Some H-4 Visa Holders to Receive Employment Authorization

USCIS has announced that it will extend employment authorization to some non-immigrants in H-4 visa status. This is very welcome news for spouses of some H-1B visa holders.

Beginning May 26, 2015, some H-4 visa holders will be granted employment authorization. To qualify, the H-4 visa holder must be married to an H-1B visa holder. In addition, the H-1B visa holder must either be the beneficiary of an approved Form I-140 visa petition, or they must be the beneficiary of a labor certification that has been pending for more than one year.

While this program was discussed as President Obama’s executive action announcement, this regulation was proposed in May 2014.

USCIS estimates that up to 179,600 people may benefit from this program in the first year and approximately 55,000 will benefit each year following.

Bryon M. Large

Recent Posts

Important Update: U.S. Visa Validity and Entry Limits Have Changed

The U.S. Department of State has made changes to the Visa Reciprocity Schedule, which determines…

4 weeks ago

H-1B Cap Reached for Fiscal Year 2026

On July 18, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) announced it had received…

4 weeks ago

Honoring the Fourth of July: A Reflection on Our Nation’s Values

  As we celebrate the Fourth of July, a day that marks the birth of…

2 months ago

What is the Status of Trump Order on Birthright Citizenship?

On January 20, 2025, President Trump issued his Birthright Citizenship Order, eliminating birthright citizenship for…

2 months ago

J-1, F-1, M-1 Visa interviews resume at U.S. Embassies abroad

The State Department will resume scheduling of visa interviews for applicants seeking F-1 student, M-1…

2 months ago

Understanding the Latest Travel Bans

On June 4, 2025, President Trump signed a proclamation titled "Restricting the Entry of Foreign…

3 months ago