On December 23, 2021, the Department of State has authorized consular offices through the end of 2022 to waive the in-person interview requirement for additional visa types including temporary workers applying for H-1, H-3, H-4, L, O, P, and Q who meet certain conditions. Consular officers have the discretion to waive the interview requirement for individuals applying for these visa types that...
Update November 15, 2021 USCIS has issued policy guidance to address automatic extension of employment authorization for certain H-4, E, and L nonimmigrant dependent spouses. Again, note the following: "the automatic extension of the EAD will continue until the earlier of: the end dateon Form I-94 showing valid status, the approval or denial of the EAD renewal application, or 180 days from the...
On May 3, 2021, USCIS announced that it will suspend biometrics requirement for individuals filing Form I-539 to request an extension of stay in or change of status to H-4, L-2 and certain E nonimmigrants. The declaration was made in response to a lawsuit (Edakunni v. Mayorkas) challenging tH-4 and L-2 adjudication delays. The biometrics suspension will apply to the H-4, L-2, and E-1, E-2,...
Update November 10, 2021 - Breaking News H-4 spouses may now benefit from automatic extension of their EADs. Once renewal EAD is timely filed, the expiring EAD will be extended up to 180 days. Work authorization is now incidental to L-2. Meaning that L-2 holders may work without having to apply for EAD. Update October 27, 2021 This is a stand-alone H-4. Total processing time is less than 4...
In response to Ron Klain's Memo to delay all “midnight regulations”, the proposed rule “Removing H-4 dependent spouses from the class of aliens eligible for employment authorization” will not only be delayed but completely withdrawn by the Department of Homeland Security. Although many may now breath a sigh of relief, the current processing time for H-4 EAD is still a huge impediment....