{"id":24134,"date":"2026-09-01T14:42:48","date_gmt":"2026-09-01T09:12:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/traveldiary\/?p=24134"},"modified":"2026-09-01T14:42:48","modified_gmt":"2026-09-01T09:12:48","slug":"h4-ead-work-permit-h1b-spouses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/traveldiary\/h4-ead-work-permit-h1b-spouses\/","title":{"rendered":"H-4 EAD Work Permit May End: What H-1B Spouses Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"H-4
Source: ChatGPT<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The US DHS has listed a proposal that could end employment authorization for certain H-4 visa holders. The move may affect H-1B visa spouses who currently work in the United States with an H-4 EAD work permit. The proposal is still at an early stage. It has not changed the current H-4 EAD rules, and valid EAD holders can continue to work legally in the US. However, the update has raised concerns among H-1B families, especially Indian professionals and their spouses.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Is the H-4 EAD Proposal?<\/b><\/h2>\n

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plans to remove certain H-4 dependent spouses from the category of people eligible to apply for employment authorization. If DHS finalizes the proposal, eligible H-4 spouses may no longer be able to apply for an Employment Authorization Document, also called an EAD. The rule would reverse the 2015 policy that allowed some H-4 visa holders to work in the United States. At present, DHS has included the proposal in its long-term regulatory agenda. It has not announced a date to publish the formal rule.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Is an H-4 Visa and H-4 EAD?<\/b><\/h3>\n

An H-4 visa allows the spouse and unmarried children under 21 of an H-1B visa holder to live in the United States. However, an H-4 visa alone does not give a spouse the right to work. Eligible spouses must apply for and receive an H-4 EAD before they can take up a job, start a business, or work as an independent professional in the US. The H-4 EAD has helped many families add a second income and allowed spouses to continue their careers while living in America.<\/span><\/p>\n

Who Can Get an H-4 EAD Under Current Rules?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Not every H-4 visa holder qualifies for an EAD. Under current rules, an H-4 spouse may apply when their H-1B spouse has reached an advanced stage in the employment-based green card process. This usually includes cases where the H-1B worker has:<\/span><\/p>\n