H-4 spouses can apply for a work permit (Form I-765) only if the H-1B holder has an approved I-140 petition, part of the employment-based green card process. Without that, H-4 visa holders aren’t eligible for work authorization under current USCIS rules.

If you're planning to pursue a green card through your employer, ask them to start the process early. Once the I-140 is approved, your spouse can apply for the EAD (employment authorization document), which is typically valid for as long as H-4 status remains.

Until then, your spouse can explore volunteer work or academic opportunities that don’t require employment authorization. But working for pay, even remotely or self-employed, without an EAD is not allowed and could affect future immigration applications.