How Much Attorney Charge For H4 EAD?

H-4 visa holders may work legally in the U.S. if they possess an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). This differs from H-1B holders, who can do so even without possessing an EAD.

USCIS can take up to six months to process H-4 EAD applications or petitions, but premium processing can speed up this process significantly.

Cost

The H4 EAD is an employment authorization document that allows spouses of H-1B visa holders to work legally in the US. First implemented in 2015, it has proven especially popular among creative professionals as they don’t need to limit themselves to specific companies or locations – they can even start up their own companies that can be run from anywhere across the country. But such authorization doesn’t come without its share of challenges.

Applicant for H-4 EAD must pay certain fees, complete applications, attend interviews and submit medical exams; this process may take months. Some individuals opt for expediting this process through premium processing – although this option can be costly and may not be right for everyone.

H-4 EAD is not as comprehensive as an actual green card, so it is crucial that applicants understand its limitations before filing an application. Most EADs only remain valid for 90 days; should an application not be approved, applicants will have to wait until renewal, potentially creating serious difficulties with both career and family obligations.

An additional limitation of an EAD is its filing deadline: it must be filed up to 180 days before its current visa’s expiry date, which can present challenges for individuals who have multiple jobs or families to care for. Therefore, it is wise to consult a qualified attorney prior to applying for one.

H4 EAD fee payments total $410 USD and must be made via personal check, money order or cashier’s check to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security,” not USCIS as short forms. Credit card transactions at USCIS Lockbox facilities may also be processed using form G-1450 that authorizes such credit transactions.

Finaly, H-4 EAD applicants who are F1 visa students must provide SEVIS information about their spouses if they are applying for an extension or COS. However, some applicants will not have an A-Number and should leave this field blank.

Time

H4 visa holders who want to work legally in the US can obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which allows them to do so. An EAD lasts up to three years but may be extended up to six years; to apply for one you must provide certain documents to USCIS.

As well as your EAD application form, additional requirements include paying a $410 application fee and an $85 biometrics fee as well as proof of citizenship or naturalization. Fees should be paid either with cash, check or money order made payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security,” rather than short forms such as USCIS on checks or money orders. Alternatively you may use your credit card.

The processing time for an EAD application varies based on its nature and where you live in relation to USCIS service centers, but in general takes between 7-13 months. There are ways of speeding up this process though; one option being premium processing which costs $1,500 but will get an approval within 30 days.

If you cannot afford the EAD fee, filing for a waiver may also be an option. To do so, submit a completed fee waiver request form along with your I-765 and include two identical 2×2 inch photos taken within 30 days, with your name and admission record number written clearly on each back side with pencil.

Option 2 is to request that USCIS expedite your H4 EAD application. They will review each request individually and grant expedited requests if your situation requires immediate consideration. Usually expedited requests are granted when someone holds cultural or religious nonprofit roles as well as being key workers.

Working without an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is considered illegal employment and could have serious repercussions – ranging from fines and denial of future immigration benefits, all the way through to removal from the US. Therefore it’s crucial that you explore all your options and plan ahead.

Experience

The H-4 visa provides work authorization to spouses of H-1B nonimmigrants. This program is extremely important to many immigrants as it allows them to continue working while waiting for their green card application to be processed. Unfortunately, concerns were raised after President Donald Trump took office that this program could be abolished; but thus far it appears intact and H-4 EADs remain available for use.

H-4 visa holders can work in any sector of the economy and do not need an extraordinary ability job offer to apply for an EAD. They should submit any relevant documentation early, such as photographs, bank statements, copies of professional licenses or any other supporting documentation that might help speed up processing time.

Filing for an EAD costs $410 USD. Payment should be submitted using either a check or money order drawn on an US-based bank and payable to the Department of Homeland Security. Forms can be submitted online or by mail before your current H-4 EAD or change of status (COS) petition expires.

Once you submit all the paperwork and fees necessary to file for an EAD petition with USCIS, you can begin looking for employment. Furthermore, checking its status on their website will allow you to determine whether your petition has been approved or denied.

As a beneficiary of an H-4 EAD, it’s important to remember that you may only travel outside the country if your EAD remains valid. If it’s approaching expiry, consult an attorney about how best to renew it; extensions or renewals of an EAD may be granted during its last 180-day window before expiration.

The Obama administration created the H-4 EAD program to allow H-4 dependents of H-1B visa holders to work legally in the U.S. It was met with great enthusiasm by foreign nationals, quickly becoming popular for workers seeking temporary work. There have been some concerns raised regarding this program’s potential negative consequences; these include creating shortages in skilled workers and increasing wage discrimination against U.S. citizens. Neither side have taken steps to halt it yet; although their decision-makers have missed several deadlines on issuing decisions about this matter so far.

Expenses

Filing an H4 EAD involves multiple fees and expenses. These may include the filing, biometrics and visa fees as well as processing charges. You also may require legal help with your case or you may need to hire an attorney for representation. These expenses can add up quickly; luckily the government offers several fee waiver options for certain categories of people.

The H-4 EAD program permits dependent spouses of people holding work-specific visas the right to legally work in the U.S. It’s a popular program among people needing extra income for supporting their families; and although concerns exist regarding its future under President Donald Trump, for now it remains intact despite fears it may eventually be eliminated.

To apply for an H-4 EAD, complete and submit Form I-765 at the time of application and pay $410. Additionally, $85 can be spent for biometrics appointment (fingerprints). However, those experiencing financial hardship may qualify for fee waivers by providing evidence they cannot afford their fees.

Once your application is received by USCIS, they will send a receipt notice that should be kept safely away. They will then mail out your H4 EAD card which displays category C26 on it.

If your EAD expires, it can be renewed up to 180 days before its due date and an H-1B visa remains valid for your spouse. In such an instance, renewal can occur as often as necessary.

H-4 EADs differ from immigrant work visas by not being tied to any specific job or employer, enabling visa holders to find work that fits their interests and skill set more readily than an immigrant work visa would. This flexibility makes an H-4 EAD more valuable and may even aid transition into lawful permanent residency if that is your ultimate goal.