H4 EAD taking too long. Losing offer.
I was on F1 previously and worked using OPT and STEM OPT. With no luck in H1B lottery for 4 years, I left my job and converted to H4 visa and applied for an EAD in Sep 2023. My application went to Vermont SC. It’s been over 7 months with no update. I recently received an offer and they are ok to wait for few days, but might loose trust if it is taking too long. I tried expediting, reached out to congressman and senator. Nothing has worked out. Market is too bad. I am afraid of losing offer in hand. Any advice is appreciated.
One other thing you can try is reaching out to your local Congress man/senator. They help, but again nothing is guaranteed.
As I mentioned, I already reached to them and they contacted USCIS. But USCIS has rejected request from congressman as well.
When is your spouses H1b renewing? I wonder if you could avail the premium processing if it’s renewing soon.
Don't think H4 EAD has premium processing
Not standalone but when you renew h4 alongside a H1b premium processing application both get approved at the same time.
Pay a lawyer, they will send a notice to USCIS to either give a decision or come to court to discuss why it's taking time. You will have to pay around $4k to the lawyer. My friend did this and they got the EAD immediately.