Can H4 EAD work on receipt (Is a 540-Day Auto Extension allowed?)
H4 EAD can work while extension pending & card expired if H4 i94 is valid. Automatic 180-day extension allowed by USCIS. L2 does not need EAD to work.
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L2 dependents can work without filing an EAD. Earlier, they were required to file the i765 form explicitly but it is not required now.
H4 dependents do need to file the H4 EAD i765 application before they can work in the US.
H4 EAD can get an automatic EAD extension up to 540 days if
- EAD renewal is filed before the current EAD expiry
- AND H4 i94 is valid
If an EAD is required for your case, you can work until you get the renewed EAD card in your hand or if you are eligible for auto-extension.
USCIS announced that a 540-day EAD auto extension will be allowed for applications filed till 30 Sep 2025.
Other types of EAD work permits like i485 (code C09) are allowed to use the automatic 180 EAD extension too.
L2 EAD holders whose category code is A(1)(8) can now work by using their L2 i94.
A (C05) J-2 spouse or minor child of a J-1 exchange visitor cannot work based on receipt for their EAD extension.
This article will discuss:
Interim EAD – Work for Some Days?
Many people ask if they can keep working based on the H4 EAD extension receipt even after the current one has expired for a couple of days.
The answer is that you cannot work after the expiration of your EAD card validity. You have to stop working the same day the EAD expires unless you are covered under the auto-extension policy.
i765 Notice of Action
The i765 notice of action (i797) sent by USCIS has a general language that you are allowed to keep working for up to 180 days.
Note that this is a generic message about 180 automatic renewals available if your EAD application is pending in the category allowed by USCIS.
Interim EAD is given to help the continued employment when USCIS is taking time to approve the EAD renewal application.
Can I work if H4 EAD Renewal is in the process?
You cannot work if your existing H4 EAD card has expired and your H4 i94 has expired while renewal is in process.
Unpaid Leaves or Termination
Some employers and attorneys suggest going on ‘unpaid leave’ and returning to work once you have got your new EAD card.
In our opinion, the job should be terminated by the employer and you can rejoin once you get an H4 EAD work permit.
- Many attorneys recommend that your employer terminate your employment and I-9 to avoid unnecessary compliance issues later.
- The employer has to fill out form I-9 to report legal employment to the government and IRS and hence cannot keep you on the payroll.
It is also for your benefit to stop working as the status issues might crop up at the time of green card processing, which may hurt more than a couple of days or a month’s salary now.
You can talk to your employer and attorney to check if they are okay with letting you go on a leave of absence while your EAD card renewal is pending.
Automatic EAD Extension Categories
USCIS only allows some EAD categories to keep working even after EAD expiry if you have filed the extension before the current EAD approval expires.
H4 EAD category is C(26) and it is part of the automatic EAD extension allowed list: A03, A05, A07, A08, A10, C08, C09, C10, C16, C20, C22, C24, C31, and A12 or C19.
The green card EAD category is C09.
FAQ
You cannot work on the H4 EAD receipt or an approval status on the USCIS website unless you have the valid H4 i94 which allows you the interim auto extension.
A physical H4 EAD card is required to work.
You cannot work if your existing H4 EAD card has expired and renewal is in process.
You should get the approved H4 EAD card in your hand to restart the work unless you are eligible for auto extension using a valid H4 i94.
I-765 has a generic message about 180 automatic renewals. It may or may not apply to your EAD category.
H4 EAD can open an LLC and do any business.
There are no restrictions on the H4 EAD job.
You can do any type of job like Walmart sales executive, insurance agent, drive Uber, or IT consulting.
You cannot file EAD from India.
You have to be physically present in the USA to have valid H4 or L2 status and then file the EAD application.
