Certain spouses of H-1B workers can obtain H-4 work authorization in the US, but H-4 status alone does not permit employment. Eligibility generally depends on the H-1B spouse having an approved I-140 or qualifying for an H-1B extension under AC21. Who qualifies for H-4 work authorization? An H-4 spouse is not automatically authorized to work simply because their husband or wife

  H-1B workers can work for more than one US employer, but they cannot simply take an unrestricted second job. Each employer generally must file its own H-1B petition and Labor Condition Application. This guide explains concurrent employment and job changes. How concurrent H-1B employment works An H-1B worker can legally work for more than one US emp

H-1B workers who lose a US job may qualify for an up-to-60-day grace period to take immigration action. This guide explains the current rule, changing employers, changing status, employer obligations and a new DHS proposal that could eliminate the grace period. How the H-1B grace period works When H-1B employment ends, either voluntarily or involuntarily, federal regulations currently allow an

H-1B workers can generally receive extensions within a six-year maximum, while some qualify for additional time through AC21 or recaptured time abroad. This guide explains Form I-129 extensions, continued work while a case is pending and the major exceptions to the six-year limit. How the H-1B extension process works H-1B status is generally granted for periods of up to three years. An employer

    An H-1B worker can change US employers when the new company follows the required petition process. This guide explains H-1B transfer rules, the LCA and Form I-129 process, portability, when work can begin and when another H-1B lottery may or may not be required. How the H-1B transfer process works An H-1B “transfer” is commonly used

H-1B visa eligibility depends on more than holding a degree. The US job must qualify as a specialty occupation, the worker must have appropriate education, training or equivalent experience, and a qualifying employer must offer a bona fide position and file the petition. The job must qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation Most H-1B workers qualify through a specialty occupation

President Donald Trump extended the H-1B entry restriction through September 21, 2027. The proclamation again cites a $100,000 payment for certain workers abroad, but federal court rulings have blocked implementation while appeals continue over its legality. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on September 18, 2026, extending restrictions on the entry of certain H-1B workers for another 12 months. The renewed meas

US visa holders can face immigration restrictions when earning from YouTube, religious events, freelance work or side businesses. Active self-employment may count as employment, so H-1B, F-1, R-1 and visitor visa holders must follow different authorization rules. Earning extra money through YouTube, religious events, freelancing or a small business may seem different from taking a traditional second job. Under US immigration law, however, the k

Unauthorized employment in the USA can include working without permission, working beyond an approved period or taking employment outside the limits of a visa category. H-1B, F-1, R-1, visitor and dependent visa holders can face very different rules. Taking a side job, freelancing or accepting paid work in the United States can create immigration problems when a visa holder does not have the required empl

The Cognizant PERM suspension blocks new permanent labor certification filings as federal investigators examine alleged H-1B and PERM fraud. Cloudera remains under an earlier 180-day PERM processing freeze tied to a Justice Department recruitment case. Cognizant PERM filings suspended The U.S. Department of Labor has suspended Cognizant’s PERM filings as federal investigators examine alleged

US immigration authorities have denied and revoked multiple H-1B petitions filed by a major IT consulting company after finding that skilled technology jobs were classified at wage levels lower than the duties and requirements of those positions supported. USCIS Flags Lower Wage Classifications UNITED STATES, September 5, 2026  US Citizenship and Immigration Services

The US government is considering a proposal that could restrict or end work authorization for certain H-4 spouses of H-1B visa holders. No rule has taken effect yet, and current H-4 EAD holders can continue working unless a formal policy change is finalized. Thousands of families living in the United States on H-1B visas could face a major financial and career setback if the federal government moves ahead with a proposal affecting employment rights for certa

H-4 EAD rules changed significantly before 2026. Eligible H-4 spouses can still apply for work authorization, but most renewal applications filed on or after October 30, 2025 no longer automatically extend an expiring EAD. Here are the current rules applicants and workers need to understand. Last updated: August 30, 2026 Eligible H-4 spouses can still apply for employment authorization in the United States, but an important EAD renewal rule changed before 2026.

Can an H-1B holder start a business in the US? Business ownership is generally possible, but actively working for the company requires proper H-1B authorization. Newer rules also allow qualifying beneficiary-owned companies to petition for their founders under specific conditions. An H-1B visa holder can generally own or invest in a U.S. business, including an LLC or corporation. However, owning the compan

An approved Form I-797 confirms an H-1B petition but normally does not replace the visa needed to return to the United States after travel abroad. H-1B workers should understand the roles of the visa stamp, I-797 and I-94, along with the narrow automatic revalidation exception. An H-1B worker may have a valid employment approval extending for months or years but still face a problem after leaving the United States: For

H-1B workers considering visa stamping outside India now face stricter U.S. guidance. Since July 15, 2026, nonimmigrant applicants should interview in their country of nationality or residence, while third-country applicants may face longer waits and greater difficulty qualifying. H-1B workers who cannot find convenient visa appointments in India sometimes consider traveling to another country for visa stamping. That strategy, commonly called third-country stamping,

An emergency H-1B visa appointment in India may be requested when an applicant has an urgent, unforeseen need for earlier U.S. travel. Applicants must first complete the DS-160, pay the visa fee and book a regular appointment before asking the consular section to expedite it. H-1B workers stranded in India because they need a new visa stamp may consider requesting an expedited visa interview when normal appointment dates are t

H-1B applicants in India who cannot find a suitable visa appointment still have several steps to consider. Current U.S. guidance allows applicants to watch for newly released slots and request expedited interviews for qualifying emergencies, while newer rules limit other shortcuts. H-1B workers who travel to India and need a new visa stamp can face a difficult situation when suitable interview appointments are unavailable. For someone expected back at a U.S. job, a

An H-1B worker stranded in India without a valid visa stamp may need a new visa before returning to the U.S. This explainer covers I-797 approval, unavailable H-1B appointments, expedited interview requests, required steps and the risks of seeking stamping outside India. An H-1B worker who traveled to India during a family emergency says they are now unable to return to the United States because they do not have a valid H-1B v

US B1/B2 visa renewal from India remains available, but Dropbox eligibility is limited to qualifying applicants whose prior full-validity visa expired within 12 months. Applicants must still submit a new DS-160, pay the $185 fee and may be called for an interview. Indian travelers can still apply for a US B1/B2 visa after an earlier visa expires, but “renewal” does not extend the old visa automatically. The State Depar