US to Issue Work Permits to Spouses of H-1B Holders on H4 Visas

The wait for many H4 Visa holders who wish to work in the United States is finally over. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services will start accepting applications for Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from H4 visa holders from May 26, 2015.

 

H4 visa is for spouses of H-1B visa holders. Till now, only H-1B visa holders are allowed to legally work in the US, while their spouses aren't authorized to work. There are thousands of such H4 visa holders in the US who cannot work because of this norm.

 

However, to much relief, USCIS will accept applications from qualified spouses of H-1B holders and is expected to issue 179,600 EAD cards this year, followed by 55,000 annually from next year. All the applications received from May 26, 2015, will be processed within 90 days by the USCIS.

 

USCIS Director Leon Rodriguez said, “Allowing the spouses of these visa holders to legally work in the United States makes perfect sense.” He further added, “It helps U.S. businesses keep their highly skilled workers by increasing the chances these workers will choose to stay in this country during the transition from temporary workers to permanent residents. It also provides more economic stability and better quality of life for the affected families.”

 

Who Can Apply?

• Spouses of those with an approved Immigration Petition for Immigration Worker (Form I-140)
• Beneficiaries of H-1B holders with a visa extension beyond 6 years from the date of arrival in the US

What are the Requirements?

• Form I-765
• Supporting documents
• Fee of $380

EAD cards for H4 visa holders were first wished-for in 2012, later in 2014, President Obama included the same in his Immigration Reforms, and finally was approved in 2015.

 

Source: The American Bazaar

For more details and to apply for EAD Card, feel free to contact Y-Axis