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Most entries below contain actual legal discussions of events directly related to Filipinos in or immigrating to the United States.
Remember- These writings are provided for general information only and do not constitute legal advice, nor do they create any attorney-client relationship. Each person's needs and requirements are different and require a personal evaluation to determine the proper legal course of action.

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

H-4 EAD - Detailed Summary Soon

Today USCIS announced the Final H-4 EAD Rule will be published tomorrow and applications will be accepted beginning May 26, 2015. 

While this is good news, all we learn from this announcement is the effective date of the new rule.  

Later today I will discuss the details that will appear in the Final Rule.

[Edited to add:  the detailed discussion can be found here]


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20 comments:

  1. is this rule officially approved ?

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  2. Yes, with just minor changes from the proposed rule. So far, the changes I see are good! Jim

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  3. So, how does one apply, has to go through the H1 sponsoring company or concerned H1 candidate can apply for his or her H4 spouse directly ???.

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    Replies
    1. The H-4 spouse applies directly with USCIS. The H1B's company is not involved.

      Delete
  4. Will this EAD come with travel document?

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  5. No. H-4s are not eligible for advance parole unless they have an application for permanent residence pending, in which case they are already eligible to request an EAD/AP "Combo" card.

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  6. 1. As per the new "immigration law" spouses (in H4) of Approved I-140 can work. So, as I will be getting my Approved I-140 before joining B, based on that, whether my wife would be able to get her EAD, even if I change employers from A to B. What are the scenarios if my current employer withdraws the approved "I-140" ?

    Note:- The approved I-140 is from my current company B

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The new rule is not helpful for this situation. I will be writing on this topic soon.

      Delete
  7. Will this EAD allow the H4's to open up their own business or buy another business?

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  8. So, based on the new approved rule, if a person currently on H-4 gets an EAD card (Primary H-1B's I-140 approved but priority date not current) how can he/she travel? Do they have to apply to for AP separately?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. An H4 EAD will normally have an expiration date that matches the expiration of H4 status. The EAD does not change any of the rules on H4s traveling outside of the U.S. A valid H-4 visa will be required to return.

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  9. What happen if someone H1B going to expire in January 2016? so their H4 spouse need to again renew EAD with H1B extension?

    Or

    Always you get 3 year of valid EAD?

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  10. The EAD will be for no longer than your current H-4 status. IF H-4 status ends January 2016, and you apply for an EAD May 26 2015, the card you get will expire on the same day your H-4 status expires. So, yes, you would need to apply for an EAD again when you file to extend your H-1B/H-4 status.

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  11. Is H4 EAD good to do residency (medicine) program which takes about 3 years?

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  12. Interesting question. The EAD will cover the employment aspect, but your status may be limited by the rules and requirements of the program. Attorneys George Newman and Sylvia Titgemeyer in St. Louis are excellent resources for questions merging immigration and physicians.

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  13. This is ramya.I have a query on new EAD rule. Can u clarify ?
    My husband's green card Perm has been pending with DOL for 1+ year.We are now in our 5th year of H1.And my husband's employer has requested for H1 extension.As his Perm is more than 1 year, his employer has requested for 3 years of H1 extension . That is 2 years (for h1 max out) plus 1 year under AC21 act.Now if he gets his extension for 3 years, shall I apply for EAD as he is getting H1 extension with reference to AC21 act.Please provide your comments.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Rayma - that is the exact issue I discussed in the later post: "H-4 EAD Rule -- Some Answers!"
      http://austinferguson.blogspot.com/2015/02/h-4-ead-rule-some-answers.html

      The rule is not clear if you are only eligible for an H-4 EAD during the last year of the extension, or for the entire three years. The government may say only the last year, but for now we have to wait for clarification.

      Delete
  14. EVERYONE- I have closed this post for comments, but I will take a few more questions today only under the post,

    "H-4 EAD Rule -- Some Answers!"

    ReplyDelete