H-4就业授权文件(EAD)是美国特定的工作许可,授予符合条件的H-4签证持有人。该授权允许符合资格的H-4家属在特定情况下在美国合法工作。以下是H-4 EAD的详细解释:

  1. 资格标准: 要符合H-4 EAD的资格,申请人必须是H-1B签证持有人的家属,并满足以下两个条件之一: a. H-1B签证持有人是获批准的I-140表(外籍工人移民申请)的受益人。这意味着H-1B签证持有人已经迈出了朝着合法永久居民身份(绿卡)的重要一步。 b. H-1B签证持有人已基于其I-140表或在达到六年签证期限前至少365天内递交的劳工证明申请获得延期逗留。
  2. 申请程序: 要获得H-4 EAD,符合条件的个人必须向美国公民和移民服务局(USCIS)提交I-765表格(就业授权申请),并附上所需的支持文件,如H-1B签证持有人满足上述两个资格条件的证明以及H-4签证持有人与H-1B签证持有人的关系证明。
  3. 就业授权期限: 如果获批准,H-4 EAD允许配偶在美国合法工作。H-4 EAD的初始有效期通常与H-4签证的有效期相同,与H-1B签证持有人的身份相关。只要资格条件仍然有效,H-4 EAD可以续签。
  4. 就业机会: 拥有批准的H-4 EAD后,家属可以在美国从事任何工作或职业。与H-1B签证不同,H-4 EAD持有人对就业类型或特定雇主没有限制。
  5. 出行: 在H-4签证和EAD有效期内,H-4 EAD持有人可以出入美国。但是,他们必须确保拥有必要的文件以便重新入境,如有效的H-4签证、EAD卡和有效护照。
  6. 子女: H-4 EAD不适用于H-1B签证持有人的未成年子女(未满21岁的未婚子女)。只有符合资格的H-1B签证持有人的配偶有资格申请H-4 EAD。

总之,H-4就业授权文件(EAD)为符合条件的H-4签证持有人提供了在特定条件下在美国合法工作的机会。该授权专门为符合特定与H-1B签证持有人的移民身份相关的资格标准的家属提供。


H-4 Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is a specific work authorization granted to certain H-4 visa holders in the United States. It allows eligible H-4 dependent spouses to legally work in the U.S. under specific circumstances. Here is a detailed explanation of H-4 EAD:

  1. Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for an H-4 EAD, the applicant must be the dependent spouse of an H-1B visa holder who meets one of the following two conditions: a. The H-1B visa holder is the beneficiary of an approved Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker. This means that the H-1B visa holder has already taken a significant step towards obtaining lawful permanent resident status (a green card). b. The H-1B visa holder has been granted an extension of stay beyond the initial six-year limit based on their Form I-140 or a labor certification application filed at least 365 days before reaching the six-year limit.
  2. Application Process: To obtain an H-4 EAD, eligible individuals must file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The form must be accompanied by the required supporting documents, such as evidence of the H-1B visa holder’s eligibility for one of the two qualifying conditions mentioned above and proof of the H-4 visa holder’s relationship to the H-1B visa holder.
  3. Employment Authorization Period: If approved, the H-4 EAD allows the spouse to work legally in the U.S. The initial period of validity for the H-4 EAD is generally the same as the validity period of the H-4 visa, which is tied to the H-1B visa holder’s status. The H-4 EAD can be renewed as long as the qualifying conditions for the work authorization remain valid.
  4. Employment Opportunities: With an approved H-4 EAD, the dependent spouse can work in any job or profession in the United States. Unlike the H-1B visa, there is no restriction on the type of employment or specific employer for H-4 EAD holders.
  5. Travel: H-4 EAD holders can travel in and out of the U.S. while their visa and EAD are valid. However, they must ensure that they have the necessary documents for re-entry, such as a valid H-4 visa, EAD card, and a valid passport.
  6. Dependent Children: H-4 EAD is not available for dependent children (unmarried children under 21 years old) of the H-1B visa holder. Only spouses of eligible H-1B visa holders are eligible for H-4 EAD.

In conclusion, the H-4 Employment Authorization Document (EAD) provides eligible H-4 visa holders the opportunity to work legally in the U.S. under certain conditions. It is specifically designed for dependent spouses of H-1B visa holders who meet specific eligibility criteria related to the H-1B visa holder’s immigration status.