Washington, February 5th: The Senate is poised to pass a pivotal bill providing relief to H-4 visa holders in America, benefiting approximately one lakh individuals. Amidst a protracted debate between Republicans and Democrats on Sunday, both parties reached consensus on approving the ‘National Security Agreement’.
H-4 visas are typically granted to spouses and children of H-1B visa holders under the age of 21, allowing them to work in the United States. However, H-4 visa holders must obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), known as I-765, to commence working. The application process for this authorization typically spans a year, resulting in job opportunities slipping away for many H-4 visa holders.
In response to this predicament, the White House announced plans to approve a bill in March aimed at providing ‘automatic work authorization’ to H-4 visa holders, stated White House officials.
President Biden hailed the forthcoming legislation as a means to fortify the nation and secure its borders, emphasizing its contribution to legal immigration. Under this policy, approximately 18,000 employment-based green cards are issued annually, benefitting about 1,58,000 individuals over five years. Additionally, 25,000 K-1, K-2, and K-3 nonimmigrant visa holders, along with 100,000 H-4 visa holders, will gain the opportunity to work in the same location as their spouse, as revealed by the White House.
