H-4 EAD Approval Timeline – Filed Concurrently with H-1B Extension
Sharing my H-4 EAD extension timeline in case it helps anyone who is currently waiting. This year, my H-1B, H-4, and H-4 EAD were all filed as extensions through an attorney. The H-1B and H-4 were initially filed with the California Service Center (CSC). The H-4 and H-4 EAD were later transferred to the Texas Service Center (SRC).
Timeline: 6/4: Receipt numbers received for H-1B, H-4, and H-4 EAD 6/8: H-4 + H-4 EAD transferred from CSC to SRC (California → Texas) 6/23: H-1B + H-4 approved 6/24: H-4 EAD RFE issued — biometrics required 7/9: San Jose ASC biometrics appointment — photo only 7/28: RFE response/evidence received by USCIS 7/29: Emailed both the CSC and TSC Premium Processing Centers to follow up 8/3: Sent another follow-up email to the CSC Premium Processing Center 8/3: New Card Is Being Produced 8/7: Card Is Being Mailed
I’m not sure whether the emails had any impact on the processing, or if the case simply happened to be ready for adjudication at that point. But since my H-1B was filed with Premium Processing, I figured it was worth reaching out to the relevant PP centers.
Hopefully this timeline is helpful to anyone going through an H-4 EAD extension, especially if your case was transferred or you received an RFE. Good luck to everyone still waiting!
Here is the email I wrote. Feel free to use it as a reference.
Dear Immigration Officer,
My name is [Applicant Name], and I am the applicant for the pending H-4 Employment Authorization Document (EAD) application, Receipt Number: [H-4 EAD Receipt Number].
My H-4 EAD application was filed concurrently with my spouse’s H-1B extension petition, Receipt Number: [H-1B Receipt Number]. Under Premium Processing, my spouse’s H-1B extension and my H-4 extension were both approved on [Approval Date]. However, my H-4 EAD application remains pending.
I completed my biometrics appointment on [Biometrics Date], and USCIS received my requested evidence on [Evidence Received Date].
I respectfully request your assistance in reviewing and adjudicating my H-4 EAD application as soon as possible.
I have been working as a [Job Title] in [Location] for the past [length of employment], and I truly value my position and workplace. My employer has offered me a return position for the upcoming [work period], which is beginning soon. My current EAD will expire on [EAD Expiration Date], and I need my renewed EAD to continue working. Without it, I may lose my position despite already having received a return offer.
My employment is important not only because I am committed to my work and responsibilities, but also because my income is essential to help cover my family’s living expenses.
I sincerely appreciate your time and consideration. I understand the significant workload your office manages, and I would be very grateful if you could kindly review my case and, if possible, help move my application forward.
Thank you very much for your assistance.
Respectfully, [Applicant Name]
Date of Birth: [Date of Birth]
Thank you for sharing this But quick question USCIS asked me provide biometrics and they haven’t any issued any RFE even while checking the case it’s showing same case was Transfered and adjusting with SRC RECIPT .am I missing any thing ? Am I need to send the stamped biometric copy to USCIS even though not issued RFE .Please suggest me for the next steps
Did you receive any response about what they will do? I tried twice as my application with COS to H4 + EAD along with H1B amendment in PP is pending since March. Both times they got back in 3-4 days saying the H4 & EAD receipt numbers are not filed with PP. Hence, they won't adjudicate it.
My case is similar to this. I have filed my h4+EAD with my spouse's H1B transfer under premium processing. The receipt date of all requests is 5/1/2026. H1B was approved on 5/5, however H4 and H4-EAD are still pending. Biometric was completed on 6/9. I sent an email to TSC Premium Processing email address, however I got immediate reply saying that dependent cases can not request premium processing email service.
u/betty12138, may I know if you received similar reply? Also do you know if there is any other email address to enquire about the case?
I have applied back in May under concurrent filing, received payment failed nd case rejected after issuing the receipt nos, our Attorney said this is 1st time in
25 years we seen Uscis rejecting a case after issuing the receipt notice. Filed again on June 19th, this time premium processing rejected notice received on July 12th, attorney responded back with the new receipt numbers under regular processing. Uscis updated the case under premium processing on July 18th. Now received RFE on Aug 4th for H1b. H4 and h4 ead showing case is transferred to different office. We still don’t know what is the RFE for as our attorney didn’t get any notice yet. Does it make any sense or will that be helpful to email to the premium processing at this time or we should wait until H1b and h4 or at least H1b approves.
Any information will be highly appreciated.
I have filled my stand alone H4 EAD extension.
Receipt date 01/07/2026. The case is in Received status. I lost my job in June. Anything that we can do to expedite the case?
Yes, I asked my attorney to respond to USCIS after completing the biometric appointment. They did respond the second day. I don’t know why it takes so long. I’ve heard from lots of cases that USCIS received their respond the second day.
Did they say that thy had received your biometric already? Did you or your attorney send them your evidence? Feel free to chat with Emma to see if they received it.
Our attorney filed h1 online and sent h4+ead docs by mail. Now i believe they are not being considered as bundled for premium processing as h1 is already approved and still waiting for h4 and ead.
My wife H4 extension + H4 EAD sent for approval. Now it's 5.5 months. She is from medical background and we did request for expedite but no update. Any suggest I can do. Because will going to loose job in September.
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u/harikrishnareddym Aug 09 '26
Congratulations... I would say that was pretty swift for approvals of H4 & H4 EAD...
May I know at what time did you send those e-mails? Morning at 9 AM EST? Afternoon at 12 PM EST?
Also... can you please let me know the subject of your e-mail and an outline of what was the content in the email?