How To Get Your H-4 EAD Approved Faster

Waiting for your H-4 Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to be approved can be incredibly frustrating—especially when delays drag on for months, leaving you unable to work and causing unnecessary financial stress. With long processing times and limited options for speeding up the process, many applicants feel stuck and unsure of how to move forward.

However, just because delays are common doesn’t mean you have to wait helplessly. There are proactive steps you can take to push your application forward and, in some cases, get a decision much sooner. In this article, we’ll explore three effective strategies to help you get your H-4 EAD approved faster, including when filing a Mandamus Lawsuit might be the right move to break through excessive delays.

If you’re tired of waiting and looking for ways to take control of your H-4 EAD timeline, here’s what you need to know.

Is Premium Processing Available for H-4 EAD?

You've probably heard about Premium Processing, a paid service offered by USCIS that allows certain visa petitions to be processed within 30 calendar days for an additional fee ranging between $1,500 - $3,000. It’s designed for applicants who need faster adjudication and are willing to pay for priority processing.

Unfortunately, standalone H-4 EAD applicants are not eligible for premium processing. This means that if you are applying for an EAD renewal or your application is separate from an H-1B petition, you must go through standard processing, which can take several months due to USCIS backlogs.

Since Premium Processing is not an option for most H-4 EAD applicants, it's important to explore other ways to speed up your case, such as filing an expedite request or, in cases of excessive delays, pursuing a Mandamus Lawsuit to push USCIS to take action.

How to Get Faster H-4 EAD Processing

1. Submit a Well-Prepared and Complete Application

Ensure that Form I-765 and all supporting documents are complete, accurate, and properly formatted before submission.
Avoid common mistakes that lead to Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and delays, such as missing signatures, incorrect fees, or outdated forms.
If filing concurrently with an H-4 visa extension or change of status, make sure all forms are submitted together to reduce processing time.

2. Request an Expedite from USCIS

If you meet certain criteria (e.g., severe financial loss, employer-related urgency, or humanitarian reasons), you may qualify for an expedited request.
Expedite requests can be made by calling USCIS, submitting an online inquiry, or involving a congressional representative to advocate on your behalf.
While not guaranteed, a strongly documented expedite request can significantly speed up processing.

Please note that USCIS has no lawful obligation to respond to expedite requests, so it is very common for them to ignore expedite requests. If you want guaranteed results, a Mandamus Lawsuit is the best option.

3. File a Mandamus Lawsuit If You Face Unreasonable Delays

If your H-4 EAD application has been stuck for months beyond the normal processing time, a Mandamus Lawsuit can force USCIS to act.
This legal action compels the agency to make a decision within 60 days in most cases.
A Mandamus lawsuit is especially useful when expedite requests have been denied or ignored and waiting any longer would cause serious financial or career consequences.

What Is a Mandamus Lawsuit?

A Mandamus Lawsuit is a legal action that can be filed in federal court to compel USCIS to make a decision on your case when they have unreasonably delayed the process. The term "mandamus" comes from the Latin word meaning "we command." In essence, it’s a court order that forces a government agency to fulfill its legal duty, and actually accelerates the process much more effectively than waiting USCIS processing times.

For H-4 EAD applicants, a Mandamus Lawsuit is the most effective way to push USCIS to act when your application has been stuck in the system for longer than is reasonable.

A Mandamus Lawsuit argues that USCIS is violating its legal obligation by failing to act on your H-4 EAD application in a reasonable time frame, based on the Administrative Procedure Act. The court then orders USCIS to take action, and most applicants get to see results in 60–90 days.

When Is a Mandamus Lawsuit Necessary?

You should consider a Mandamus Lawsuit when:

✅ Your H-4 EAD application has been pending for far longer than the posted processing times—typically over 4 months without any update or action.
✅ You are facing a time-sensitive situation, such as job loss, and need a resolution urgently.

While USCIS processing times for H-4 EAD applications can be long (often several months), there comes a point where the delay becomes unreasonable and a Mandamus Lawsuit becomes an appropriate legal remedy.

Pros of a Mandamus Lawsuit

✅ Forces USCIS to take action—By filing a lawsuit, you can push USCIS to make a decision on your case when they have otherwise failed to act.
✅ Faster resolution—For applicants who have waited for months with no movement, a Mandamus Lawsuit typically leads to a resolution much quicker than waiting for normal processing times.
✅ Applies to all H-4 EAD applicants who have suffered from excessive delays in their request.
✅ Potentially more effective than other remedies—Mandamus has a high success rate, as USCIS typically prefers to avoid the burden of litigation.

Cons of a Mandamus Lawsuit

❌ No guarantee of approval—The lawsuit forces USCIS to make a decision, but it doesn’t guarantee that your H-4 EAD will be approved, only that a decision will be made.

At Pro Se Pro, we provide an easy-to-use, affordable tool that guides you through filing a mandamus lawsuit yourself—without paying expensive attorney fees.

Check out our H4 EAD Mandamus Service service and find out how you can get started today!

Bottom Line: When Is a Mandamus Lawsuit Better The Best Option?

✅ Situations Where a Lawsuit Is the Best Option

You don’t qualify for premium processing (standalone H-4 EAD).
Your case is stuck beyond USCIS normal processing times.
You tried expedite requests, but USCIS ignored you.
You are about to lose your job because of EAD delays.

⛔ Situations Where You Shouldn't Consider a Lawsuit Yet

Your case is still within normal processing times.

Next Steps: Talk to an Expert About a Mandamus Lawsuit

If you’re an H-4 visa holder who’s been stuck in endless USCIS delays, this is your chance to take control of the situation. The H-4 EAD Mandamus Service from Pro Se Pro is here to help you fast-track your case and ensure you can get back to work, providing for your family and contributing to your career without unnecessary wait times.

Who Can Benefit from Our H-4 EAD Mandamus Service?

H-4 visa holders who have been waiting months longer than normal processing times for their EAD approval.
Individuals who need to contribute to the workforce but are being held back by USCIS delays.
Those facing urgent financial challenges or job loss due to delayed employment authorization.

Why Choose Pro Se Pro for Your Mandamus Lawsuit?

At Pro Se Pro, we specialize in expediting USCIS decisions through the legal power of a Mandamus Lawsuit, helping H-4 visa holders move forward with their lives and careers.

If you're ready to take action and avoid waiting any longer, reach out today. We’re here to provide you with the legal expertise and support needed to navigate your H-4 EAD delays.

Contact Pro Se Pro now at (802) 318-4668 and learn how our H-4 EAD Mandamus Service can help you get the approval you deserve.