Potential changes to H-4 EAD Eligibility
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has submitted a draft proposed rule to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to end the work authorization of H-4 spouses. This proposed rule would end the current eligibility that H-4 spouses have to apply for the employment authorization document (EAD) card once primary H-1B holder has reached a specific stage in the permanent residency process. At the present time, this proposed rule is not in effect. The current 2015 rule is still active and the H-4 spouse is eligible to request work authorization (EAD card) from USCIS based off their primary’s permanent residency standing.
The OIS is monitoring the situation and will provide updates to our international visitors and the UT Health San Antonio community as information is made available.