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Before proceeding to read further about H4 EAD expedite process, we recommend you to read about The H4 Employment Authorization Document for the better understanding.
Are you waiting for your H4 or L2 Employment Authorization Document to be processed? If so, it could be a long, long wait. Without the Premium Processing option available for H4 EAD, the USCIS could take upto 12 or 14 months in certain cases to process your H4 EAD request.
The only way to bypass this delay is to raise an H4 expedite request for your application with the USCIS. When USCIS grants an expedite request, it will process the requester's application ahead of others who filed earlier. But of course, the sole power of accommodating such a request on a case-by-case basis lies with the USCIS.
For the USCIS to consider your H4 EAD expedite request, it must meet one or more of the following criteria:
Documents Required for H4 EAD Expedite Request
As with any other visa process, the USCIS expects you to submit a list of documents while filing your H4 EAD expedite request. They are:
Once you have collected the above-mentioned documents, the next step is to initiate the process of raising an H4 EAD to expedite the request. Fortunately, there are three options to get this done. Let's explore the details further.
When you have the right reasons to ask for an H4 EAD expedite request, you have three options to get things going:
1. Calling the USCIS or visiting the USCIS office where you have filed your request
Once you have received a receipt from the USCIS, you can apply for expedited processing by:
Once you've contacted the USCIS, they will create and forward a service request to the centre that is handling your H4 EAD petition. Upon receiving this petition, the office will initiate the process or request additional documents to further the process.
Please note that the expedite request decision does not imply denial or approval of the ongoing benefit request. In an expedited decision, USCIS takes the benefit request out of the given date and issues a decision faster than the usual processing time.
2. Getting help from a Member of Congress
To raise an expedite request through a Member of Congress, you must:
Once you have done these things, all you have to do is wait for a response from the Member of Congress or the USCIS regarding their decision on your request.
3. Through an Ombudsman
The Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman, or CIS Ombudsman, helps citizens and employers resolve issues related to USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services). However, it is better to first contact the USCIS before requesting assistance from the Ombudsman.
The Ombudsman functions as an independent office in the Department of Homeland Security or DHS. Although it is not a part of the USCIS, it can bring issues to the USCIS' attention and recommend the right solutions. You can reach out to the Ombudsman's office via:
You may also have to send supporting documents to the Ombudsman to recommend your request.
Also Read: H4 EAD Premium Processing - Current Updates and All You Need to Know
Once you submit a request to expedite your EAD, USCIS creates a case and forwards it to the office where it is currently pending. The USCIS case officer will review your application, decide whether more documentary proof is needed, and notify you via email. Once you receive such an email, you must submit the required documents without any delay.
Once the USCIS case officer approves your EAD expedite request, you will receive another email. EADs are approved within ten days of receiving this email, although the processing time is 45 days.
Sometimes, the USCIS may deny your H4 EAD expedite request because it has strict guidelines for approving requests. Most often, expedite requests are based on one main reason: Severe financial loss to the company or person. The USCIS demands a lot of proof, like notices and utility shut-off notices as evidence for this reason. The USCIS may reject your request if it does not find enough evidence to prove your reason.
Only the USCIS holds power to expedite your EAD request. You can only explore your options, follow the instructions, and submit the required paperwork.
Want to know how to expedite H4 extension or how to expedite H4 EAD renewal? Visit TechFetch H1B to know more details.
**Disclaimer: All details regarding H1B visa and H4 visa are subject to change. Kindly refer to the USCIS official website for the latest updates.