DHS Publishes Rule Extending Employment Authorization to Certain Spouses in H-4 Status | Practical Law
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is extending eligibility for employment authorization to certain H-4 dependent spouses of H-1B nonimmigrants who are seeking lawful permanent residence (LPR) status for employment purposes. The new rule is intended to reduce the economic burden on H-1B nonimmigrants and their families which often lead H-1B nonimmigrants to abandon their efforts to remain in the United States. Beginning on May 26, 2015, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin accepting applications from eligible H-4 dependent spouses seeking employment authorization.