In most cases, the
answer is no. The majority of H-4 EAD
applicants will not need a lawyer file for their H-4 EAD.
Remember, there are
two different groups of H-4s who qualify for EADs:
1. Those with an H-1B spouse who has an
approved I-140, and
2. Those with an H-1B spouse who is in “a
period of stay under AC21 106(a) & (b)”.
The vast majority of
H-4 EADs will be issued to the first group – eligibility based on an approved
I-140. EAD applications in this
category will usually be very easy.
Show valid H4 status, evidence proving the relationship between the H-4
and the H-1B, and evidence of an approved I-140. Most of the time, very simple and a lawyer is not needed.
Then there is the
other, smaller group, with eligibility based on 106(a). The exact requirements for proving EAD
eligibility based on 106(a) is much more confusing, with cases ranging from
slightly complicated to a major headache.
Obviously, you will still need to meet the basic requirements proving
your H-4 status and a valid marriage.
However, unlike the I-140 group, there is no single document that shows
an H-1B has received an extension of status under 106(a). In some cases, only three pieces of paper
may be needed to prove the 106(a) extension.
Other cases will not be as easy and may require 10-20 documents before
USCIS will be satisfied with the evidence.
Here is the
background to the 106(a) evidence problem:
USCIS does not specifically track extensions of stay that are based on
106(a). When an extension is granted by
USCIS, it is decided by the examiner based on the evidence in front of them at
the time. If the papers prove that the
H-1B should be granted an extension of stay beyond six years because of 106(a),
the officer grants the extension. However,
there is no electronic record showing that 106(a) was the reason the extension
was granted. Therefore, to apply
for the H-4 EAD under this provision, you must submit almost all of the same
evidence that was submitted for the H-1B spouse’s extension beyond six years.
I am not going to
list all of the many documents that can be used to prove H-1B time under
106(a). You can read USCIS’ suggested
documents on their webpage or in the I-765 instructions I posted previously. But the
main reason I do not list documents is because good attorneys do not merely
work off of a “list”. Instead,
attorneys consider what must be proved, then supply the evidence to prove each
requirement. We think in terms of
proving requirements, not supplying a bunch of documents. While that may sound elitist, it is a fact and
is one of the reasons a filing packet submitted by a competent attorney will
often be smaller and more concise than an application filed by an
individual.
Why Some People
Still use Attorneys
You are never
“required” by USCIS to have an attorney for any immigration benefit, and I have
already said that most H-4 EAD applicants do not need a lawyer. Yet, even in simple cases, some people still
insist on having a lawyer file their case.
Sometimes it is a waste of money.
Sometimes not, but here are a few of the reasons I hear for why some
people may still use an attorney to file their H-4 EAD.
1. Required by your employer. This is a
poor reason, since the employer has no legal or ethical right to be involved in
the H-4’s EAD application. Whether the
H-4 works or does not work is none of the employer’s concern.
2. Attorney Continuity. This is not too
bad a reason. If you have an attorney
who is closely watching your family’s immigration activities, it is good for
the attorney to be aware of any application you may file with USCIS. Once you start filing documents on your own,
your attorney will no longer has a complete record of your actions. An incomplete view of your case could later
lead to confusion and possibly some unintentionally bad advice.
3. Insecurity. Some people
are just exceedingly nervous about making mistakes and know they will sleep
better if they have someone else deal with their application. Others just hate to complete forms.
4. Requests for Evidence (RFEs). Should USCIS
ask for more information on an application, often a good attorney is in a
better position to understand and respond to the request. Also, while even attorneys are not immune
from RFEs, it is also certainly hoped that attorney-filed paperwork will result
in fewer RFEs than individual filings!
One Final Thought-
Many people should be
able to get through H-4 EAD process on their own, while others may require some
guidance. Even if you plan to prepare
your own application and do not intend to hire an attorney, you can always have
a lawyer review your work before it is filed.
Any reputable attorney should be able to answer all of your questions
and concerns without pressuring you into hiring them.
We have waited a long
time for H-4 EADs. I wish you all the
best of luck and speedy processing!
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