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21 Jun 2023

I applied for an H-4 extension and an H-4 EAD at the same time. My extension was approved, but my EAD is still pending. Is it okay if I travel outside the U.S., or should I stay here until the EAD is approved?

Answer Ordinarily, leaving the U.S. would not impact a pending H-4 EAD application.  (21.Jun.2023)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here. Access more FAQs here.  Copyright © 2023, MURTHY LAW FIRM. All Rights Reserved...

17:25 / FAQs / For Families / Nonimmigrant Family / Travel
08 Jun 2023

I was working in H1B status and then moved to H-4. I am now considering a change back to H1B status. If I do this, can I still use the same H1B visa stamp in my passport for purposes of travel? It does not expire until the end of the year.

Answer Ordinarily, a change of status from H1B to H-4 would not impact the validity of the H1B visa "stamp" in one's passport. If the individual leaves the U.S. and wishes to return in H1B status, it typically would be possible to present the approved H1B...

07:38 / FAQs / For Families / Nonimmigrant Family / Worker
24 May 2023

I am in H1B status and my I-140 was just approved. My wife has been working for a U.S. company from India, and now wishes to apply for an H-4 EAD. Is it possible for her to apply from India?

Answer Unfortunately, in order to apply for an H-4 EAD, the individual normally must be physically in the United States when the application is filed. It is, however, typically possible to leave the U.S. while the EAD application is pending. (24.May.2023)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys...

17:23 / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / Nonimmigrant Family / Travel / Worker
16 May 2023

I recently entered the U.S. using my advance parole document. Can my wife now enter in H-4 status?

Answer Unless the principal spouse is in valid H1B status, the dependent spouse typically cannot enter in H-4 status. (16.May.2023)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here. Access more FAQs here.  Copyright © 2023,...

07:51 / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / Nonimmigrant Family / Travel / Worker
20 Apr 2023

My husband entered in H1B status in October 2022, and his employer has not yet started a green card case for him. Is it possible for me to qualify for an H-4 EAD?

Answer In order to qualify for an H-4 EAD, the principal H1B spouse must either (1) be the beneficiary of an approved I-140, or (2) have extended H1B status beyond six years based on the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-First Century Act (AC21). If your husband's...

09:05 / Employment Based / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / Immigrant Family / Nonimmigrant Family / Resident / Worker
06 Apr 2023

I am on H1B and my wife is on L1A. Her company will be sponsoring her for a green card under the EB1 category as a multinational manager. Do I have to change to L-2 status in order to apply for a green card as her dependent?

Answer No, there normally is no need to be in L-2 status in order to apply for a green card as a dependent of one's spouse. (06.Apr.2023)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click...

09:19 / Family Based / FAQs / For Families / Immigrant Family / L-2 Dependent / Nonimmigrant Family / Resident / Worker
06 Apr 2023

I am on H-4 and my registration was selected in this year’s lottery. I will be traveling to India soon to visit family. Do I have to be in the United States when the H1B petition is filed?

Answer While it is possible to file an H1B petition while the beneficiary is outside the United States, the case would have to be filed for consular notification (also commonly called "consular processing"). If the case is filed for consular notification, the USCIS will not approve...

09:10 / Consulates / FAQs / For Employers / For Families / For Individuals / Nonimmigrant Family / Travel / USCIS News / Worker
30 Mar 2023

I am on H-4 and do not have an EAD. My registration was selected in the lottery. Is it possible for the employer to request a start date earlier than October 1, 2023?

Answer No. Ordinarily, the earliest start date that can be requested for an H1B cap case is October 1st, which is the first day of the new fiscal year. (30.Mar.2023)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE...

09:19 / FAQs / For Employers / For Families / For Individuals / Nonimmigrant Family / Worker
23 Mar 2023

My husband and I are both on H1B. I am applying for change to H-4 and an H-4 EAD. What happens if the H-4 is approved before the EAD?

Answer Once the change of status is approved, assuming it has an immediate start date, the H-4 dependent typically would need to stop working until the EAD is issued. In practice, however, when an H-4 and H-4 EAD are filed together, it appears the USCIS normally...

08:52 / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / H-4 Dependents / Nonimmigrant Family / Worker