COVID-19 has affected nearly all areas of immigration, including the speed at which the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) is able to produce the Employment Authorization Document (“EAD card”). Thousands of foreign nationals must typically have the EAD card “in hand” to begin or continue lawful employment. In a settlement reached last month (Subramanya v. USCIS, 7/22/20), up to 75,000 foreign employees may find relief from the delayed card production.
USCIS has historically printed and mailed EADs within 48 hours of approval; however, in ...
After months of anticipation, it appears the first major H-1B program-related change will be the recession of employment authorization for certain H-4 spouses. The change should have the largest effect on Chinese and Indian nationals who comprise the highest percentage of current H-4 work authorized beneficiaries.
Spouses and children of H-1B visa holders receive H-4 status so they can remain in the United States with their H-1B beneficiary relative. Historically, individuals in H-4 status were not granted work authorization. In 2015, the Obama Administration implemented a ...