay for the additional expense of having to expedite the processing of these cases. In this free e-book, we'll go over the top 10 filing tips every H-1B applicant and business need to know. You cannot start a job in the US until you have your EAD. The premium processing time for H4 EAD application cannot exceed 30 days. This is a hefty sum, but 30 days is much faster than waiting 7 to 13 months for approval on your EAD application. National ID document with photo. The H4 EAD premium processing is not yet available even though the bill was passed in Congress (2020). Next steps are we wait for DHS to publish the final rule in Federal register and have an effective date. How to Apply H1B after 6 Years to Recapture Unused Time, US Visa Stamping within USA News: Pilot Program for H1B Renewal. This visa status is contingent upon the principal H visa holders status, so things such as extensions, transfers, terminations, and revocations applied to the principal holder will apply to all dependent H-4 holders. 447 reviews. H4 Employment Authorization Document (EAD) I Forms. USCIS to process H1B, H4, EAD together starting Jan 25, 2023. You can return home and perform temporary work in your home country. Below is our H4 visa EAD FAQ series based on information released by USCIS. Processing time 15 to 45 days. Q. EB2 Priority Date; USCIS Form Processing Times; NVC Case Status; Priority Dates; H1B Premium Processing; Breaking Down the Credit Score; Passport Books versus Passport Cards; U.S . You should be able to upgrade your existing pending H4 and H4 EAD applications to premium once the USCIS starts accepting them. It is also a violation of your nonimmigrant status. I recently renewed my green card EAD; the first EAD card expired on 04/2019. After approval, it takes another ten days to get approval notice by mail, and approx. Customer service is a top priority for USCIS, and we remain committed to ensuring that applicants and petitioners have timely, meaningful access to assistance and resources. Stay up-to-date on the latest immigration law news, with the Cohen & Tucker team's insights behind the headlines. Here is a breakdown of the new USCIS premium processing time and fees. If your spouse loses his or her H-1B job and falls out of status, there is a 60-day grace period with which a new H-1B job can be acquired. This is because the USCIS could potentially send a request for additional information or a Notice of Intent to Deny. If you have questions about making investments without an EAD, you should speak to both a financial advisor and an immigration attorney. Once the biometric screening requirement is removed, regular H4 EAD applications could be processed in a month. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS The plan is to H-4 EAD premium processing fee at $1,500 for approval within 30 days. There is no official information available from USCIS yet. Fortunately, this is not a one-time opportunity. Unfortunately, premium processing is not available for Form I-765. . The H-4 visa is considered a dual intent visa, which means that you can pursue a green card without jeopardizing your nonimmigrant status. These visas in particular also allow dependents to work in the U.S. Keep in mind that changing ones status can be tricky, especially when you have an approved I-140 pending with the USCIS. If you have an H4 visa and want to start working immediately, you might be interested in how long it takes to get an EAD. Carl Michael Shusterman. Will the beginning validity date on the employment authorization document be backdated by USCIS to the start of the H-4 status if the I-539 is processed before the I-765? 11-year Top Contributor. This shows how difficult it is to move the dinosaur named USCIS. Contact us for help today. What are my chances of getting these approved at the earliest as my EAD expires on 10/10? Other EAD categories (not H4) are eligible for the 180-day extension. USCIS intends to begin implementing, through a phased approach, premium processing availability of Form I-539, Form I-765 and Form I-140 in fiscal year 2022. Why US Visa Status on CEAC says Refused for 221g ? There also isnt a cap on the number of H4 EADs issued so you can get one as long as you meet the requirements. All requests are considered on a case-by-case basis. Hi, will there be a 60-day comment period post publication of the rule in the federal register? Q. Hello Anil, I couldnt find a way to post a new message here. Your use of this website and our software platform are subject to VisaNation Inc.'s privacy policy and terms of use. As of now, we do not have the text published for the same. If youre found to be working off the books or under the table, where an employer pays you tax-free cash and doesnt list you on their payroll paperwork or employment documents, you can face deportation. This will incur an H-4 EAD visa fee of $410. He worked with Jonathan Wasden from Wasden Law and Jesse Bless on behalf of AILA. The cost of goods and services is rapidly rising in America due to unchecked inflation. If you have additional questions not included on this H-4 EAD FAQ page, please contact a VisaNation Law Group attorney to schedule a consultation. Q. Unfortunately, H4 EADs cannot be premium processed. Heres what you need to know about the impact of H-4 EAD processing and how it may affect your family. To get the H4 and EAD approval quickly, do this: Steven Brown of the RN Law group has shared the good news on his Twitter account. The rule is classified as a major rule. These type of rules generally require a 60-day implementation delay from the date of publication. 2023 VisaNation, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Internally, USCIS monitors the number of pending cases in the agencys workload through a metric called cycle times. A cycle time measures how many months worth of pending cases for a particular form are awaiting a decision. You can check service center H4 EAD processing times here. USCIS has reached a settlement agreement to process the H1B, H4, and EAD together (as they used to do earlier) starting Jan 25, 2023. USCIS Processing Times Visa Approvals Rates Login. Approve of premium processing for H4 EAD NOW! Unfortunately, H4 and H4 EAD Premium Processing will not be part of the initial rollout in FY 2022. Premium processing allows people to jump the queue and get approvals or authorization without facing processing delays. At present, there is no option for H4 EAD extension premium processing. You definitely clarified my doubt. USCIS reviews the application and makes a decision. This move marks a resumption of USCIS' prior practice that the Trump Administration upended in March 2019. 5. Speak with your, The H-4 EAD timeline begins with the acquisition of the H-1B visa on behalf of your spouse. The USCIS says on its site that, as long as you are still eligible for employment under the H-4 visa (meaning that your H-1B spouse still has an I-140 petition approved with the USCIS), then you can file a new I-765 form within 180 days of your EADs expiration. This time could be increased if your service center is busier than usual or if you are served a Request for Evidence or Notice of Intent to Deny. We expect the announcement to be made in 7-10 days after the president signs it. H4 EAD Premium Processing News Planned for FY 2025, Fee $1500, Current Status on H4 Visa, H4 EAD Premium Processing, Timeline, Latest News Updates on H4 and H4 EAD Premium Processing, Summary of H4 Visa, H4 EAD Premium Processing Bill, Travel to USA Processes, Samples, How to Guides, published the Regulation to implement Premium Processing, Official Press Release by USCIS On Premium Processing. By the end of 2023, USCIS under the Biden Administration hopes to implement new technology to help with processing backlogs. Nothing in this website is to be considered as either creating an attorney-client relationship between the reader and Fragomen or as rendering legal advice for any specific matter. The good news is that USCIS has just released an updated H4 EAD processing time. The H1B Visa stamp that is issued to the individual and stamped in the passport is not employer-specific and continues to be valid even after you move to another employer until the Expiration Date on it. I am thinking of upgrading my h1 to premium processing .. so is there any way USCIS also approve H1 with H4 in premium processing thought we havent filed together read more A copy of Form I-94 showing admission of H-4 status. Therefore, as of today, you cannot premium process your H4 EAD. USCIS will consider expediting requests for people who work in cultural or religious nonprofit roles, people who work for or in the interest of the U.S. government, and people who are critical, key workers in their workplace. Official identification issued by the government. Is premium processing available for H4 EAD? So is it a problem only for new EAD applications? We now wait for DHS. Replace Green Card (I-90 Form) H4 EAD is eligible for 540-day auto-extension if their H4 i94 is also valid for those 540 days. No. Legal services are provided by VisaNation Law Group PLLC, a Florida professional limited liability company. Fortunately, unlike the H-1B visa, there is no annual cap to the H-4 EAD. USCIS plans to begin this phased implementation process by expanding premium processing eligibility to Form I-140 filers requesting EB-1 immigrant classification as a multinational executive or manager, or EB-2 immigrant classification as a member of professions with advanced degrees or exceptional ability seeking a national interest waiver. It is set to be $1,500 USD as per regulation. Thanks. Although, this did not extend to H4 benefits. WASHINGTON Today, U.S. This is particularly helpful for those that have applied for adjustment of status but need to travel out of the country in the interim. Non-immigrants working in this country heavily rely on work authorization to exist in the United States, and many of them also rely on their spouses income. 3. Starting January 25, 2023, USCIS will once again adjudicate H-4/L-2 EADs and Changes/Extensions of Status filed at the same time as H-1B/L-1 Petitions filed with Premium Processing. This final rule expands the categories of forms ultimately eligible for premium processing services, including Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status; Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization; and additional classifications under Form I-140. It does not state that it has to be filed by the current employer or even the same one who filed their Form I-129. Now, with this new rule, H-4 holders can apply for Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) in order to work in the U.S. freely. Request a confidential consultation today. When slow EAD processing times began threatening peoples ability to exist in the United States, USCIS issued the Temporary Increase of the Automatic Extension Period of Employment Authorization and Documentation for Certain Renewal Applicants. We will update here if new information is made available for this. Improving Access to Employment Authorization Documents, USCIS continues to make progress toward a temporary final rule currently named Temporary Increase of the Automatic Extension Period of Employment Authorization and Documentation for Certain Renewal Applicants.. After USCIS announced impending changes in March of 2022, certain EAD holders became eligible for a 540-day automatic extension. CEAC Website, Errors Info, USCIS H1B Registration Online System, Tool Flow, Screens. You may need to include the income you receive from these existing deals as passive income on your U.S. tax returns. There are many factors that go into the H-1B processing time including whether your spouses petition is cap-subject or cap-exempt, how busy the USCIS service center is, whether your spouse used premium processing. If the record label or publishing house you work with is based outside of the United States, you can continue to create new music or write new books as a part of your professional deal. https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2022-06742.pdf?fbclid=IwAR008lEOSrtS-hIGENKHT6GfB3Hs381SojHMGvKb9ECyuntimbiGPYSlfXw, There is some update, looks like meeting is scheduled for 02/09/2022 for implementation of this bill. An official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, An official website of the United States government, To protect your privacy, please do not include any personal information in your feedback. The regulations state that your H1B spouse needs to just have an approved I-140. See the below screenshot for both H4 and H4 EAD premium processing details. Once Biden administration takes office, they make take it up. a week to ten days to receive your card. If you would like to speak to an attorney about obtaining an EAD card under H-4 status, click the button above to schedule your consultation today. https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=202104&RIN=1615-AC73, Looks like it is in final rule stage and date says Sep 2021 for release. The premium processing fee for H4 visa extensions and change of status (COS) using form I-539 form is going to be $1,750. USCIS processing times for EAD based on pending I-485 adjustment of Status application - c)(9) EAD code. While this is faster than any other visa processing related to immigration, let alone just H-1B, we need to look at why the USCIS takes a lot of time to process documents. Processing times for Form I-526 are typically based on an analysis of the . This page was not helpful because the content: Immigration Relief in Emergencies or Unforeseen Circumstances, Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. USCIS will expand premium processing for Forms I-539 (application to change/extend status), I-765 (application for employment authorization) and I-140 (immigrant petition for alien work) as soon . March 30th, 2022: DHS published the final rule to implement the Premium Processing for H4, H4 EAD, and many others in Federal Register. The bill was signed into law by president on Oct 1, 2020. USCIS should announce the date of the premium processing service start for the new types of applications soon.The bill has just passed Senate on Sep 30, 2020. USCIS will also adhere to the congressional requirement that the expansion of premium processing must not cause an increase in processing times for regular immigration benefit requests. Citizenship and Immigration Services is announcing a trio of efforts to increase efficiency and reduce burdens to the overall legal immigration system. Happy to announce our settlement in #Edakunni for #H4EAD and #L2 work authorization issues. Regulatory . Terms of Service Refer to your receipt notice to find your form, category, and office. The below article tracks the latest news updates on the same with the timeline of events, current status. You can raise a request after 75 days to get the latest update. Review our. what time line we can expect to use premium processing option? To qualify for an EB-3, you must either have a bachelors degree or otherwise be a skilled or unskilled worker. You will also need to submit to a biometrics appointment (fingerprints), which will cost $85, bringing the total H-4 EAD cost to $495. If your EAD card is lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed, then you will need to get a replacement. So if your case is still not adjusted by then, upgrade your H4 EAD application to premium processing and attach updated I . Likewise, the EAD expiration date will be when your H-4 status expires. A number of documents are necessary when demonstrating proof of eligibility. H4 EAD Application processing time for applying for approval (without RFE) usually takes 30-90 days from the date of receipt. Readers are responsible for obtaining such advice from their own legal counsel.