Current USCIS H4 EAD Processing Time

Let’s say that there is a woman named Naomi. She is a foreign citizen who has a spouse with an H-1B employment visa in the United States. She can apply for a visa, the H4 Employment Authorization Document (EAD), that can permit her to live in the United States. With this visa, Naomi can even work in certain situations.

If you are in the same case as Naomi, it means that now you need to learn what you need to know about H4 EAD, especially about the processing time. If you want to apply for a H4 EAD, you need to know the processing time set by the USCIS so that you can measure when you can start to use it.

H4 is a visa for a person who migrates to the United States and is an immediate member of H1-B visa holder.

Processing Times of H4 EAD

How long is the processing time of H4 EAD? It may vary because of a number of factors and it is important for you to note that every USCIS service center may have different time statistics. Nevertheless, the entire process generally can take around 2 to 12 months. You also need to be ready for a delay.

And here are the processing times of H4 EAD in some service centers cited from Visa Grader.

As you can see from the table above, in each service center, the processing time of H4 EAD is different. However, the processing time shown above cannot also be used as your standard because it depends on the load of the service center and also other factors.

There may be expedited H4 EAD service in USCIS. If you want it to be processed faster, you can ask the service center about this expedited service.

The Reasons Why a H4 EAD Visa Delay

As explained earlier, getting a H4 EAD visa takes a long time where the applicant needs to wait for months. In addition, there may be a delay that can make the process take longer. Here are the reasons why there is a delay in the process of H4 EAD application.

• • The Requirements That Are Not Simple

All applicants are required to complete all documents before they apply for the H4 EAD visa. If there are any missing evidence, a delay can occur.

• • A Lot of Applicants

You are not the only one who applies for the H4 EAD visa, but there can be so many applicants for it and it leads to a strain on the system. So, no wonder why there is a delay in the process.

• • Processing Backlogs

It is possible that in the process, there are errors. So, it is important for applicants to check their status to make sure that there are no processing errors.

• • Your Application is Not Complete

You have to fill out all of the fields in the application correctly. If your application is not complete, it will be sent back to you and it causes a delay.

• • The Vetting Process That is Extensive and Rigorous

In the process, it may include the embassy interviews and criminal background checks. These processes add time to the application so that it takes longer.

• • The Evidence That You Have is Not Enough

If you want to qualify for an H4 EAD visa, you need to be able to prove that you can financially support yourself while you are in the United States. If you do not have a job, it will be difficult for you.

• • Your Home Country is Not Part of the Visa Waiver Program

If you are not part of the program in a country, you have to provide the information about it. In this case, you need to get a visa before you enter the United States.

• • The US Immigration Policy Changes

There may be unexpected changes in the US Immigration Policy that make your H4 EAD application delay.

Some Tips to Avoid Delays in the Process of Applying for H4 EAD

As explained above, there are some reasons why your H4 EAD visa application can be delayed. And now the question is, can we avoid the delay? Some tips below may be able to avoid the delay in the process of H4 EAD visa application.

• • You have to collect all the needed documents.

If you want your H4 application processed on time, it is better for you to collect all needed documents first. By doing this, you can make sure that any potential issues or delays can be overcome so that it can avoid the delay in the overall process.

• • If you get emails or calls from USCIS staff, make sure you respond to them immediately.

By responding immediately and keeping your communication well with the USCIS staff, it can reduce the possibility of delay. Make sure you also follow all the rules and guidelines for H4 EAD visa application.

• • You can ask for guidance from an experienced immigration lawyer.

By asking for guidance from an immigration lawyer, when you are experiencing a delay in the process of your H4 EAD visa application, you can contact the lawyer and the lawyer will make you understand about it. And then, your lawyer will tell you what you can do to solve it. By getting help from an immigration lawyer, you are able to make sure that your H4 EAD visa application can be processed quickly.

• • You need to double check your documents and form before you submit them.

Before you submit the required documents and form, you have to double check them. Make sure that all of the required documents and form are complete and the information that you have to enter in the form is accurate. During the interview, you also need to provide accurate information so that there is no problem with your H4 visa application. Besides, it is better for you to submit all of the documents and form before the deadlines.

• • You need to wait for the process patiently.

If there is an unexpected delay or issue that happens in the process of your H4 EAD visa application, make sure that you stay calm. Be patient with the process and you can check the website of USCIS to get updates about your H4 EAD visa application.

Tia Varborough

A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.