H-4 Visa and H-4 Work Permit (EAD) Lawyer
Immigration » H-4 visas and work permits
H-4 status is for the spouse and unmarried children under 21 of an H-1B worker. It allows you to live in the United States with your family, and children may attend school. H-4 status does not by itself allow you to work.
The H-4 work permit (EAD)
Certain H-4 spouses may apply for an employment authorization document (EAD) on Form I-765. Generally, the H-1B spouse must have an approved employment-based immigrant petition (Form I-140), or an H-1B extension beyond the usual six-year limit based on a pending green card process. An H-4 EAD lets you work for any employer or be self-employed.
Renewals: file early
USCIS ended the automatic extension of work authorization for most EAD renewals filed on or after October 30, 2025. A pending renewal no longer lets you keep working after your card expires. USCIS generally accepts renewal applications up to 180 days before the expiration date, so calendar the deadline and file early. A gap in work authorization can affect your job and income, so we recommend planning each renewal well in advance.
How we help
- H-4 status extensions on Form I-539, filed together with the H-1B extension when possible
- Initial and renewal H-4 EAD applications
- Reviewing whether you qualify for an EAD based on your spouse’s green card progress
- Changing from H-4 to another status, such as F-1 student or H-1B
- Children who turn 21 and lose H-4 eligibility, and the options to keep lawful status
- Travel questions while an application is pending
- Green card options for the whole family
Frequently asked questions
Can I study on H-4 status?
Yes. H-4 dependents may attend school, including college.
Can I travel while my EAD renewal is pending?
Travel on H-4 is generally permitted, since the EAD is a work document, but your H-4 status and visa must be valid for re-entry. Talk to us before you travel.
What happens when my child turns 21?
H-4 status ends at 21, so the child needs another status, such as F-1, or a green card option. We plan for this well before the birthday.
Does my EAD depend on my spouse’s job?
Your EAD depends on your valid H-4 status and on the basis that qualified you. Changes in your spouse’s status or employer can affect it, so contact us before a change.
How we work with clients nationwide
We represent clients in all 50 states because immigration law is federal. Every client receives access to our secure client portal, where you can message our firm 24/7, upload documents and follow your case from anywhere. The Law Office of Elena Vlady, PLLC is based in Austin, Texas.
H-4 visas and work permits guide
- H-4 visas and work permits overview
- H-4 EAD Eligibility: Work Permit for H-1B Spouses
- H-4 EAD Application: Documents, Timing and Renewal
- H-4 Visa Frequently Asked Questions
- H-4 Visa: Who Qualifies and How to Apply
- H-4 Extensions, Age-Out at 21 and Status Problems
- H-4 Families and the Green Card Process
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This page is general information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Immigration rules, fees and processing times change often.
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