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.

People facing a prolonged H-4 or H-4 EAD case may ask their U.S. representative or senator's constituent-services office for assistance. This guide explains congressional USCIS inquiries, privacy authorization, documents to prepare and the limits of congressional casework. An H-4 or H-4 EAD applicant dealing with an unresolved USCIS case may be able to seek assistance from a U.S. representative or senator's constituent-service

The CIS Ombudsman can assist some applicants who have been unable to resolve a USCIS case problem through normal channels. This guide explains when H-4 and H-4 EAD applicants may seek help, how DHS Form 7001 works, what documents to submit and the limits of Ombudsman assistance. Applicants facing an unresolved H-4 or H-4 EAD problem may eventually consider assistance from the Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman. The CIS Ombudsman is an indep

A denied H-4 EAD expedite request does not by itself decide the underlying Form I-765. Applicants can continue tracking the case, use USCIS inquiry channels when eligible, document changed circumstances and understand when congressional or professional assistance may be appropriate. If your

An H-4 EAD applicant facing serious circumstances may ask USCIS to expedite a pending Form I-765. This guide explains USCIS expedite criteria, how the request process works, what supporting evidence may be relevant and why an expedite request never guarantees approval. If your H-4 or H-4 EAD has been pending too long, an exped

A USCIS e-Request allows eligible applicants to inquire about an H-4 or H-4 EAD case taking longer than expected. This guide explains how to check inquiry eligibility, what information USCIS requires, how to submit the request and why the confirmation number should be saved. H-4 and H-4 Employment Authorization Document applicants whose cases are taking longer than expected may be able to submit an online USCIS e-Request. The tool provides a formal way to ask USCIS

A delayed H-4 or H-4 EAD case may be eligible for a USCIS case inquiry or service request. This guide explains when to contact USCIS, how to use Emma or the Contact Center, what information to prepare, and why applicants should keep their inquiry confirmation details. If your H-4 or H-4 EAD has been

If an H-4 or H-4 EAD case has been pending longer than expected, applicants have several official ways to seek information or assistance. This guide explains USCIS inquiries, e-Requests, expedite requests, CIS Ombudsman help and congressional casework. If an H-4 extension or H-4 Employment Authorization Document (EAD) has been pending longer than expected, applicants have several official ways to seek information or assistance

Canada Express Entry 2026 categories target skilled workers in health care, STEM, trades, education and transport, alongside strong French speakers and select professionals with Canadian experience. Candidates still need Express Entry eligibility and a competitive CRS score. Canada has updated its 2026 Express Entry category-based selection priorities to target skilled workers in sectors tied to labor shortages and economic g

Can an F-1 student start a business in the US? Ownership and employment are separate. F-1 students may pursue entrepreneurship through qualifying OPT, while unauthorized day-to-day work can violate status. STEM OPT startups face additional employer and training requirements. An F-1 international student may be able to own or invest in a U.S. business, but actively working for that business is a separate immigration

Can an H-4 holder start a business in the US? An H-4 spouse may generally own or invest in a company, but actively working in it requires employment authorization. This guide explains H-4 EAD eligibility, LLC ownership and what entrepreneurs should know before operating a business. An H-4 dependent spouse can generally own or invest in a U.S. business, including an LLC. However, H-4 status alone does not a

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

The U.S. visa interview for minors in India generally requires children to appear in person, including newborns and teenagers. The U.S. Embassy in India reiterated the rule as State Department interview-waiver standards remain narrower than in earlier years. The U.S. Embassy in India has reminded parents that minor applicants generally must appear in person for a U.S. visa interview, including newborns and teenagers approaching age 18. Sending only a parent or guar

Indian student applications to US colleges are showing signs of pressure ahead of Fall 2026. Common App submissions from India fell 14%, while visa appointment delays and new F-1 rules add uncertainty for the largest international student group in America. Applications from India are showing signs of slowing as U.S. colleges prepare for Fall 2026. Common App submissions from international applicants declined 9% for the 202

Fall 2026 US student visa delays are creating uneven appointment availability for Indian applicants. Current State Department data show waits varying by consulate, while students are urged to apply early, monitor new slots and contact their university if arrival may be delayed. International students preparing for Fall 2026 are facing uneven access to U.S. visa appointments. NAFSA said on August 11, 2026, that limited or d

US international student enrollment could fall 9.5% in Fall 2026, with NAFSA and JB International projecting up to 111,000 fewer students. Visa delays, policy changes and graduate-level declines could cut $3.4 billion in spending and affect 39,000 U.S. jobs. U.S. colleges and universities could enroll up to 111,000 fewer international students in Fall 2026, according to preliminary projections released August 11, 2026, by

India e-visa entry points have expanded to 88 nationwide, including 37 airports, 38 seaports and 13 land ports. The additions include the Attari border crossing, several other land ports, and Bhopal and Tirupati airports. India has expanded its network of e-visa entry points to 88 locations, giving eligible international travelers more airports, seaports and land crossings through which they can enter the

The Trump administration is reportedly considering an expansion of US visa social media vetting that could affect foreign journalists and other applicants. The proposed changes may require covered applicants to make their social media accounts public so US officials can review their online activity during visa screening. The reported plan would extend an immigration screening practice already applied to several cat

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

The proposed $4,000 H-1B extension fee would not apply to every employer or visa holder. It targets companies with at least 50 U.S. employees when more than half hold H-1B or L-1 status, expanding the surcharge to same-employer extension petitions as well. Which employers meet the threshold? The eligibility rules are part of a broader