My spouse and I are living in different sates due to obvious work reasons. I am currently on H-1B Visa with my I-140 approved. My wife is on H-1b working as a full time employee to XYZ company. Now, with Obama's executive action particularly with H-4 EAD my wife is planning to change her visa status from H-1B to H-4 so that she can get opportunities at the place where I live (at this point of time all the companies at my place are asking her for Either Green Card or Proper Work permit without any sponsorship in order to hire her). In this regards I have 2 questions <br>
1. Would you suggest us to get H-4 approval in advance before H-4-EAD rule comes into effect or would you suggest we can file them concurrently?<br>
2. If she applies for H-4 when can she quit the job - Is it on the day of notice of application receipt from USCIS or from the day of H-4 approval?<br>
P.S: I am aware that no rule has been published yet but just wanted to get your thoughts/suggestions on this issue.
See clip from Attorney Rajiv S. Khanna's conference call video that addresses this question.
Status of the H-4 EAD regulations
See clip from Attorney Rajiv S. Khanna's conference call video that addresses this question.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXq6DaDK7AA#t=93
FAQ Transcript:
This FAQ is about H-1 quota, how does H-1 quota work?
I think this is an issue important for many people.
Question: I am on L-1 A, If I get H-1B this April, is it mandatory to work from October 1st. Can I continue on L-1A and then change to H-1B when I like.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director León Rodríguez announced today that, effective May 26, 2015, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is extending eligibility for employment authorization to certain H-4 dependent spouses of H-1B nonimmigrants who are seeking employment-based lawful permanent resident (LPR) status. DHS amended the regulations to allow these H-4 dependent spouses to accept employment in the United States.
If my H-1B petition is denied by USCIS, or withdrawn by my employer, what happens to my H-4 dependents?
If you are no longer in valid H-1B status, your dependents’ H-4 petitions will no longer be valid either.
My spouse and I work for the same IT company. My spouse who is on H-1B visa is already in the US and my H-1B is under process, hoping to get it stamped latest by October 13th. I plan to quit my current job after stamping is over(may be in Oct13) and join my spouse on dependent visa (H-4).
1) When I apply for H-4, will my H-1B be valid or my company will cancel my H-1B?
2) Assuming H-1B still remains valid after my H-4, can I apply for change of status to H-1 later and search for jobs while on H-4?
3) How long does it take for change of status from H-4 to H-1?
1. H-1 cancellation (revocation) is not automatic, but the company would have to be extremely ill-informed not to revoke the H-1. They must.
2. You can revert back to H-1 from H-4. You will not be subject to quota.
3. The same time as a new H-1. Apply premium if in a hurry.
Dear Rajiv Ji, I am really happy to inform you that our H-1B/ H-4 interview at US Embassy, New Delhi was successful and that we both have received our stamped passports from the Embassy too. I would really like to thank you for all your valuable guidance and help. Thanks again! Nakul