• 1. H4-EAD Fees Check / Credit Card - Prepare a $410 fee payable to the 'U.S. Department of Homeland Security.' Personal checks from U.S. banks like Bank of America or Chase are acceptable. Credit card payments are also allowed. Do not include biometric fees; they are not required for H4 EAD.
  
• 2. Photo - Provide two identical 2x2 inch photographs taken within the last 30 days. Write your name and either your i94 number, Social Security Number (SSN), or Alien registration number on the back of each photo. Ensure the admission record number on the H4 i94 matches the information on the photos. Avoid sending old photos, as USCIS may request new ones, delaying your application.
• 3. Form I-765 - Download and complete Form I-765, the Application for Employment Authorization. Consider using an app that can help fill out the form, validate it, and prevent common mistakes.
• 4. H4 Status Proof - Include a copy of the H-4 visa holder's most recent I-797 Approval. If an H4 extension has been approved recently, use the extension approval.
• Alternatively, provide the most recent H4 i-94 copy. If an H4 extension was approved recently, the new i94 should be attached to your H4 extension approval notice (i797). If your H4 extension is still pending, include a copy of the pending H4 extension.
• 5. Government-Issued Photo ID Document - Include a copy of the front and back pages of the H4 holder's passport (front with photo and back with address). Alternatively, provide a copy of the U.S. H4 Visa stamp page from the passport. For those with a previous EAD, include copies of both the front and back. A birth certificate with a photo can be used, but it must contain a photograph. Avoid using a U.S. state ID or driver's license as an ID document.
• 6. H4’s Relationship with H-1B - Include a copy of your marriage certificate in English to prove the relationship between the H4 dependent and the primary H1B holder.
•  7. H4 EAD Eligibility Proof :- Provide a copy of the primary H1B - Provide a copy of the primary H1B spouse’s I-140 i797c approval notice to demonstrate H4 EAD eligibility. If your employer hasn't shared the I-140 approval copy with you, you can request I-140 details using the USCIS FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) request.
•  8. Current H4-EAD Copy for Renewal :- Include an existing H4 EAD copy only if you are applying for renewal or extension. Ensure that you use a black ink pen for all forms and documents. Do not staple the documents; use a paper clip to bind them together.
•  9. Form G1145 (Optional but recommended) :- Consider using Form G1145 to request USCIS notifications via SMS or email when they receive your application. Attach this form at the top of your H4 EAD application package.

How to Fill Out the H4 EAD Form

• Concurrent Filing – H1B, H4, H4 EAD - If you are filing H1B, H4, and H4 EAD applications concurrently in the same package, indicate this in question 29 on Form I-765. You can write "Filed Concurrently," leave it blank, or write the current approved H1B receipt number. All three options have been tested and work. - H4-EAD Renewal Documents The document list for H4-EAD renewal or extension is the same as for new H4-EAD applications.
  
• Apply SSN with EAD - If you don't have a Social Security Number (SSN), select 'No' in question 13.a. and then select 'Yes' in questions 14 and 15. You will need to provide your (H4's) father and mother's names in question 16.a. and 16.b. to obtain an SSN card. Your SSN card will be automatically generated after your EAD is approved and will be mailed by USPS within 3-4 weeks.

How to Apply for H4 EAD: New and Renewal Process

H4 EAD Requirements – Who Can Apply?

• Have an approved Form I-140: This is an immigrant petition for foreign citizens to obtain a Green Card or Permanent Residency in the USA. Your H1B spouse's I-140 approval qualifies you.
  
• H1B Status Extended Beyond 6 Years under AC21: Your H1B spouse's status must have been extended beyond the initial 6-year limit under the AC21 Act, which allows H1B holders seeking Green Cards to work and stay in the US while their Green Card or Permanent Residency Application is pending with USCIS.

Passport Not Required for U.S. Citizens

H4 EAD Documents Checklist

• H4 EAD Fee: Prepare a $410 USD fee payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security." You can use a check, money order, cashier's check, or credit card (Form G-1450) if filing at a USCIS Lockbox facility.
  
• EAD Application Form: Complete Form I-765, the Application for Employment Authorization.
• E-Notification Form (Optional): If you want electronic notifications for your application, use Form G-1145. This option is available when filing at a USCIS Lockbox Facility.
• Copies of H4 Visa Holder's Government-Issued Photo Identity: Include one or more of the following:
• Copy of H4 visa holder's passport (front and back).
• Copy of the H4 visa stamp page from the passport (if available).
• Copy of the birth certificate with a photo.
• If renewing, include a copy of the previous H4 EAD card (front and back).
• National identity card from your home country (e.g., Voter card or Aadhar Card for Indians).
• Current H4 Visa Status Proofs:
• If you applied for H4 extension or change of status (COS) within the US, include a copy of the most recent I-797A approval form (H4 approval notice from USCIS).
• If you entered the US with a valid H4 visa stamp from a US Consulate, include copies of your H4 visa and the I-94 used to enter the US.
• Copy of I-94 Card or Electronic Copy: Obtain your I-94 Arrival/Departure Record number, which can be found on your I-94 card or printed online.
• H4 EAD Eligibility Documents: Depending on your eligibility:
• Option 1 (Approved Form I-140): Include a copy of the primary H1B holder's I-140-related I-797 Approval Notice.
• Option 2 (H1B Received Proof under AC21): Include copies of the H1B holder's passports, previous I-94s, current and prior copies of Form I-797 (H1B approval notices), evidence of H1B extension beyond 6 years, and proof that your spouse's PERM was filed at least 365 days before the end of the 6-year period. If PERM was not needed, provide proof of a pending Form I-140 filed at least 365 days before the end of the 6-year period.
• H4-H1B Relationship Documents: Include a copy of your marriage certificate in English. If it's not in English, get it translated by a certified translator.
• H1B Spouse's Documents (Optional): Additional supporting information such as a copy of the H1B holder's passport.
• Photos: Two color passport photos (2x2 inches) taken within the last 30 days. Write your name and I-94 number on the back of each photo.
• Additional Supporting Documents: If applicable, include a copy of the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) of the H4 holder.
• Translation of Submitted Documents: If any documents are not in English, provide a complete and accurate English translation along with the translator's certification.

Current PERM Processing Time

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for H4 EAD

• Step 1: Complete Form I-765 :- Download the latest Form I-765 and its instructions from the USCIS website. Fill out the form carefully, providing accurate information. Pay attention to questions related to your eligibility category, previous filings, Social Security Number (SSN), and I-94 information.
  
• Step 2: Package Your H4 EAD Application :- Assemble your application package in the following order: Check or money order on top. Form G-1145 for e-notification (if desired). Form G-28 (if an attorney is filing). Completed and signed Form I-765. Supporting documents, as per the checklist. Do not use heavy staples; use paper clips or binder clips to bind the documents together.
• Step 3: Mail Your H4 EAD Application:- Determine the correct USCIS address based on your H1B spouse's receipt number (I-797). Ensure that the address information is up-to-date on the USCIS website. Mail your application package to the appropriate address.

Biometrics for H4 EAD

• "Filed Concurrently": You can write "Filed concurrently" in Question 29 to indicate that you are submitting H4 EAD along with your H1B and H4 applications in the same package.
  
• Leave Blank: Some applicants choose to leave Question 29 blank if they are filing concurrently. While it's acceptable, explicitly stating "Filed concurrently" can help clarify your intent.
• Write the Current Approved H1B Receipt Number: If you have a previously approved H1B petition and are now filing for H4 and H4 EAD concurrently, you can provide the current approved H1B receipt number. This can help USCIS associate your H4 and H4 EAD applications with your existing H1B status.
  

All of these options have been used successfully by applicants. The key is to ensure that USCIS understands your intention to file these applications together. Writing "Filed concurrently" is a clear and commonly used method to convey this information. If you prefer to leave it blank or use your current H1B receipt number, make sure to do so consistently across all related forms and documents.

Navigating America's Federal Student Loans and Grants

H4-EAD Renewal Documents

• Document Checklist: Ensure that you gather all the required documents listed for the H4 EAD renewal application, as mentioned in the previous information.
  
• Start Date for H4 EAD Extension: As you've mentioned, the start date for your H4 EAD extension will depend on USCIS. They will typically grant the extension to align with your current H4 status's expiration date. In your example, if your H4 status expires in September and you apply for renewal in March of the same year, USCIS might provide an extended start date of September.
• Filling out Form I-765: When completing Form I-765 for your H4 EAD renewal, you should use the most recent H4 approval date as the basis for your i94 number and primary H1B i797 approval receipt number, even if the start date is in the future. This is because your extension is meant to ensure continuous legal status, and USCIS will use the existing approval as a reference.
• Applying Early: USCIS allows you to apply for H4 EAD renewal up to 180 days before your current EAD card expires. This early filing provision helps ensure that you have continuous work authorization if there are any processing delays.
• Biometrics: Biometric appointments may be required for certain applicants. USCIS will send you a notice with the details if a biometric appointment is necessary. Make sure to attend the appointment as scheduled.

Apply SSN with EAD

• Question 13.a on Form I-765: When completing Form I-765, you will encounter Question 13.a, which asks if you have a Social Security Number (SSN). If you do not currently have an SSN, select 'No' for this question.
  
• Questions 14 and 15 on Form I-765: After selecting 'No' for Question 13.a, proceed to Questions 14 and 15. In Question 14, select 'Yes' to indicate that you want to apply for an SSN. In Question 15, also select 'Yes' to consent to the Social Security Administration (SSA) sharing your information with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
• Questions 16.a and 16.b on Form I-765: In Question 16.a, you will need to provide your father's full name, and in Question 16.b, provide your mother's full name. This information is necessary for the SSA to process your SSN application.
• Submitting Your Application: Ensure that you have completed the entire Form I-765, including these relevant questions, and include it in your application package, along with all the required supporting documents.
• EAD Approval: Once your H4 EAD is approved by USCIS, which typically takes several months, your SSN card will be automatically generated by the SSA. This process can take around 3-4 weeks, although processing times may vary.
• Receiving Your SSN Card: The SSA will mail your SSN card to the address you provided when you applied. Make sure your address is accurate and up to date with USCIS and the SSA. Once you receive your SSN card, keep it in a secure place, as it is an essential identification document.

Having an SSN is crucial for various purposes, including tax filing, opening bank accounts, and establishing credit in the United States. Applying for an SSN along with your H4 EAD application streamlines the process and ensures you can start working as soon as your EAD is approved.

FQAs How to File H4 EAD