Sunday, April 16, 2017

Steps to apply H4 EAD

Here are the few steps which I followed for filing H4 EAD Application- new and renewal application. This blog is solely based on my experience and nothing to do with acceptance and denial of someone else application. Always read USCIS H4 employment links before preparing your package.
Basis for Work Authorization:
    • Approved Form I-140
    • H-1B Principal Received AC21 106(a) and (b) Extension.
H4 I-765 application form:
    • Full Name: Legal First, Middle, last Name
    • Address in the United States: Address you stay
    • Country of Citizenship/Nationality- Your citizenship based on passport. If you are a dual citizen, write the country noted on your I-20, which should match the passport you use
    • Date of Birth - month/day/year
    • Social Security Number: If you have a SSN then write it but If you do not have a Social Security Number, write “N/A”
    • Alien Registration Number (A-Number) or I-94 Number: 11-digit I94 record number. Refer https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/consent.html
    • Have you ever before applied for employment authorization from USCIS? If you have never applied for an EAD before, mark “No”. If you have applied for an EAD in the past, mark “Yes” finish the questions at the top of the next column. Which USCIS Office? - Write the USCIS office. Example LIN – Nebraska Service Center, EAC – Vermont Service Center , SRC – Texas Service Center , WAC – California Service Center. Date(s) -Valid from and Card Expires date from EAD card. Results -Granted or Denied
    • Date of Last Entry into the U.S. (mm/dd/yyyy)- Put Last City in US and also put port of entry (if both are different)
    • Current Immigration Status- H4 Visa
    • Current Immigration Status: C26
    • Current Immigration Status: H1B I797 number (start with EAC or LIN ..)

Here are the documents which I have sent for H4 EAD application:
    • 2 colored photo of 2*2 inch (Write name and I94 number on back with Pencil and black light ink)
    • Cashier’s Check- Check payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security for $380
    • I-765 form
    • Form G-1145
    • I-140 approval of spouse
    • I-94 of EAD Applicant
    • I-94 of Spouse
    • I-797A of EAD Applicant
    • I-797A of spouse
    • Birth Certificate of Applicant
    • Marriage Certificate
    • Stamped Copy of H1 and H4 Visa (optional)
    • Driver License of Applicant (optional)
    • Employment verification letter of spouse (optional)

H4 EAD Renewal application:
    • You cannot file for a renewal EAD more than 120 days before your original EAD expires
    • Please send your I797 Notice of action (Notice Type: Approval of Action),  EAD card and the receipt on which the previous EAD was attached. I have heard that the paper w/ attached EAD is also required, so please don't trash it (I have trashed one)
    • Send all the applications documents as listed above. The process doesn't change for new application vs renewal except the above 2 point

Key things to note:
    • Two identical two-by-two-inch passport-style color photographs. Print Name and I94 number of back of photo
    • I765- Please sign the form w/ black ink. Don't sign outside of the space provided
    • Place of last entry: I feel this is bit confusing in the case when port of entry is outside of the US (eg Abu Dhabi). In this case your last entry into the US and port of entry will be different. I'd just put Last Entry as US City, Port of Entry: Port of Entry as per I-94
    • Where to send your package: Refer to C 26 section on this link: https://www.uscis.gov/i-765-addresses and send it to the address based on H1 most recent Form I-797 Notice of Approval (begins with EAC or LIN, SRC or WAC)
    • Use latest version of Form I-765
    • You cannot file for a renewal EAD more than 120 days before your original EAD expires

Few important links:
Good Luck and this process is helping tons of H4 dependent to step outside of their house and start working. Please navigate to contact us page and use any social media to get in touch with me to discuss my experience w/ H4 EAD application process or any other questions.
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