I-140 Approved
Your H-1B spouse's employer has filed and received approval on Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers).
Most common pathGet your H-4 work permit without an attorney
Immiva walks you through every I-765 question, auto-fills eligibility category C26, validates your documents, and generates a print-ready filing packet. All for $129.
Check My Eligibility – FreeTakes 2 minutes · No signup required
$129Immiva prep fee
$520USCIS filing fee (paper)
C26Auto-filled category code
2026USCIS rules current
Eligibility
Do you qualify for H-4 EAD?
You must be in valid H-4 status as the spouse of an H-1B worker, and your spouse must meet one of these two conditions.
AC21 Extension (7th+ Year)
Your H-1B spouse has been granted an extension beyond the standard 6-year H-1B limit under AC21 provisions.
No I-140 requiredOpen-Market Authorization
What H-4 EAD lets you do
Unlike H-1B, your work permit is not tied to any employer. Once approved, you have full flexibility.
Any Employer
W-2 employment with no restrictions
Freelance
Independent contractor or consulting
Start a Business
Self-employment and entrepreneurship
Change Jobs
Switch employers without filing
Processing Times
Bundling with I-539 can cut wait time in half
If your H-4 status is expiring soon, filing I-765 alongside I-539 (H-4 extension) is almost always the better strategy.
I-765 filed alone without H-4 extension. Longer queue, no bundling benefit.
I-765 + I-539 filed together. USCIS often processes both at the same time.
What You Get
Everything to file correctly the first time
Answer plain-English questions. Immiva handles the category code, field validation, and document requirements.
Auto-Fills Category C26
Wrong eligibility code is the #1 rejection reason. Immiva fills it correctly and validates every field in real time.
I-539 Bundling Guidance
If your H-4 status is expiring, we guide you to bundle with I-539 for faster processing (3–6 months vs. 5–12).
Personalized Document Checklist
Based on your situation: I-140 approval, AC21 path, passport, I-94, marriage certificate, and more.
Print-Ready Filing Packet
Completed I-765, G-1145, payment form, document checklist, and USCIS lockbox address. One download.
H-4 EAD Application Packet
Completed I-765 + document checklist + filing instructions. Pay only when you're done.
$129 / application
H-4 EAD Guides & Resources
Learn before you file
In-depth guides on eligibility, filing process, common mistakes, and how H-4 EAD compares to other work permits.
Complete guide
H-4 Visa Guide 2026: Status, Rights & Rules
Everything about H-4 status: who qualifies, how to apply, daily life, EAD eligibility, and common mistakes.
Read guide →DIY FilingH-4 EAD Without a Lawyer: File Yourself in 2026
Real costs, step-by-step filing, and the top 10 mistakes to avoid. Save $1,500–$5,000.
Read guide →Mistakes7 H-4 EAD Application Mistakes That Cause Rejections
Wrong form edition, wrong category code, expired I-94. The errors USCIS won't forgive and how to avoid them.
Read guide →ComparisonJ-2 EAD vs H-4 EAD: 2026 Comparison Guide
Switching from J-1 to H-1B? Understand the work gap, eligibility differences, and transition risks.
Read guide →