Introduction 

A dependent visa known as an H4 visa is given to the spouses and minor children of H1B visa holders. Although the H4 visa permits the aforementioned family members to reside in the United States, numerous spouses of H1B visa holders additionally apply for H4 Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), which grant work authorization. They can now work lawfully in the United States and seek employment, entrepreneurship, or higher education thanks to this.

Nevertheless, the application procedures for both the H4 visa and the H4 EAD can be lengthy and require many approval steps as well as interaction with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This article will go over what to anticipate in terms of processing time, variables that may impact the schedule, and quick fixes that can help with the process. 

H4 Visa Processing Time 

Although it is possible to apply for the H4 visa alone, it is typically applied for in conjunction with the main H1B visa. The location, kind of application (new or renewal), and volume of work currently being handled by USCIS are some of the variables that can affect how long it takes to complete an H4 visa. The following are the typical processing times for an H4 visa:

• H4 Visa (Filed from Outside the U.S.): The length of time it takes to process an H4 visa application filed while you are abroad will mostly rely on the U.S. consulate or embassy where it is submitted. Depending on the workload and availability of appointments at the consulate, processing timelines might take anywhere from 15 to 60 days.
• H4 Visa (Filed Within the U.S.): Because USCIS approval is required, applicants filing from within the U.S. may have a longer processing time. The schedule normally lasts between six and twelve months, although it could change depending on USCIS backlogs and processing speeds.
• Biometrics Appointment: You will probably have to go to a biometrics appointment after filing your H4 visa application. Depending on the USCIS office, the biometrics process typically occurs four to six weeks after the application is submitted. Extended processing delays can be attributed to a prevalent practice of postponing biometrics appointment scheduling in recent years.

H4 EAD Processing Time 

One of the main worries for H4 visa holders is frequently the processing time for the H4 EAD. Whether the application is filed alone or in conjunction with other petitions (like an H4 extension or H1B renewal) may have an influence. The following is the typical processing time for H4 EAD:

• Standalone H4 EAD Application: Processing time for an H4 EAD application is normally 4 to 8 months when it is submitted independently, without the need for a concurrent H1B or H4 visa application. However, because of USCIS backlogs, delays might happen, extending this period to 10 to 12 months in certain situations.
• Concurrent Filing with H1B or H4 Extension: A lot of candidates file for H4 EADs in conjunction with H1B visa extensions or renewals. Under these circumstances, processing time can vary from one case to another. 
• Premium Processing (available for H1B applications only; not for H4): USCIS guarantees a response to H1B applications submitted under Premium Processing within 15 calendar days. Nevertheless, H4 visa and H4 EAD applications are not eligible for premium processing. Premium processing has the potential to expedite the H1B portion of the procedure, but regular timescales still apply to the H4 and H4 EAD components.

Future Outlook for H4 and H4 EAD Processing Time 

Over time, there have been variations in the processing times for H4 visas and H4 EAD applications. Longer wait periods are a result of rising demand, according to recent trends, particularly as more H1B visa holders apply for work permits for their spouses.

In the future, wait times may be greatly decreased by implementing premium processing for H4 EAD applications, as has been discussed. Even if there haven’t been any formal adjustments made yet, it’s still important to keep an eye on.

Conclusion 

Processing dates for the H4 visa and H4 EAD might differ based on a number of variables, such as the applicant’s location, backlogs with USCIS, and the completeness of the application. The processing time for an H4 visa might vary from a few weeks to several months, but the H4 EAD application procedure usually takes longer, usually between four and twelve months. Through proactive measures, timely submission of applications, and educated citizenship education, candidates can expedite the process and gain greater assurance over their work permit and residency status in the United States.