H-4 spouses file for employment authorization under category (c)(26). USCIS's category requirements do not list a separate cover letter. You can include one as a packet index, but it does not count as eligibility evidence. (USCIS H-4 requirements)
For the application steps, see the H4 EAD guide. Immiva's H-4 EAD preparation provides plain-English questions, filing checks, and a document list built from your answers.
Choose your h4 ead cover letter sample
- Only I-765: use the standalone renewal sample below. For an initial application, make the changes underneath it.
- I-539 plus I-765: use the concurrent sample. It assumes you already hold H-4 status and are requesting an extension.
USCIS permits concurrent filing, including with your spouse's I-129, but says it processes I-765 after deciding I-539. A cover letter cannot guarantee joint approval or a faster decision. (I-765 instructions, page 8)
Standalone renewal: copy and personalize
Replace every bracketed field. This example assumes your spouse has an approved I-140 and you are renewing an existing EAD. Check your application answers against the I-765 H-4 EAD instructions. The official instructions describe the evidence needed to show your status, marriage, and qualifying petition. (USCIS instructions, page 8)
[Your full legal name]
[Mailing address]
[Email and telephone]
[Date]
USCIS
[Current filing address for your packet and delivery method]
Re: Form I-765 renewal; category (c)(26)
Applicant: [Full name]; A-Number: [If any]
Dear USCIS Officer:
I am submitting Form I-765 to renew my employment authorization as the H-4 spouse of [Spouse's full name], an H-1B nonimmigrant. My current H-4 status is documented by [I-94 or I-539 approval notice], valid through [Date]. My current EAD expires on [Date].
My spouse is the beneficiary of an approved Form I-140. I enclose the approval notice and supporting records identified below.
Enclosures:
1. I-765 fee payment authorization and completed, signed Form I-765.
2. Copy of my current EAD and required identity evidence.
3. Copy of my H-4 status record and marriage certificate.
4. Spouse's H-1B status evidence and separate I-140 approval notice.
5. Two passport-style photographs and any required certified translations.
Thank you for reviewing my application.
[Signature]
[Printed name]
Changes for an initial application or AC21 basis
Initial application: change “renewal” to “initial application,” remove the sentence about when your current EAD expires, and update the enclosure list to match your records. Follow the instructions for initial identity evidence. (I-765 instructions, pages 20–21)
AC21 route: replace the I-140 paragraph with: “My spouse received a qualifying H-1B extension under AC21 sections 106(a) and (b). I enclose evidence of that extension and the underlying qualifying filing.”
For the AC21 route, you need the evidence described in the instructions. Proof of an H-1B extension alone is not enough. Replace the I-140 enclosure with those records. (I-765 instructions, page 8)
Concurrent I-539 and I-765: copy and personalize
Use this version for an H-4 extension plus EAD renewal, supported by your spouse's approved I-140. Read the H4 EAD concurrent filing guide for the full process. Make it clear which evidence belongs to each application. (USCIS mail-filing guidance)
[Your full legal name]
[Mailing address]
[Email and telephone]
[Date]
USCIS
[Current address for this concurrent filing and delivery method]
Re: Concurrent Form I-539 H-4 extension and Form I-765 renewal, (c)(26)
Applicant: [Full name]; A-Number: [If any]
Dear USCIS Officer:
I am submitting Form I-539 to extend my H-4 stay and Form I-765 to renew my employment authorization under category (c)(26). I am the spouse of [Full name], an H-1B nonimmigrant.
My current H-4 status expires on [Date], as shown by [Status record]. My EAD expires on [Date]. My spouse is the beneficiary of an approved Form I-140; a copy of the approval notice is enclosed.
Spouse's most recent I-129 notice receipt number: [Actual number].
I-140 approval notice receipt number: [Actual number].
Enclosures:
1. Separate fee payment authorizations for I-539 and I-765, using the same payment method.
2. Completed, signed Form I-539 with its supporting evidence.
3. Completed, signed Form I-765 with two passport-style photographs.
4. My H-4 status and identity records, marriage certificate, and current EAD copy.
5. Spouse's H-1B records and I-140 approval notice, plus required certified translations.
Thank you for reviewing these applications.
[Signature]
[Printed name]
Personalize the filing request. For an initial EAD, remove renewal language and the prior-EAD reference. If you are requesting a change to H-4, adjust the wording and evidence to match. Do not claim that you already hold H-4 status. Use the Form I-539 guide and current I-539 instructions.
If I-129 is included: identify it as an additional petition in the package and coordinate the letter with its preparer. Do not make up a receipt number for a newly submitted form. For I-765 Item 29, the form asks for your spouse's most recent I-797 notice receipt number for I-129, not I-140. (Current I-765, page 3)
Match every statement to an enclosure
Use the H4 EAD document checklist for help gathering your documents. Match each statement to the supporting records listed in the official evidence requirements:
| Letter statement | Supporting record |
|---|---|
| “I hold H-4 status” | Current H-4 I-94 or I-539 approval |
| “We are married” | Marriage certificate and certified translation if needed |
| “My spouse has an approved I-140” | Separate I-140 approval evidence |
| “My spouse received a qualifying AC21 extension” | Extension records plus the underlying evidence specified in the instructions |
| “I am renewing my EAD” | Prior EAD copy and the other required application records |
A polished letter cannot fix a mismatch between the eligibility paragraph and your documents. Immiva's H-4 EAD preparation checks the spouse's qualifying basis and builds a document list from your answers.
Check these five items before mailing
- Fee and payment: ordinary paper fees are $520 for I-765 and $470 for I-539, or $990 combined. Check your category against G-1055; pay the fees separately, even though they are totaled here.
- Payment forms: use separate G-1650 ACH or G-1450 card authorizations, with the same method throughout the package. To use paper payment, you need a qualifying exemption and G-1651. See USCIS payment rules and how to pay USCIS filing fees.
- Editions: as of October 16, 2026, USCIS accepts I-765 08/21/25 and I-539 08/28/24, not their 09/15/26 editions. Recheck both live form pages: I-765, I-539.
- Address: standalone filings use the I-765 address chart; concurrent I-539 filings follow the I-539 chart, which directs I-129 bundles to I-129 instructions. Choose the address for your delivery method: USPS or courier.
- Signatures and assembly: sign each required application. Keep the payment authorization first, followed by applicable G-1145/G-28, application forms, supplements, and evidence. Use legible copies and required translations; keep that order when adding the optional letter. (USCIS packet guidance)
Frequently Asked Questions
USCIS's H-4 evidence list does not require one. You can include one as an index. The H4 EAD document checklist helps you gather the evidence that is required. (USCIS requirements)
The official instructions allow concurrent filing and do not call for two cover letters. One letter can identify both applications. Keep each application's evidence in a separate group. See the H4 EAD concurrent filing guide. (I-765 instructions)
Only if another qualifying basis applies, such as the specified AC21 extension. Update the paragraph and supporting records together. Review H4 EAD eligibility or take the free H-4 eligibility check. (USCIS eligibility requirements)
No. The application needs its own valid signature. If you are also filing I-539, follow that form's signature requirements separately. (USCIS signature guidance)
No. Renewals filed on or after October 30, 2025 generally do not receive the former automatic extension. Earlier qualifying filings have separate conditions; see the H4 EAD renewal guide. (October 2026 final rule)
Finish your letter
Personalize your h4 ead cover letter, remove every unused option, and compare its enclosure list with the actual packet. Recheck payment, editions, address, and application signatures before mailing. Keep a copy of the finished submission. The examples provide general filing information; a pending case or an RFE needs instructions specific to that situation.