I am originally from Morocco and now living in Indiana with my wife and two children. I entered the United States on an H-1B visa, and my wife is here as my dependent on H-4 status. We are considering applying for green cards, but my main concern is about my wife’s ability to work in the meantime. I know some H-4 visa holders can apply for a work permit, but the rules seem confusing. Can my wife apply for work authorization while we wait for the green card process, and if so, what steps are required in Indiana?

Question

Jibril Elmi · Accepted Answer

Yes, in certain situations H-4 visa holders can apply for work authorization. It usually depends on whether the H-1B spouse has reached a key stage in the green card process.

Saowalak Suwannarat · Answer

If your I-140 immigrant petition is approved, your wife can file Form I-765 to request an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

Marzanna Kowalska · Answer

Your wife’s ability to work depends on your progress toward permanent residency. Once your I-140 petition is approved, she becomes eligible to apply for an EAD as an H-4 dependent. This allows her to work legally in Indiana while you wait for the green card process to move forward. If you have not yet reached that stage, she won’t qualify for work authorization. Planning the timing of your filings carefully can help minimize the waiting period where she cannot work.

Nourhane El Haouzi

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