Good news for spouses of H1-B and L-1 visa holders. The US Department of Homeland Security has announced an automatic extension of the work permit renewal of H-4 and L-2 visa holders to 540 days from the existing 180 days. This news is beneficial to Indians who are one of the larger groups in this visa category.

What Are The New Rules?

The final rule will become effective on January 13, 2025, and will apply to eligible applicants with timely filed renewal EAD applications pending or filed on or after May 4, 2022.

“This announcement responds to feedback from the business community to create more certainty for employers.” USCIS (US Citizenship And Immigration Services) said.

Some Other Steps Taken By USCIS

USCIS has taken a number of steps to reduce EAD processing times overall and streamlined adjudication processing, including:

• Reducing by half the median Employment Authorisation Document (EAD) processing times for individuals with pending applications for adjustment of status from fiscal year 2021 to date;
• Engaging with communities to educate work-eligible individuals and providing on-the-ground intake support for applicants;
• Reducing EAD application processing times for asylum applicants and certain parolees to less than or equal to a 30-day median;
• Extending the EAD validity period for certain categories of applicants from two years to five years;
• Streamlining the processing of refugee EAD applications; and
• Expanding online filing of EAD applications to asylum applicants and parolees.

USCIS said in a press release.

Why This Decision?

“Since January 2021, the American economy has created more than 16 million jobs, and the Department of Homeland Security is committed to helping businesses fill them,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas, USCIS said in a press release. It seems like it is a win-win situation for US employers as well as the Indian diaspora.

What are the H-1B, L-1, H-4, L-2 visas?

H1b is a non-immigrant visa that allows US employers to hire international talent. It is usually given out in sectors like technology, engineering, finance, etc.

H-4 is available to dependents of H1-B visas, which includes spouses and unmarried children below the age of 21. H-4 visa holders are allowed to work in the US under certain conditions.

L-1 visa is used by companies for intra-company transfers in executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge roles from international to US branches. L1-A is for executive managers, and L1-B is for specialized knowledge employees. the former is applicable for seven years, the latter for five. The visa holders can apply for permanent residency in the US.

For dependents of L-1 visa holders, an L-1 visa is available. It can be claimed by spouses and unmarried children below the age of 21.

Source: Media