The US Citizenship and Immigration Services’s (USCIS) Director León Rodríguez announced today, February 24, 2015, that starting on May 26, 2015, certain H-4 dependent spouses of H-1B nonimmigrants will be eligible to apply for employment authorization here in the US. This is a new initiative intended to relieve the economic burdens of H-1B nonimmigrant visa holders while improving the US economy.

Which H-4 dependent spouses qualify for employment authorization?

H-4 dependent spouses of H-1b nonimmigrant visa holders:

1. Who have an approved I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker; or,
2. Who have been granted H-1B status under sections 106(a) and (b) of the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-first Century Act of 2000 as amended by the 21st Century Department of Justice Appropriations Authorization Act.

How would I apply for employment authorization under this new rule?

The new rule hasn’t gone into effect yet, but USCIS has instructed eligible applicants to submit form I-765 when it is time to apply. We expect that before May 26, 2015, more instructions will be provided by USCIS when it gets closer to the effective date.

If you need assistance with your immigration matter, please do not hesitate to contact our Sacramento immigration lawyer. Our Sacramento immigration law firm would be happy to discuss your case with you, so contact us today.

Call Us: (916) 241-3336

By: Peter Kyung Google+ | Twitter | LinkedIn | Avvo | Facebook

*The information provided in this post does not constitute legal advice or opinion. The information is for guidance purposes only. Individual situations vary and you should contact us for a consultation. Carson & Kyung, Sacramento’s Immigration Attorneys on Some H-4 Dependent Spouses Eligible for Employment in US.