H-4 Work Authorization

USCIS announced a new rule today, February 24, 2015, allowing H-4 visa holders in certain situations to obtain work authorization. Work authorization would not change their H-4 dependent status on an H-1B principal. Successful applicants can apply for an employment authorization card on May 26, 2015. Please note that employment authorization applications can often take three months.

Work authorization is permitted for H-4 visa holders who have an H-1B principal with a pending I-140 (employment-based application) or with an approved I-140 under AC21. AC21 104(c) and 106(a) allow for H-1B visa holders to extend their status with a pending or approved I-140 application for permanent residence. Individuals from countries such as India, China, and the Philippines have excruciatingly long waits for their priority date, even when they are approved for their Green Cards through EB-2 or EB-3 categories. During those waits, H-4 visa holders will be able to work.

This will bring much relief to H-4 visa holders and should help local economies benefit from talented individuals who can now contribute. This proposal was announced with the series of Executive Actions from November 20, 2015 that primarily focused on deferred action for parents of Americans and expanded DACA. However, there are also executive orders that have more support, such as allowing certain H-4 visa holders to obtain work authorization and employment.

November 2014 was not the first mention of permitting H-4 work authorization. Over the summer of 2014, a Notice and Comment period generated enormous support for the proposal, with H-4 and H-1B visa holders voicing their espousal of such a rule. Opposition was minor and consisted of fear that H-4 visa holders would be discriminated against and forced into menial labor positions.

The Law Offices of Andrew Wood applauds USCIS for announcing this rule and looks forward to assisting H-4 visa holders obtain employment authorization. If you would like to learn more about how we can assist you, please drop us a line.