The chances of EB2 India reaching July 2015 are 50%.

There is a spillover of about 50k expected from family based green cards to employment based ones in Oct 2026 but this is not guaranteed. The spillover may happen due to the Trump gov’s ban on immigrant visa issuance on several countries.

If the spillover happens, the dates for both EB2 and EB3 India will move forward by about 3 months each.

Our estimation is that they might move the DOF (Date of filing) chart to 1 Apr 2015 in Oct 2026 bulletin.

• Note that spillover is distributed among all EB 1-5 categories equally. Hence, if 50k is available, then each one of them will get about 10k extra green cards.
• Eb2 and EB3 combined will get about 20k and then India may not only get 50% of this 20k. This is because ROW (rest of world) also consumes the green cards.

Predictions for 2026-2027

Stay positive and hope for the best.

You can also estimate dates based on your priority date.

If you have already filed your i485 but have not submitted the medicals, we strongly recommend interfiling the i693 form and improving your chances of getting a Green card earlier than others in the queue.

This app uses publicly available i140 data from USCIS and then mimics the per-month visa allocation based on various factors.

The employment spillovers happen in this order:

1. EB4 and EB5 extra green cards are given to EB1.
2. EB1’s unused GC numbers are given to EB2 ROW (The rest of the world).
3. EB2’s ROW is shared horizontally with backlogged countries like India and China. The most backlogged country gets the most GCs as per the best understanding.
4. EB3 ROW is supposed to get unused GC from EB2 which is almost impossible since EB2 India and China have huge backlogs.
5. EB3 does not spill over to anyone as per our understanding.

In a nutshell, this is the funnel for spillovers within employment-based categories:

• Unused EB4+EB5 ->
• EB1 ROW ->
• Unused EB1 ->
• EB2 ROW ->
• EB2 Backlogged (most backlogged first) ->
• EB3 ROW ->
• EB3 Backlogged (most backlogged first)

If you want to understand how this whole setup works, head over to the HappySchools blog which has explained spillover sharing details within EB categories in a really simple way.

Estimate My Green Card Date

You can estimate your green card date based on the same AI algorithm that we use for predicting visa bulletins.

1. Visit the My Green Card Estimate App here.
2. Enter your country of birth and employment-based GC category. You can leave the options as default.
3. Click the ‘Estimate My GC Date‘ button and see the visa bulletin that may get you the Green card.

This is what the estimated values look like.

This will help you decide on filing EB2 to EB3 downgrade and collecting documents for filing i485 if you have a good chance of getting current soon.

You should be ready to file I-485 documents if the dates move forward quickly as the window might not stay open for long.

How to Get a Green Card Fast?

Unless the US Immigration law is changed, to remove country-based GC limits with a law like S386, there is no real possibility of any Indian joining the EB2 Green card queue, to get a Green card in his/her lifetime.

#1 US Citizen Child Sponsor

To circumvent this 150-year wait, your Adult US citizen child can sponsor you once he/she turns 21.

This will give you a Green card immediately as there is neither any yearly limit nor any priority date waiting for immediate relatives of US citizens.

#2 EB5 Filing

If you have the money, you should file the green card using the EB5 investor route.

The dates are current for Indians in EB5 rural and high employment (HUA) reserved categories. Filing the EB5 with 800k investment in rural or HUA will make you eligible for EAD, AP immediately and will also help lock your child’s age.

The post EB2 India Green Card Prediction – Visa Bulletin appeared first on AM22Tech.

This is cumbersome even if you are filling it using your phone or computer. We will show you how to easily fill out the form and your details on all the pages of form i-693.

A separate I-693 form needs to be filled out for each member of the family who is applying for the I-485 green card application.

How to fill out the I-693 form?

There are two parties involved in filling out the I-693 form:

• Applicant
• Doctor

The app is designed to help fill all sections including the applicant and the doctor. If you are an applicant, the doctor’s section should be ignored.

We strongly recommend using AM22Tech’s app which helps you validate all your data to make sure you do not make any mistakes.

If you are a doctor and want to fill out this form for your patient before they come for the USCIS medical appointment, you can also fill in all the fields and save time. The doctor’s office can then print two copies of the same form quickly to share one with the applicant and the other for USCIS’s sealed envelope.

The app will save your information to generate the form again anytime later from any device including your iPhone, Android, or Samsung mobile.

#1 Enter Your Details

Enter your full name and birth details in the first step. Make sure that there are no spelling mistakes and that all these details match your current valid unexpired passport.

#2 Alien Number

Step 2 requires you to enter your A number. It is possible that you do not have any A-number at this time and you can leave it blank.

The same is true for the USCIS account number.

You can check this page to find your A-number.

For example:

A family of H1B and H4 dependents may have this scenario:

• H1B primary has an A number issued with his I-140. Find it on his i140 approval page.
• H4 dependent spouse might have her own A number on the H4 EAD card if she was issued one at any time.
• H4-dependent kids may not have an A number issued at all. In that case, you can leave the A number for your H4 child blank.

#3 USCIS Account Number

The USCIS Online Account Number is different from an A-Number (Alien number).

Most people do not have it.

1. If you have previously filed an application, petition, or any request using the USCIS online filing system (previously called USCIS Electronic Immigration System (USCIS ELIS)), your USCIS Online Account Number can be used here.
2. You can find your USCIS Online Account Number by logging in to your account and going to the profile page. Suppose you previously filed certain applications, petitions, or requests on a paper form via a USCIS Lockbox facility. In that case, you may have received a USCIS Online Account Access Notice issuing you a USCIS Online Account Number.
3. If you received such a notice, your USCIS Online Account Number can be found at the top of the notice.

You can leave it blank if you do not have it.

#4 Contact Details

The last step is to fill in your current USA residential address and contact details.

We recommend entering your email and mobile phone number.

Doctor Steps

The i693 medical form is extensive and there are many details that doctor needs to fill in before they can sign and issue the completed form.

The AM22Tech’s i693 app makes the task of filling the doctor’s section a breeze.

A doctor can:

• Copy the whole form contents for a family and then edit only the relevant portions to save time refiling the same lengthy form.
• Doctors can save and reuse their name, and address and just select it from the dropdown menu for each new patient’s form. No need to write the same thing twice.
• Select the dates, and vaccination names easily just with a tap and the app takes care of filling them in correctly on the USCIS form.
• Save and fill data as it becomes available. The app saves all entries automatically and securely.
• All records are available immediately on mobile, desktop, and office tabs as the doctor edits them.
• Get the completed form securely over your registered email.

Fill Form & Email

The last step is to Fill Form. The app validates all the data before it allows you to buy the service. Once validated and paid, the app will automatically pick up the current USCIS i693 form, fill it out, and will be available for download.

You only need to fill in your details on this form and take it to the USCIS-approved physician’s office. The doctor will fill in all other details and sign.

FAQ

The post How to Fill USCIS i693 Medical Form (For Doctors & Applicants) appeared first on AM22Tech.

Many applicants face delays because their photos do not meet Canadian IRCC standards.

Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you get your photos right the first time as per Canada photo guidelines for Visa or Permanent residency.

Official Canada Photo Requirements

To avoid delays and rejections, your application photos must strictly follow the official Canada government photo specifications.

• Size: 2 inch width x 2-3/4 inches height (50mm x 70mm)
• Head Position: Head height must be between 1-1/4 inch and 1-7/14 inches (31–36 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the hair.
• Background: A plain white or off-white background is required, with no patterns or shadows.
• Expression: Maintain a neutral facial expression or a natural, subtle smile. Both eyes must be open and visible.
• Eyewear: Glasses are not permitted in the photo, except in rare instances of medical necessity with a signed doctor’s statement.
• Print Quality: Photos must be high-resolution, printed on photo-quality paper (matte or glossy), and free of smudges or creases.
• Digital Size:Between 715×1000 and 2000×2800 pixels in JPEG or PNG format; file size must 4MB or less

Important: Do not use selfies, casual snapshots, or heavily filtered photos. Ensure the lighting is even and there are no dark shadows on your face or the background.

Where to Get photo Clicked In USA?

You can visit Walmart, CVS or Walgreens to get your photos clicked.

At some locations, even Costco and Sams club also offer reasonably proceed passport size photos. They can also edit the photo as per USCIS requirements.

They usually charge upwards of $14.99 for two pictures.

The other option is to click the photo yourself using the mobile phone camera or your digital camera. There are softwares and websites available online which can help you edit your photos to exact specifications.

You should remember that editing is complex as the final edited image should print to exact measurements of 2 inch x 2-3/4 inch on paper. The image’s DPI (dots per inch) also matter as they control the quality of the final printed output.

USCIS requires the image to be high resolution which can be attained if you click the image by your iPhone and then edit it to at least 300 DPI. AM22Tech’s AI photo editor takes care of checking the photo resolution and edits it to minimum 300 Dots per inch thereby making it extremely easy to satisfy government requirements.

If you would like to click them yourself to save money, here is how to take photo at home.

Step 1 of 4

Lighting

How to Take Your Passport or Visa Photo at Home

Save time and money by capturing a professional-quality photo right from home. All you need is a smartphone and a few minutes. Follow these steps for the perfect shot.

1 Right Lighting

Stand against a plain white or off-white wall. Face a window for natural daylight to ensure even lighting and avoid harsh shadows.

2 Set Up Your Camera

Use a tripod or ask a friend. Keep the lens at eye level and about 2 to 4 feet away. Always use the back camera for sharper quality.

3 Strike the Correct Pose

Look directly at the camera with a neutral expression. Keep your head straight, shoulders relaxed, and ensure your full head and shoulders are visible.

4 Capture & Upload

Take the shot and upload it to an AI photo editor. It will adjust background, crop correctly, and produce a high-resolution photo that matches government standards.

Expert Tip

Avoid using a flash. It creates glare on skin and glasses. Natural light is your best friend!

FAQ

The post Canada PR, Passport Photo Online – 50x70mm Guidelines [Avoid Rejection] appeared first on AM22Tech.

Check if you are eligible to apply for H4 EAD.

Documents for H4 EAD Application

#1 H4 EAD Fee

H4 EAD fee is $520.

USCIS accepts payment by Credit Card or ACH bank transfer

1. Pay by credit card – Fill form G-1450
2. Pay by ACH debit transfer – Fill form Form G-1650

Attach the form on top of the application.

ACH should be from a US bank.

If you are using the credit card, then it should have been issued by a US bank. International cards from non-US countries will not work.

Payment by Check/Money order is NOT accepted by USCIS.

#2 Photo (Two; each 2×2 inch size)

Two identical 2×2 inch photographs clicked within the last 30 days are required for the H4 EAD application.

Write your name and i94 number (OR SSN OR Alien registration number) on the back of the photograph with a light gray colored pencil.

Off course, you can click the H4 EAD photo at home, edit it and then print yourself to save money.

The admission record number on H4’s i94 fetched from the CBP site is what should be written on the back of each photo.

Do not send an old photo with the I-765 application as USCIS will send RFE to submit new photos. This will increase your H4 EAD processing time.

#3 Fill I-765 Form

Download and fill USCIS i765 form. You can also use our app to fill out the form. The app validates and checks all form fields to make sure you do not make any mistakes.

You can use this app to fill the form, validate all, and make sure the form is not rejected or an RFE is sent by USCIS:

Open App in new Window

#4 H4 Status Proof

• Copy of H-4 visa holder’s most recent I-797 Approval. If an H4 extension has been approved recently, use the extension approval. OR
• Most recent H4 i-94 copy. If an H4 extension were approved recently, the new i94 would be attached to your H4 extension approval (i797) notice OR
• A Copy of the pending H4 extension if it has not reached any result yet.

#5 Government Issued Photo ID Document

• Copy of Passport’s front (with Photo) and back pages (with address) OR
• Copy of USA H4 Visa stamp page from the Passport OR
• A copy of your last EAD – Both front and back (if any) OR
• A birth certificate with a photo ID. For example, an Indian (or Chinese) birth certificate will work only if it has a photograph. OR
• Any other national identity document with a photo. US State ID or Driving License is NOT acceptable.

#6 H4’s Relationship Proof with H1B

A copy of your marriage certificate in English is required to prove the H4 dependent’s relationship to primary H1B.

#7 H4 EAD Eligibility Proof

Primary H1B spouse’s I-140 i797c approval notice is required to prove H4 EAD eligibility.

If your employer has not shared the I-140 approval copy with you, use the USCIS FOIA request to get I-140 details.

#8 Current H4-EAD Copy (If applying Renewal/Extension)

An existing EAD copy is required only if you already have H4 EAD and you are applying for renewal or extension.

Only a black color ink pen is allowed as USCIS uses computer scanning to read forms.

Do NOT staple the documents. Use a paper clip to bind them together.

#9 Form G1145 (Optional but recommended)

Use form G1145 to let USCIS send you an SMS or an email once they receive your application. Attach this form at the top of the EAD application package.

Concurrent Filing – H1B, H4, H4 EAD

If you are filing H1B, H4, and H4 EAD applications concurrently at the same time in the same package, you can write this in question 29 on form i765:

• “Filed Concurrently” OR
• Leave Blank OR
• Write the current approved H1B receipt number

All three options have been tried and tested and all of them work fine. Our recommendation is to write “Filed concurrently” in Q29 or use our app and it will handle all text automatically.

Don’t worry about the limited space to write it. You can just write with free handwriting.

H4-EAD Renewal Documents

The document list is the same for H4-EAD renewal or extension as for the new H4-EAD application mentioned above.

The start date for the H4 EAD extension may be in the future.

Example,
If your H4 expires in Sep, and you applied for renewal in Mar, of the same year, your extended H4’s start date may be Sep instead of March.

It is on USCIS to give a current start date or future one (that correlates with your current H4’s expiry date).

To fill up the i-765 form, we would consider the most recent H4 approval irrespective of its start date.

Based on it, your i94 number and primary H1B i797 approval receipt number will be decided while filing the i765.

Apply SSN with EAD

If you do not currently have SSN, select ‘No’ on Q 13.a. and then select ‘Yes’ on Q 14 and Q 15.
You will have to fill Q 16.a., 16.b. with your (H4’s) father and mother’s name to get an SSN card.

Your SSN card will be automatically generated after your EAD is approved within 3-4 weeks and mailed by USPS.

FAQ

The post How to file H4 EAD, Documents, Form i765 (New / Renewal Process) appeared first on AM22Tech.

USCIS forwards your H4 EAD application internally to other centers from Dallas or Phoenix themselves. You do not need to worry about it.

You can use this app to fill out the EAD form, validate all, and make sure the form is not rejected or an RFE is sent by USCIS.

H1B Receipt Number Starts with IOE?

USCIS has recently started generating H1B receipt numbers using their e-filing with receipt numbers that start with IOE or MCT.

In this case, the actual service center name is written at the bottom of the receipt.

H4 EAD applications are sent to other USCIS service centers after sorting through the lockbox addresses. You will get an H4 EAD receipt number separately from the final service center.

FAQ

Source: USCIS

The post H4 EAD USCIS Mail Address – Filing alone or with H4 extension appeared first on AM22Tech.

This will give you the opportunity to look for another employment or apply for a visa change of status.

You can stay in the US for 60 days if you lose your H1-B job. 

USCIS allows a grace period of up to 60 days for non-immigrant workers in E-1, E-2, E-3, H1B, H1B1, L-1, O-1, and TN status.

Grace Period Calculator

H1B Grace Period Start Date with Severance Pay can be assumed to start after the severance period is over.

In some states like California, the state law makes it mandatory to give 60 day’s notice period to the employee along with the severance package. An employee is paid a salary but is not expected to work during this period.

Start counting the calendar days from your last day of work. You can use this calculator to find the 60th-day mark.

Using the app to find your H1B options during the 60-day grace is easy. Just enter:

• Your last working date
• Most recent i94 expiry date
• Severance Paydays (if any). The default value is zero.

Click ‘Calculate’ or ‘Find my Options’ and the app will immediately evaluate your situation and help you with all possible options to maintain legal H1B status in the USA.

Attorney Opinion

As per RN law group attorney Emily Neumann, they have been able to count the severance pay period as a valid legal H1B time. This means that your H1B 60-day period starts after your severance pay period has ended.

Hear what immigration attorney Emily Neumann says starting at time 49:57 in this video chat:

In this case of a layoff, you will actually get 120 days (60 by state + 60 by USCIS).

On the other hand, Immigration Attorney Cyrus D. Mehta says that the severance pay period or the garden leave (when the person is on the bench without a project but is paid the salary) may or may not push the 60-day grace period start date. He has cited several USCIS rules which point to the USCIS officer’s discretion on the start date.

60-Day Grace Period vs i94 Expiry

You get up to 60 days or until the expiration date of the current I-94, whichever period is shorter.

Example:

Most common action that people take is to file H1B to H4 change of status application if spouse is currently on H1B visa of their own.

The fastest option to get on H4 status is to visit Mexico or Canada and get an H4 visa stamping. You can then re-enter the US using H4 and then immediately apply for H4 EAD.

Other practical options during the grace period are summed up here.

Prepare to leave the USA

If you are not able to switch to any other visa type, then you can leave the USA to avoid any unlawful stay.

No need to worry as you can come back anytime you are able to find a new H1B sponsor.

Your 6-year H1B max-out time clock stops as soon as you leave the US. Also, if you have i140 approved, you need not worry about the 6-year clock.

Carry Over Un-Used Grace Period days?

The 60-day grace period must be used in one chance. Your unused days cannot be carried over to another grace period.

60 Grace period single block is only available once per the H1B petition’s validity period.

If an H1B extension had been filed and approved with employer A i.e. a new H1B approval validity period has started, then you are eligible for a new 60 days grace period.

H1B Transfer

You can start working with the new H1B Transfer employer as soon as you file a change of employer petition.

The ideal situation would mean that you should have received the USCIS receipt number.

Usually, if you send your H1B application by FedEx and USCIS has received it on or before the 60th day, you are allowed to start work. Check with your employer if they are okay for you to start working.

Transfer after 60 days

You can start working with a new H1B employer even if your H1B transfer was filed on the 60th day and you received the receipt number on the last day.

• If the petition is going to be filed on the 61st day or you will receive the receipt number on the 61st day or after, you should ideally go out of the USA by your 60th day and plan to re-enter the USA.
• After the 60th day, you are automatically considered ‘OUT OF STATUS‘ if you have not yet applied for H1B.

Multiple Transfer Filing

You can file multiple H1B transfers during the grace period.

You can also file a transfer with employer A and start working for them to get back into H1B status.

After the 60-day period, you can file another transfer to employer B and join them even when employer A’s transfer is still pending. It is legally possible but the best option would be to first get employer A’s approval.

Old Employer H1B Visa Stamp

You can use the OLD employer’s visa stamp to re-enter the USA if the visa stamp is still valid at any time.

But, you should carry the new H1B transfer approval notice (i797 notice of approval) to be shown at the USA port of entry.

On the other hand, we strongly advise getting the new visa stamped in your passport with a newly approved H1B to avoid issues at the immigration counter.

H4 Extension/Transfer

H4 is dependent on the H1B status.

If the H4’s i94 is expiring in the next 12 months, we suggest filing an H4 transfer along with an H1B transfer too. Otherwise, the H4 transfer can be delayed until the H4 i94 is about to expire (within 6 months of expiry).

FAQ

The post H1B 60-day Grace USCIS Rule – Lay off, H4 EAD work (Severance Time)? appeared first on AM22Tech.

In USA, VFS instructions are a little different:

1. Paper printed photo size: 2×2 inch
2. Upload Photo size: 35×45 mm

Many applicants face delays or rejections because their photos do not meet Indian gov standards while uploading it on website.

Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you get your photos right the first time as per Indian gov photo guidelines for passport or OCI.

Indian Passport Photo Requirements

To avoid delays and rejections, your application photos must strictly follow the official Indian government photo specifications.

• Size: 45 x 35 mm
• Head Position: Head height must be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25–35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the hair.
• Background: A plain light gray background is required, with no patterns or shadows.
• Expression: Maintain a neutral facial expression or a natural, subtle smile. Both eyes must be open and visible.
• Eyewear: Glasses are not permitted in the photo, except in rare instances of medical necessity with a signed doctor’s statement.
• Print Quality: Photos must be high-resolution, printed on photo-quality paper (matte or glossy), and free of smudges or creases.
• Quantity: Unless specified otherwise on your form, you must submit two identical photos.

Important: Do not use selfies, casual snapshots, or heavily filtered photos. Ensure the lighting is even and there are no dark shadows on your face or the background.

Where to Get Indian Passport photo Clicked?

You can visit Walmart, CVS or Walgreens to get your photos clicked for Indian passport renewal.

At some locations, even Costco and Sams club also offer reasonably priced passport size photos. They can also edit the photo as per Indian government’s 45×35 size requirements.

They usually charge upwards of $14.99 for two pictures.

The other option is to click the photo yourself using the mobile phone camera or your digital camera. There are softwares and websites available online which can help you edit your photos to exact specifications.

You should remember that editing is complex as the final edited image should print to exact measurements of 2 inch x 2 inch on paper. The image’s DPI (dots per inch) also matter as they control the quality of the final printed output.

Indian government requires the image to be high resolution which can be attained if you click the image by your iPhone and then edit it to at least 300 DPI. AM22Tech’s AI photo editor takes care of checking the photo resolution and edits it to minimum 300 Dots per inch thereby making it extremely easy to satisfy government requirements.

If you would like to click them yourself to save money, here is how to take Indian passport photo at home.

Step 1 of 4

Lighting

How to Take Your Passport or Visa Photo at Home

Save time and money by capturing a professional-quality photo right from home. All you need is a smartphone and a few minutes. Follow these steps for the perfect shot.

1 Right Lighting

Stand against a plain white or off-white wall. Face a window for natural daylight to ensure even lighting and avoid harsh shadows.

2 Set Up Your Camera

Use a tripod or ask a friend. Keep the lens at eye level and about 2 to 4 feet away. Always use the back camera for sharper quality.

3 Strike the Correct Pose

Look directly at the camera with a neutral expression. Keep your head straight, shoulders relaxed, and ensure your full head and shoulders are visible.

4 Capture & Upload

Take the shot and upload it to an AI photo editor. It will adjust background, crop correctly, and produce a high-resolution photo that matches government standards.

Expert Tip

Avoid using a flash. It creates glare on skin and glasses. Natural light is your best friend!

Making Your Photo Indian Gov-Ready

Even with a perfect shot, technical details like resizing, cropping, and cleaning the background can be a headache. Indian government is very strict and will reject photos if the head ratio or dimensions are even slightly off, leading to frustrating delays.

The Final Editing Steps

• Crop and center the head to the exact specifications.
• Ensure precise 45x35 mm dimensions.
• Professionally remove background shadows and ensure a light-gray background.
• Generate print-ready files (JPEG/PNG) for easy printing at home or a store.

FAQ

The post Indian Passport Photo Online in USA – Gov & VFS Guidelines [Avoid Rejection] appeared first on AM22Tech.

Many applicants face delays or RFEs because their photos do not meet USCIS standards.

Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you get your photos right the first time as per USCIS photo guidelines for H4 EAD.

Official USCIS Photo Requirements

To avoid delays and rejections, your application photos must strictly follow the official U.S. government photo specifications.

• Size: 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm)
• Head Position: Head height must be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25–35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the hair.
• Background: A plain white or off-white background is required, with no patterns or shadows.
• Expression: Maintain a neutral facial expression or a natural, subtle smile. Both eyes must be open and visible.
• Eyewear: Glasses are not permitted in the photo, except in rare instances of medical necessity with a signed doctor’s statement.
• Print Quality: Photos must be high-resolution, printed on photo-quality paper (matte or glossy), and free of smudges or creases.
• Quantity: Unless specified otherwise on your form, you must submit two identical photos.

Important: Do not use selfies, casual snapshots, or heavily filtered photos. Ensure the lighting is even and there are no dark shadows on your face or the background.

Where to Get H4 EAD photo Clicked?

You can visit Walmart, CVS or Walgreens to get your photos clicked for H4 EAD.

At some locations, even Costco and Sams club also offer reasonably proced passport size photos. They can also edit the photo as per USCIS requirements.

They usually charge upwards of $14.99 for two pictures.

The other option is to click the photo yourself using the mobile phone camera or your digital camera. There are softwares and websites available online which can help you edit your photos to exact specifications.

You should remember that editing is complex as the final edited image should print to exact measurements of 2 inch x 2 inch on paper. The image’s DPI (dots per inch) also matter as they control the quality of the final printed output.

USCIS requires the image to be high resolution which can be attained if you click the image by your iPhone and then edit it to at least 300 DPI. AM22Tech’s AI photo editor takes care of checking the photo resolution and edits it to minimum 300 Dots per inch thereby making it extremely easy to satisfy government requirements.

If you would like to click them yourself to save money, here is how to take H4 EAD photo at home.

Step 1 of 4

Lighting

How to Take Your Passport or Visa Photo at Home

Save time and money by capturing a professional-quality photo right from home. All you need is a smartphone and a few minutes. Follow these steps for the perfect shot.

1 Right Lighting

Stand against a plain white or off-white wall. Face a window for natural daylight to ensure even lighting and avoid harsh shadows.

2 Set Up Your Camera

Use a tripod or ask a friend. Keep the lens at eye level and about 2 to 4 feet away. Always use the back camera for sharper quality.

3 Strike the Correct Pose

Look directly at the camera with a neutral expression. Keep your head straight, shoulders relaxed, and ensure your full head and shoulders are visible.

4 Capture & Upload

Take the shot and upload it to an AI photo editor. It will adjust background, crop correctly, and produce a high-resolution photo that matches government standards.

Expert Tip

Avoid using a flash. It creates glare on skin and glasses. Natural light is your best friend!

Making Your Photo USCIS-Ready

Even with a perfect shot, technical details like resizing, cropping, and cleaning the background can be a headache. USCIS is very strict and will reject photos if the head ratio or dimensions are even slightly off, leading to frustrating delays.

The Final Editing Steps

• Crop and center the head to the exact specifications.
• Ensure precise 2x2 inch (51x51 mm) dimensions.
• Professionally remove background shadows and ensure a pure white background.
• Generate print-ready files (JPEG/PNG/PDF) for easy printing at home or a store.

FAQ

The post How to Get H4 EAD Photo Online – USCIS Guidelines [Avoid Rejection] appeared first on AM22Tech.

You can use this app to fill out the EAD form, validate all, and make sure the form is not rejected or an RFE is sent by USCIS.

EAD Processing Time

You will receive the new EAD card (i-485 EAD, F1 OPT-EAD, L2 EAD, H4 EAD, or other) by mail within 5-10 working days after the “New card is being produced” USCIS case status update.

The EAD (Employment Authorization Document) is filed using USCIS form I-765.

I485 New Card is Being Produced

The i485 adjustment of status application can also have the “New card is being produced” status. This means that your green card is approved. You should get it by USPS mail within 5-10 working days after this status.

It is possible that the case status directly shows the New card is being produced without any USCIS notification about case approval. There is no need to worry as the card will not be produced until the case is approved first.

As an example, see the case history for this i-485 application where the status changed to “New card is being produced” even when the expedited request was denied.

It seems that the USCIS website only shows the most recent update if there have been multiple status changes within the same day. I am just guessing here.

SSN Card with EAD

The SSN request is sent to the SSN office after your EAD has been approved. It will take about 4-5 weeks for the SSN card to arrive by USPS mail.

There is no biometric required for H4-EAD and SSN.

SSN card Not Received After EAD approval?

If you do not receive the SSN in 6 weeks, you can directly visit your local SSN office. They can check if any SSN application is pending for you.

If no application is pending, you can request a new SSN.

EAD, AP Combo Card

The i485 EAD + AP (advance parole) combo card is also approved with a “New card is being produced” status.

In many cases, if USCIS thinks that your Green card can be approved earlier than your EAD/AP, they may even deny your EAD application. This is normal and no need to worry.

It would help if you planned to travel outside the USA only after your I131 advance parole card has been approved.  

USCIS Case History

Other status updates for the EAD i765 application may look like this:

FAQ

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The immigration system here is so complex that unless you are half attorney, you will make mistakes on the way.

It is not a mistake but a design.

1. Your physical entry into the US is governed by a visa stamp in your Passport or Advance Parole document.
2. Your stay length in the US is governed by i94.
3. The i94 validity is governed by your passport expiry.
4. Your passport expiry is governed by your country’s passport validity rules!

Coming to the topic and giving you options if you forgot to file an H4 extension with USCIS before the H4 i94 expired.

There are a couple of them.

Option 1: File H4 Extension with NPT with USCIS

The quickest option without leaving the USA physically is to file a Nunc Pro Tunc (NPT) application with USCIS.

This is nothing but filing the regular H4 extension using form i539 and requesting the extension from the past date. This past date is the date of the i94 expiry.

In most cases of H4, if the primary H1B has maintained the H1B status and the H4 extension was missed unintentionally, USCIS regularly approves the H4 extension with NPT.

Once approved, they issue an I94 from the past date to make the gap period legal.

How to make an NPT filing decision?

We are sharing this as a suggestion based on real-life instances that our users on the forum have shared and had success with NPT.

In all cases, we suggest to leave the US and apply H4 visa stamp in your passport if your stay has exceeded 180 days.

This is a successful case of H4 visa stamping at Hyderabad, India after spending 180+ days in the US, filing NPT, and then leaving to be on the safe side.

The 180-day mark is important as there can be a 3-year entry ban that can be imposed on you if you have stayed in the US without status for 180+ days.

USA Entry ban criteria

• 3 years: If the person spent more than 180 continuous days (approximately six months) in the U.S. unlawfully and then left voluntarily before removal proceedings begin
• 10 years: If the person spent more than 365 days (one continuous year) in the U.S. unlawfully and then left for whatever reason, or was ordered removed from the U.S

This means that it is better to leave even if the NPT application is pending result and was filed before 180 days were completed. This helps to stay on the safe side as the USCIS result is unknown and you do not know how much more time USCIS will take to process your NPT application.

Option 2: Leave the US, File H4 Visa with US Embassy

The other option is to leave the US and file an H4 visa stamp application using your spouse’s H1B i797 petition with the US embassy.

You can visit your home country, Mexico, Canada, or any other country to get this H4 visa stamp.

You will need an explanation of your situation as to why you did not file an extension time along with the regular documents for the H4 visa stamp.

On the DS-160 form, you will have to say yes to the question and then explain your situation.

How to explain?

The most common answer to H4 not being filed timely is “We did not know that an H4 extension is required“. This is the WRONG answer as negligence of US immigration laws is not allowed.

We suggest writing any one of the following based on your situation:

• The employer usually files the H4 extension along with H1B and this time, they did not sponsor the H4 extension. We filed an NPT extension as soon as we got to know about it.
• We traveled out of the US and the H4 i94 was shortened due to the passport expiry on re-entry. We forgot to track the i94 expiry but applied for an H4 extension as soon as we realized our mistake

Unlawful presence starts on I94 expiry

Even a single day stay after your H4 i94 has expired is counted as an “Unlawful presence”.

No issue if you mention the Truth in DS 160

It is okay to mention this Unlawful presence time as it is a genuine time. It should not affect your application.

How to File a Nunc Pro Tunc Request?

NPT does not have any official form or a template to file with USCIS. It is simply a request on plain paper that you can write to explain your situation and request approval from the past date.

1. Supporting documents: We suggest including the supporting documents that help prove your argument of why you missed filing the extension before the i94 expiry.
   • Expired Passport copy – If i94 expired due to passport expiry
   • Medical condition – If you had any medical condition that prevented or made you forget to file an extension on time, then include your medical bills and a letter from the Doctor about your condition.
2. Cover letter: Write a letter explaining your situation. If you need help with writing an NPT cover letter, you can contact us and one of our experts will write one for you.
3. USCIS Form: In the case of H4, you will need to fill out form i539.

You will need to send your NPT cover letter, supporting documents, and the USCIS form in the same package to USCIS.

FAQ

The post Missed to file H4 extension, Spent 180+ days in US after i94 expiry [What to do?] appeared first on AM22Tech.