H-4和H-4 EAD分不清？一分钟带你秒懂！

大家好，经常有客户问到 H-4 签证和 H-4 EAD 到底是什么意思。今天我们就来详细讲解一下这两个概念。

H-4 签证是基于 H-1B 工作签证而签发的，适用于 H-1B 持有人的配偶和子女。持有 H-4 签证的人可以在美国合法居住和学习，但不具备工作资格。这对许多希望在美工作的家庭成员来说，是一个非常实际的问题。

那么如果 H-1B 持有人的配偶想要工作，该怎么办呢？这时候就需要申请一种叫做 H-4 EAD（Employment Authorization Document，工作许可）的文件。H-4 EAD 是基于 H-4 身份提交的工作授权申请。一旦获得批准，配偶就可以在美国合法工作，没有职业类别或雇主的限制。也就是说，他们可以自由选择为雇主工作、成为自由职业者，甚至创办自己的公司。

不过，并非所有 H-4 签证持有人都可以申请 EAD，必须满足一定条件。第一种情况是：H-1B 配偶的 I-140（移民申请）已经获批。在这种情况下，H-4 配偶可以提交 EAD 申请。第二种情况是：即使 I-140 还没有获批，如果 H-1B 配偶已经在美工作满六年，并符合《美国竞争力法案》第 21 条（AC21）的延期规定，那么 H-4 配偶同样有资格申请 EAD。

因此，如果你是 H-4 持有人并希望在美工作，一定要弄清楚申请 EAD 的具体条件。只有了解清楚，才能在申请过程中更有把握，也更安心。

如果你也有关于 H-4 或 H-4 EAD 的问题，欢迎随时联系我们咨询。关注纽约曾晖律师事务所，不再无计可施。

拜拜！

Hello everyone. Many clients often ask about the H-4 visa and the H-4 EAD. What do these terms really mean? Today, we’re going to explain both in detail.

The H-4 visa is issued to the spouse and children of an H-1B visa holder. It allows them to legally live and study in the United States. However, one important limitation is that H-4 visa holders are not permitted to work. This restriction presents a challenge for families where the spouse also wishes to pursue a career.

So, what can the spouse do if they want to work in the U.S.? The answer lies in applying for an H-4 EAD, or Employment Authorization Document. This is a work permit application filed based on H-4 status. Once approved, the H-4 spouse gains the legal right to work in the U.S. without restrictions — they can be employed by a company, freelance, or even start their own business.

However, not all H-4 visa holders are eligible to apply for an EAD. Certain conditions must be met. The first scenario is when the H-1B spouse has an approved I-140 (immigrant petition). In that case, the H-4 spouse can apply for an EAD. The second scenario applies when the I-140 is not yet approved, but the H-1B holder qualifies for an extension under the American Competitiveness in the 21st Century Act (AC21), after reaching six years on H-1B status. In this situation, the H-4 spouse is also eligible to apply for an EAD.

Therefore, if you're an H-4 visa holder looking to work, it's crucial to fully understand the qualifications and process for obtaining an EAD. With this knowledge, you can move forward confidently and securely.

If you have any questions regarding the H-4 visa or H-4 EAD, feel free to reach out to us. Follow Zeng Law Group, PLLC in New York — never be left without a solution.

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