Starting January 13, 2025, eligible H-4 EAD renewal applicants will benefit from an automatic extension of up to 540 days, an increase from the previous 180-day extension, provided their renewal applications are filed timely.

Due to the expiration of a DHS settlement on January 18, 2025, H-4 EAD applications will no longer be processed concurrently with H-1B petitions, potentially leading to processing times exceeding six months and possible employment gaps.

The H-4 EAD program remains valid following a 2024 federal court decision affirming the Department of Homeland Security's authority to grant work authorization to H-4 spouses, ensuring continued eligibility for employment.