Question: How Long Does It Take For H4 Visa Processing?

This will take about six months to process depending on how busy your USCIS service center is. After your status is adjusted (from H-4 to green card), you will officially be a lawful permanent resident.

How long does it take to get H4 approved?

H4 EAD processing time varies from 4-8 months in Vermont, Texas, Nebraska, and California service centers. i485 EAD processing time is 2 to 6 months at the National benefits center.

How long does it take to get H4 visa 2020?

H4 change of status is taking 2 to 12 months. California Service Center is processing H4 and L2 Change of status faster than Vermont. Vermont has slowest processing time of 8 months. USCIS Nebraska Center is approving at same speed as California.

Can I stay in US while waiting for H4?

H4 dependents can stay in the USA while the H4 application is pending with USCIS even after 240 days of i94 expiry.

Does H4 visa get rejected?

The application for the H4 visa will, therefore, be rejected by a 212(A)(4) refusal if the financial means of the principal applicant does not meet or exceed the state poverty line. This is done to prevent people from becoming a financial burden or obligation to the U.S. government.

How long does it take for H4 approval after Biometrics 2021?

The general processing time is 15-30 days after taking your fingerprints. H4 EAD may be approved in 15 days after biometric. H4 extension is also processed at the same time as H4 EAD.

Is there premium processing for H4?

US Congress passed bill HR 8337 in September 2020 that added Premium Processing option for H1B, L1 dependents(H4, L2), including all EAD categories. It also increased the premium processing fee.

Will H4 processing time improve?

Will the processing times for H4, L2 and H4 EAD improve in future? Yes, absolutely. If the biometrics requirements are removed, then USCIS can adjudicate the petition much faster without waiting for them.

Can I travel while H4 is pending?

Yes, you can travel out of US, when your H4 Change of Status is pending. But, the most important thing to understand is that your H4 COS application filed with USCIS using Form I-539 would be considered abandoned and subsequently denied, if you leave US when it is pending.

How can I check my H4 visa status?

How to Check USCIS Case Status Online

1. Go to my USCIS Case Status Search Case Status Online.
2. Enter your 13-digit receipt number in box below “Enter your receipt number”.
3. Click on the “Check Status” button and wait.
4. Once the page refreshes you will see information about your case.

How long does it take to get H-4 after Biometrics?

If you filed a standalone H4EAD, USCIS will approve your application as the i-765 form does not need biometrics. H4 EAD approval after Biometrics in premium 15 days can be achieved if you follow this trick: File H1B, H4, and H4 EAD concurrently in regular. Wait for 10 working days after attending biometric appointment.

Does 240 day rule apply for H-4?

H4 dependents are allowed to stay beyond 240 days – real world. In the real-world, the H4 dependents are ALLOWED by USCIS even after 240 days (of i94 expiry) to stay in the US, as long as their primary H1B’s visa is VALID.

What is the 240 day rule?

USCIS has provided guidance for employers and stated that employees are authorized to continue work for the same employer for up to 240 days beyond the expiration of their current authorized stay, while their petition or pending or until USCIS makes a decision on their case, whichever is sooner.

Does H4 visa expire?

The USCIS H4 EAD card will be valid for as long as the H4 Status is valid, even if the grant of the EAD is based on a one year extension of H1B status. Example: Employer files a two-year extension of H1B.

What happens if H4 is rejected?

If your application for an H4 visa is rejected, you can reapply to try again. As long as your sponsor still has their visa and you haven’t broken any immigration law or other laws in the U.S., you can submit another application. You can see if correcting any unclear information on your visa request helps.

Can my wife work on H4 visa?

The H-4 visa allows H-1B spouses and dependant children to join the H-1B visa holder in the US. Certain H-4 visa holders are permitted to work while in the US during their visa period, provided they have secured employment authorization.