H4 Current EAD Processing Time 2022
In Vermont, Texas, Nebraska, and California, H4 EAD processing take 4-8 months. The National Benefits Center processes i485 EADs in 2-6 months. So when will EAD arrive? The processing period for Form I-765 EAD applications for different work authorizations varies. Techfetch H1B offers immense guidance and helps with information on the H4 EAD status check procedure. Read this article to learn more about the processing times of H4 EAD.
Frequently Asked Questions About H4 Current EAD Processing Time
A few frequently asked questions with answers are given below for your reference.
After Approval, How Long To Get The EAD Card?
If the EAD application indicates that the card has been "sent to print," the H4 visa holder should have it within seven to ten days.
Can I Start Work After My EAD Has Been Approved?
If the H4 spouse doesn't have an EAD, they can't work. USPS places the card in the mailbox after delivery.
After I Get The EAD, How Long Will It Take To Get The SSN?
The SSN card often arrives four to six weeks after the EAD has been authorized.
Where Can I Go To Receive My Social Security Number?
The Social Security card for an H4 dependent will be mailed to them within 30 days. They are eligible to apply for a new SSD card if the SSN card is more than six weeks old. Before applying for a new Social Security number, the office will check to determine if any applications are still in the processing stage. Apply for a Social Security number after having the EAD in hand if they don't already have one.
Will ITIN Be Equivalent To SSN?
The visa holders need a Social Security number to have a legal job and get paid for it. ITINs are acceptable to the employer. Complete the i765 EAD form for an online Automatic 180-day extension. While the application for an extension of the work authorization is being processed, USCIS has granted permission to return to work for several categories of EADs. The H4 spouse can renew their EAD until 180 days before it expires.
Example:
The H4 visa holder is given an additional 180 days if their i485 EAD application is still pending. They can also apply for a provisional EAD at the USCIS office that serves their location. The holder of an H4 or L2 EAD loses the ability to work if the document expires. Please note that the instructions for requesting an automatic extension on the general form i765 do not apply to category C. USCIS will send their EAD application to the service center. By looking at the receipt number, they can determine who is handling the processing of their application.
EAD RFE Time- All You Need to Know
The EAD application of an H4 spouse will be approved sixty to ninety days after they respond to the RFE sent to them by USCIS. The timer will start after USCIS has received the response to the RFE.
Ensure that the primary H1B or L visa has at least six months before the dependents apply for an H4 dependent EAD.
A Brief on USCIS Service Request
If the case receipt date is earlier than the date shown, the H4 vis a holder should check with USCIS for a reason for the delay in processing the case. If their case takes much longer than others, there is a chance they could get stuck in the administrative process.
If the H4 holder's case is 'beyond the average processing time,' USCIS will allow them to submit a progress update request. They can check the status of their EAD application online using the receipt number provided by USCIS.
The Bottom-line
The H4 visa holder, spouse of the primary H1B beneficiary, can work in the U.S. only when they receive an EAD card. The delay in the processing time of EAD may create a delay in starting their job. If the EAD card processing takes longer than others, there may be a higher chance of getting stuck in the administrative process. Techfetch H1B helps to understand the H4 EAD status check procedures better by providing the best guidance, unlike any other service provider.
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