H4 to EAD Processing Time: How to Get Your Work Authorization Faster

Waiting for your H4 EAD approval can feel endless, especially when every status update says the same thing: “Case Is Pending” or “Being Actively Reviewed.” The uncertainty can put your career and financial plans on hold, leaving you frustrated and stuck.

But what if you didn’t have to wait for months? In this guide, we’ll break down H4 EAD processing times and show you proven ways to expedite your application—so you can get a decision in as little as 60 days. Let’s get you back on track faster!

How Long Does H4 EAD Processing Take?

H4 EAD processing times vary depending on a few factors:

• Standalone H4 EAD applications: Usually 6 to 12 months (but we've seen longer)
• H4 EAD with H4 extension: Often 12+ months
• H4 EAD with H1B premium processing: While your spouse's H1B might get processed in 15 days, there's no premium processing for your H4 EAD itself (frustrating, right?)

These wait times aren't just statistics—they represent real life on hold. That promotion you can't accept. The mortgage you can't qualify for. The independence you're missing out on.

Two Ways to Speed Up Your H4 EAD

USCIS doesn't currently offer premium processing for H4 EADs, but that doesn't mean you're stuck. Here are two approaches you should know about:

1. Request an Expedite from USCIS (Spoiler: Don't Get Your Hopes Up)

On paper, USCIS allows you to request faster processing if you're facing:

• Financial hardship (like being unable to pay bills without your income)
• Humanitarian reasons (such as medical situations)
• Government interests (less common for most applicants)

But here's the reality check: expedite requests for H4 EADs are rarely approved. USCIS sets an extremely high bar for what counts as "severe financial loss" or "humanitarian reasons." They routinely deny requests even from applicants facing genuine hardships.

You can still try by calling the USCIS Contact Center or submitting a formal request. Just be prepared for likely disappointment—most applicants receive a generic denial within a few weeks. Many people spend weeks gathering detailed evidence only to receive a form rejection letter with no specific explanation.

This is why many H4 visa holders turn to the more effective option: a Mandamus lawsuit.

2. File a Mandamus Lawsuit (The Secret Weapon)

If your H4 EAD has been stuck for months beyond normal processing times, a Mandamus lawsuit might be your best option. This isn't as scary as it sounds!

A Mandamus lawsuit simply asks a federal court to order USCIS to do their job—make a decision on your case. It doesn't tell them to approve you; it just forces them to act.

The best part? Most H4 EAD applications get decided within 60 days of filing a lawsuit. That's often faster than any other method!

In fact, our most recent customers are seeing approvals in as little as a few weeks from filing their cases with the government.

One customer had been waiting 11 months for his standalone H4 EAD. He decided to take action and use our service around mid March.

On April 8th, we received an email that the government approved his H4 EAD application and was in the process of mailing his new H4 EAD card!

We are now helping him dismiss his case (yes, we handle that for you as part of our white glove service)

How We Help You Speed Up the Process

You shouldn't need an expensive lawyer to get the work permit you're legally entitled to. Our H4 EAD Mandamus Lawsuit service makes the process simple:

1. We check if you qualify - A quick assessment tells us if a lawsuit makes sense for your situation
2. We prepare everything for you - No legal expertise needed on your part
3. We guide you through filing - Step-by-step instructions keep things simple
4. USCIS must respond - The law requires them to act, usually within 60 days

All this for $1,497—about a quarter of what most immigration lawyers charge. And yes, we offer payment plans because we understand you might be on a tight budget while waiting for work authorization.

Do You Qualify for an H4 EAD Mandamus Lawsuit?

You might be a perfect candidate if:

• Your H4 EAD has been stuck in processing for more than 4 months
• You've submitted all required documents correctly
• You need to start working ASAP for financial or professional reasons

Ready to Stop Waiting and Start Working?

H4 EAD processing delays don't have to put your life on hold any longer. Thousands of applicants just like you have taken control of their cases and gotten results.

Check if you qualify today, and you could have your work permit in just a couple of months! Check My Eligibility Now.