Glossary · Visa classifications
H-4 EAD
Work authorization for H-4 spouses whose H-1B principal has an approved I-140 pending or older.
Eligibility: principal has an approved I-140 OR the principal has H-1B extensions beyond the 6-year cap under AC21. Filed on I-765 with category code C(26). USCIS ended automatic 540-day EAD extensions Oct 30, 2025 — must renew before expiry. When the principal H-1B is laid off and grace period ends without transfer, the H-4 EAD ends with the principal's status.
Related terms
H-4
Dependent classification for spouse + unmarried children under 21 of an H-1B principal.
I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)
Files for an EAD card. Used for H-4 spouses, Compelling Circumstances EAD, and AOS-pending workers.
I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker)
Employer-sponsored green-card petition. Once approved, it locks your priority date and unlocks 3-year H-1B extensions past the 6-year cap.
AC21 (American Competitiveness in the 21st Century Act)
2000 statute that codified H-1B portability + 1- and 3-year extensions past the 6-year cap for green-card-pending workers.
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