StandAlone H4 EAD

1

Hello All, I just received my i140 approval today and am planning to apply first time H4 EAD for my spouse. My i94 (and dependents i94) expired on sep 30. i have a receipt for h1 extn filed in regular 2 months back for both H1 and H4.

I) Can I apply H4 EAD with just the H1 extn receipt notice or need H1/H4 approval copy to apply H4 EAD

II) I see Standalone H4 EAD is currently taking more than 8 months at this time. Would it be beneficial or is it possible to apply Standalone H4 EAD and then upgrade the earlier filed H1 Extn along with H4 to expedite this EAD application

2

Yes you can using the receipt notice for both H1B and H4.

You can however when you file standalone I-765 for EAD, it may be processed by a different USCIS processing center than the H1B and H4. For this reason even if you upgrade H1B to PP, the EAD may not get approved at the same time as H1B and H4.

3

Thank you for the response!