To precisely calculate the estimated time for your case, use the Dataneb processing time calculator . Hello! If you're considering applying for an H4 EAD for the first time, I'm here to guide you through the H4 EAD application process. I'll cover H4 EAD eligibility, the H4 EAD document checklist, how to fill out the I-765 form, H4 EAD processing time, and highlight some common mistakes. Table of Contents: H4 EAD Process Summary H4 EAD Application Process for First-Time Applicants H4 EAD Eligibility Criteria USCIS Guidelines H4 EAD with Approved I-140 H4 EAD with Pending PERM or I-140 H4 EAD Document Checklist for First-Time Applicant (or Renewal) H4 EAD Check Sample File Form I-765 for First-Time Applicant I-765 Filing Address H4 EAD Processing Time Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for H4 EAD for the First Time FAQs on the H4 EAD Process H4 EAD Process Summary H4 EAD Eligibility, you are eligible if Dependent of H-1B holder with approved I-140, or H1B status approved under AC21 H4 EAD Fees $520 H4 EAD Processing Time 5 to 10.5 months (visit Processing Time Calculator ) H4 EAD Documents Checklist Check of $520 Two passport-size photos Completed I-765 form Proof of legal status, such as a copy of I-94 and I-797 notice Photo ID, such as a copy of the passport/visa Proof of relationship, like a marriage certificate Previous EAD copy (if renewing) H4 EAD Premium Processing Not available H4 EAD Attorney Fees Typically, $500 to $1500 H4 EAD Online Filing Not available H4 EAD Expedite Request Possible ( read more ) H4 COS to EAD Processing Time 3.5 to 8 months (visit Processing Time Calculator ) I'll walk you through the renewal or extension process, which should begin 180 days before your current EAD's expiry. Feel free to reach out with any questions – I'm dedicated to making your H4 EAD application process as smooth as possible! H4 EAD Application Process for First-Time Applicants Overall, I will explain the following in detail, covering all the aspects of the H4 EAD process. If you think I should add something, feel free to provide feedback in the comments section below, and I will try to add those details to the best of my knowledge. First, we will check the eligibility criteria. Next, gather the necessary documents required for the H4 EAD application. After that, we will fill out form I-765. Submit the H4 EAD application. Wait for USCIS processing and approval. Receive H4 EAD card (and SSN if applicable). Go through FAQs about the H4 EAD application process. H4 EAD Eligibility Criteria for First-Time Applicants Before we jump into H4 EAD eligibility criteria, note that You can file H4 EAD only when you are physically present in the US You don't need any job offer to apply for H4 EAD You can not file H4 EAD online, this can be done only by mail. F1 visa holders are eligible for online application though, you can read this in detail in this blog. USCIS Guidelines for H4 EAD Eligibility Primary H1B visa holder should have an approved I-140. OR If primary visa holder is on H1B status under AC21 sections 106(a) and (b) i.e. your H1B has been extended beyond 6 years and you have PERM filed (pending or approved) and I-140 filed (pending or approved) for over 365 days, then also you are eligible to file H4 EAD. I would recommend consulting your employer/ attorney for this special case. H4 EAD with Approved I-140 If you are the principal beneficiary of an H1B visa holder with an approved form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker then you are eligible for H4 EAD. For example, children (unmarried) under the age of 21 and spouses of H1B visa holders are eligible for H-4 status, and so for H4 EAD. Related: Change of Status from H1B to B2 So if your primary visa holder is on a valid H1B status and has an approved I-140 (either from your current employer or past employer, just make sure it's not revoked by checking the status online ) and your visa type says H-4, you are good to take benefit of H-4 EAD. H4 EAD with Pending PERM or I-140 (H1B > 6 years) If the primary H1B visa holder has been granted an extension on H1B after six-year under the AC21 act i.e. you are in your 7th year of H1B and your PERM is pending for more than 365 days then also you can apply for H4 EAD. Related: B2 visa for parents If your PERM is approved but I-140 is pending, still you can apply for H4 EAD. This happens when there is a massive backlog in USCIS processing for PERM or I-140, sometimes it takes 1-2 years for approval. Reference : Under AC21 § 106 , an H-1B nonimmigrant can receive H-1B status beyond the six-year maximum, in one-year increments, if 365 days or more have passed since either an application for Alien Labor Certification (Form ETA 750A-B or ETA 9089) or a petition for an immigrant worker (Form I-140) has been filed on the alien's behalf. H4 EAD Document Checklist for First-Time Applicant (or Renewal) Once you know that you are eligible to file for H4 EAD, let us see what documents you would need to file I-765 by mail. There is no online H4 EAD application process yet, as mentioned earlier, as of now online is mainly for the F1 category only. H4 EAD fees: The fee is $520. You can pay with a money order, personal check, or cashier’s check or by credit card using  Form G-1450 , Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. If you want to pay by personal check, cashier's check, or money order, you must make your check payable to the "U.S. Department of Homeland Security". Recent photographs : You would need 2 passport-size recent photographs. Mention the I-94 number on the back of the photograph with a pencil. See how you can print passport-size photos using your phone . Form I-765: The eligibility category will be c(26) for H4 EAD. Legal status proof: You would need the most recent I-94 form and your I-797 approval notice. Photo ID: Passport (front and back pages), visa stamp copy, or EAD copy (EAD copy is not for the first-timer, but in case you are renewing). Your DL or State ID will not work for the photo ID requirement. Relation to primary H1B holder : A copy of your marriage certificate in English. H4 EAD eligibility: Copy of H1B spouse's I-797 approval notice for form I-140. Form G-1145 (optional): This will help notify you via text or email. You can download it here . Cover letter (optional): This is also optional but it will help an officer to understand your case better. You can refer to this for writing. Even if you are applying for renewal or extension, the above document checklist will remain the same. For Renewal: If you have a USCIS notice from your last EAD, you would have received a notice with sample bar codes that can be used for extension, and that will help USCIS officers speed up your application. Please include it if you still have it. If you don't have it, it's not mandatory to include it. After filing for renewal, you might be eligible for an automatic EAD extension, you can read about this in the following blog. Related: H4 EAD automatic extension, 180 or 540 days? H4 EAD Check Sample I am attaching a sample check so that you can verify it. The H4 EAD fee is $520 and your check should be payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security". Don't forget to date and sign it. At the back of the check (optional), you can mention the applicant's I-94 number with a light pencil. File Form I-765 for First-Time Applicant You can download the latest version of the I-765 form from the USCIS website. There is also documentation on I-765 instructions which is very simple to follow. The H4 EAD category code you need to use is c(26). Download and print the I-765 form from the link provided. Select reason for applying: Initial permission if you are a first-timer or Renewal for extension or Replacement for lost cards. Fill in your personal information: If you have a single name, use FNU in the given name and your actual name in the Last name. Read more about FNU's name here . You can also apply for an SSN card if the applicant doesn't have one. Just select "No" for 13.a. and then select "Yes" for Q14 & 15 and provide your father's and mother's names in Q16 & 17. Choose the H4 EAD eligibility category as c(26) on question 27. Provide your signature: Sign and date the form. Pay the filing fee: I always preferred to pay via check. Mail: Mail the completed form with supporting documents via USPS, UPS, FedEx, etc. USPS will be the cheapest option. Note: To organize the documents, I recommend using file binders with tabs , labeled and numbered. This will help USCIS officers to easily understand your EAD application. Arrange the documents following the structure outlined in the sample cover letter . I-765 Filing Address I-765 filing address will depend on your eligibility category, (c)(26), and H-1B I-797 approval notice initial three letters, refer to the USCIS website . Please re-verify these addresses before dispatching your documents as this might change in the future. H4 EAD Category I-765 Filing Address (c)(26) - H-4 spouse of an H-1B nonimmigrant, and the receipt number of your H-1B principal spouse’s most recent Form I-797, Notice of Action, for Form I-129 begins with EAC or LIN or MCT USCIS Dallas Lockbox U.S. Postal Service (USPS): USCIS Attn: H4 P.O. Box 660921 Dallas, TX 75266-0921 FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries: USCIS Attn: H4 (Box 660921) 2501 S. State Hwy. 121 Business Suite 400 Lewisville, TX 75067-8003 (c)(26) - H-4 spouse of an H-1B nonimmigrant, and the receipt number of your H-1B principal spouse’s most recent Form I-797, Notice of Action, for Form I-129 begins with WAC or SRC or IOE USCIS Phoenix Lockbox U.S. Postal Service (USPS): USCIS Attn: H4 P.O. Box 20400 Phoenix, AZ 85036-0400 FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries: USCIS Attn: H4 (Box 20400) 2108 E. Elliot Rd. Tempe, AZ 85284-1806 Wait for the USCIS decision. You can track the status here . You will receive the SSN card via mail after EAD is approved. You will also get electronic alerts from time to time if you have filed the G-1145 form along with the I-765 application. H4 EAD Processing Time The above processing time for H4 EAD which is filed under the (c)(26) category is frequently refreshed from the USCIS website. To exactly calculate the estimated time for your case, use the Dataneb processing time calculator . H1B, H4 COS, and H4 EAD:  You may speed up the processing of your H4 EAD if you apply for an H1B extension for the primary visa holder along with a Change of Status (COS) to H4 under Edakunni Settlement. For detailed information, you can read more about this process here . Expedite request:  You can explore the option of expediting the H4 EAD application based on humanitarian reasons. There are no fees for this service, but the consideration of your case depends on the reason you provide and USCIS's discretion. For more details, you can read about it here . Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for H4 EAD for the First Time If you send the wrong fee, USCIS will reject your application. Pay the exact fees needed. Biometrics fees would not be required for H4 EAD. Do not use a short abbreviation like "USCIS" while writing (payable to) the check. USCIS will reject it. I always preferred to personal check to make payments because that way you can also see if you are application is getting processed, just keep checking your bank balance and when $520 is deducted. Fees have changed recently to $520. If your photographs are not recent (older than 6 months) then our application will be rejected. Do not wear a white shirt/ top and the background should be off-white. Do not forget to sign and date the I-765 application form before you mail it. While mailing the application, first keep the check on top, second, photograph in a small envelope, then form G-1145 (optional), cover letter (optional), and then I-765 and the rest of the supporting documents. Use a nice numbered file folder like below to post your documents. Do not staple the documents, use paper clips if needed. FAQ: H4 EAD Process Can I file H4 EAD online? No, currently H4 EAD can be done only via mail and the online facility is not available for H4 applicants. Can an H4 visa holder work in the USA without EAD? No, you must file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to request employment authorization as an H-4 dependent spouse. You must receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD/Form I-765) from USCIS before you may begin working. How to track the status of your first-time H4 EAD application? Once you receive the receipt number, you can track your application on the USCIS website. It's the same process as checking any other case on USCIS. What is the current processing time for H4 EAD? The average H4 EAD processing time is between 5 to 10.5 months . To precisely calculate the estimated time for your case, use the Dataneb processing time calculator . What is the alien number on the I-765? If you have previously held an H1B, OPT, or any other type of Employment Authorization Document (EAD), you can locate your alien number on those documents. The alien number is the same as the USCIS number on the EAD card. If you do not have an alien number, please leave this field blank. Is there premium processing for the H4 EAD application? No, there is no premium processing for H4 EAD. However, as explained earlier, you might be able to speed up your H4 EAD application: If you need to file an H4 COS, H EAD along with an H1B extension (in premium). Or you can submit an expedited request based on Humanitarian reasons. What will happen to H4 EAD if I change employer? There is no impact on an H4 EAD if you change your employer, become jobless, or take an employment gap, as long as the primary H1B visa holder has maintained valid H1B status. There is no impact on an H4 EAD even if the H1B visa holder changes employers; however, this should be done within the 60-day grace period. If the H1B visa holder is unemployed beyond 60 days, then the H4 EAD automatically becomes invalid. Am I eligible for H4 EAD automatic extension? You might be eligible for a 540-day or 180-day automatic EAD extension depending on when you filed your I-765 EAD renewal application. Read more . Next: Expedite H4 EAD Related Posts ✔ Go to Main Menu ✔ How to apply for an OCI card ✔ How to apply for a minor's passport Related Topics

To precisely calculate the estimated time for your case, use the Dataneb Processing Time Calculator . This page shows the I-485 processing time for family-based adjustment of status . It is based on how long it took USCIS to complete 80% and 100% of cases over the past six months. To begin, locate your field office by entering your zip code on the USCIS office field locator . Then, use the table below to see the processing time for your field office. I-485 Processing Time (Family Based) The current processing date indicates when the majority of I-485 applications are approved at the specified field office. It provides a rough estimation and should be considered as a reference point only. If an applicant's priority date is not earlier than the applicable visa available cut-off date published in the Visa Bulletin, their adjustment of status application cannot be approved until a visa is available to the applicant based on their priority date , preference category, and country of chargeability. Next: How to expedite I-485 Related Posts ✔ I-485 processing times for employment-based ✔ Humanitarian reasons to expedite your case ✔ Contacting congressman to expedite USCIS case Related Topics

To precisely calculate the estimated time for your case, use the Dataneb Processing Time Calculator . This page shows the I-485 processing times for employment-based adjustment of status , indicating how long it took USCIS to complete 80% and 100% of cases over the past six months. Before you begin: You need to locate your USCIS field office by your zip code. You can find your nearest field office by entering your ZIP code into the USCIS office field locator . This will provide you with the service center or field office code. Then, based on your field office code, refer to the processing times in the following table. I-485 Processing Time (Employment Based) USCIS processes cases in the order in which they are received. Each case is unique, and some cases may take longer than others. These processing times should be used as a reference point, not as an absolute measure of how long your case will take to be completed. Texas (SSC) and Nebraska Service Centers (NSC): The processing time listed for the Texas Service Center and Nebraska Service Center is only for EB-4 Form I-485 employment-based cases that those service centers continue to work on. California Service Center (CSC): The processing time listed for the California Service Center is only for EB-5 Form I-485 employment-based cases that the California Service Center continues to work on. Rest of the service centers: Shows the processing times for Form I-485 in the EB-1 , EB-2 , and EB-3 categories. Visa-regressed employment-based adjustment of status I-485 applications are not included in the processing times shown in the table. If an applicant's priority date is not earlier than the applicable visa available cut-off date published in the Visa Bulletin their adjustment of status application cannot be approved until a visa is available to the applicant based on their priority date , preference category, and country of chargeability. Next: How to expedite I-485 Related Posts ✔ Green card v/s citizenship ✔ Green card priority dates for India ✔ Contacting congressman to expedite USCIS case Related Topics

The following table shows the processing dates for I-765 applications filed by H-4 spouses of H-1B nonimmigrants (filed with I-539 H4) [(c)(26)] , which are currently being processed at various USCIS centers. You can also get processing times using the Dataneb Processing Time Calculator , specially tailored to your needs. Twenty eligible EAD categories can file Form I-765 concurrently with the Change of Status (COS) Form I-539. Category (c)(26), used to file for an H4 EAD, is one of them. Filing of Forms I-539 and I-765 together is also known as concurrent filing . If you are looking to apply for a change of status to H4 from another visa along with an H4 EAD application within the US, this blog will be helpful for you. Table of Contents: H4 COS and EAD Concurrent Filing Eligibility Concurrent Filing of I-539 and I-765 H4 COS and EAD Concurrent Filing Cover Letter Filing Fee Documents Required How to Complete Forms Processing Times FAQs Concurrent Filing Eligibility Note that you cannot concurrently file Form I-765 with all USCIS forms; below, we have provided the list of all the eligible categories and forms/applications with which an I-765 can be filed concurrently. Form I-539 and I-765 Concurrent Filing Dependents of H1B visa holders who want to change status to H4 can file Forms I-539 (COS or Extension) and I-765 (EAD application) concurrently. However, USCIS rules frequently change, so it's important to verify the current eligibility criteria. To confirm this, you can visit the USCIS website  and look for the (c)(26) category. You will notice that for H4, Spouse of an H1B nonimmigrant under (c)(26) category are eligible to file Form I-765 concurrently with: Form I-129/I-539 - Petition for a Non-immigrant Worker / Change of Status or Extension Form I-539 - Change of Status or Extension I have previously explained filing Forms I-129/I-539 and I-765 earlier under the Edakunni Settlement in the previous blogs. You can read that in detail here . H4 COS and EAD Concurrent Filing To file H4 COS and EAD concurrently, you need to complete Forms I-539 and I-765 with all the required fees and supporting documents (for both applications). According to USCIS, if you are filing Form I-765 with Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Status, then file both forms according to the Form I-539 instructions. You must complete Form I-539A for each dependent you want to include on your application. [Recommended] Include a cover letter clearly stating that you are filing H4 COS and EAD concurrently, it will help the USCIS officer to understand your request quickly. You can file this yourself, there is no need for a lawyer. After the forms are ready and signed, along with the necessary fees and documents, mail them to the following I-539 addresses . Double-check the address before mailing, as it might change in the future. USPS will be the cheapest option. H4 COS and EAD Concurrent Filing Addresses File with the USCIS Dallas Lockbox if the receipt number of your H-1B principal spouse’s most recent Form I-797, Notice of Action, (approving their Form I-129) begins with EAC, LIN, or MCT . USCIS Dallas Lockbox U.S. Postal Service (USPS): USCIS Attn: H4 P.O. Box 660921 Dallas, TX 75266-0921 FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries: USCIS Attn: H4 (Box 660921) 2501 S. State Hwy. 121 Business Suite 400 Lewisville, TX 75067-8003 File with the USCIS Phoenix Lockbox if the receipt number of your H-1B principal spouse’s most recent Form I-797, Notice of Action, (approving their Form I-129) begins with WAC, SRC, or IOE . USCIS Phoenix Lockbox U.S. Postal Service (USPS): USCIS Attn: H-4 P.O. Box 20400 Phoenix, AZ 85036-0400 FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries: USCIS Attn: H4 (Box 20400) 2108 E. Elliot Rd. Tempe, AZ 85284-1806 Cover Letter for H4 COS and EAD Concurrent Filing [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date] USCIS Attn: [Appropriate USCIS Service Center] [Service Center Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] Subject: Concurrent Filing for H-4 Change of Status (COS) and Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to submit my concurrent application for a Change of Status (COS) to H-4 and for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), as the spouse of an H-1B visa holder. Please find enclosed the following documents in support of my application: Cover Letter Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Required Fees Copies of my passport, including the biographical page and visa stamp. Copy of Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. Copies of my spouse’s H-1B approval notice (Form I-797) and Form I-94. Copy of our marriage certificate as proof of relationship. Two passport-sized photographs as required. [Any other relevant documents specific to your case] I kindly request that these applications be processed concurrently. My spouse’s details are as follows for your reference: Full Name: [Spouse’s Full Name] Date of Birth: [Spouse’s Date of Birth] H-1B Approval Notice Number: [Spouse’s H-1B Approval Notice Number] Please find the relevant filing fees for both applications attached. If any further information or documentation is required, please do not hesitate to contact me via the above-mentioned email or phone number. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your favorable response. Sincerely, [Your Full Name] H4 COS and EAD Concurrent Filing Fee The total fee for H4 EAD and change of status concurrent filing is $990, comprising a $470 fee for Form I-539, which covers all included dependents, and an additional $520 fee for Form I-765. You can pay this fee using a personal check payable to the 'U.S. Department of Homeland Security'. You should write two separate checks when submitting your application: One check for Form I-539 ($470). Another check for Form I-765 ($520). Note that as of October 1, 2023, the $85 biometric fee requirement has been removed. As these fees might change in the future, you can confirm the fee using the USCIS fee calculator . Sample Check Documents Required for H4 COS and EAD These are the supporting documents needed for H4 COS (I-539) and EAD (I-765) concurrent filing: For Form I-539 Completed and signed Form I-539 Check of $470 (fee covers all dependents, if any) Applicant's latest I-94 Applicant's passport and visa stamp copy Applicant's current status proof (I-797 approval notices, if any) Applicant's marriage certificate / Birth Certificate (for a dependent child, if any) Marriage pics Primary H1B documents Copy of H1B (I-797) approval notices Latest I-94 Latest pay stubs (3 months) Passport and visa copy For Form I-765 Completed and signed I-765 form Check of $520 Two passport-size photos If Applicable Include Form I-539A for dependents Waiver documents for applicants subject to 2-year home residence, 212(e) under J-1 or J-2 status Previous EAD (if previously held F-1 OPT, J-2 or L-2, etc. status) How to Complete Form I-539 and I-765 Simply follow these USCIS links for instructions; that's the best and most accurate way to fill out these forms. As mentioned earlier, the Filing addresses will be the same I-539 application. I-539 Instructions I-539A Instructions I-765 Instructions H4 COS and EAD Processing Times The following table shows the current processing time for H4 EAD filed with the change of status, I-539 application for various USCIS service centers. To accurately calculate the estimated time for your case, use the Dataneb Processing Time Calculator . FAQs on H4 COS and EAD How can I switch from an H1B visa to an H4 status and obtain an H4 EAD without experiencing a gap in work authorization? File Simultaneously: Submit Form I-539 (Change of Status to H4) and Form I-765 (H4 EAD) concurrently. Request a Future Start Date: On Form I-539, specify a future start date for your H4 status, aligning with the end of your H1B status. Continue Working on H1B: Work for your H1B employer until your H4 status is approved. Start working on your H4 EAD only after approval. Plan for Processing Times: Apply early to account for USCIS processing times and avoid any work authorization gap. Expect 3.5 to 7.5 months  of processing time. Can I apply for an H4 change of status in premium processing? No, you can not apply for an H4 change of status in premium processing. USCIS recently updated this page , earlier it was showing the H4 category as well but now it has been removed. I-539 premium processing is valid for change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 only. Is there any premium processing for H4 EAD? No, there is no premium processing service for H4 EAD applications. Please comment if you found this blog helpful, or if you had a different experience write us feedback and we will try our best to match your expectations. Next: How to apply for H4 EAD Related Posts ✔ How to apply for passport renewal for parents ✔ How to apply for a minor's passport ✔ Change of status from H1B to B1/B2 visa Related Topics

The following table shows the processing dates for J2 EAD applications, which are currently being processed at various USCIS centers. To exactly calculate the estimated time for your case, use the Dataneb processing time calculator . The J2 EAD (Employment Authorization Document) allows dependents of J1 visa holders to work in the US without any sponsorship requirement. J2 EAD extension/renewal is possible up to the end date mentioned on your DS-2019, typically EADs are granted for 1 year. To apply for a J2 EAD card, you must file the form I-765 by mail with the USCIS. J2 visa holders are not eligible for online filing of form I-765, which is needed for the J2 EAD application. Also, no premium service is currently available for the J2 EAD application. You can file J2 EAD yourself, there is no requirement to hire a lawyer. My spouse was on a J2 visa, and we applied for his J2 EAD application followed by subsequent extensions/renewals. In this blog, I will cover everything you need to know about the J2 EAD application process, starting from the cover letter for J2 EAD, required documents, validity, processing time, and premium processing service. Table of Contents: J2 EAD Application Process Processing Time Sample Cover Letter Validity Documents Required Sample Check Premium Processing Filing Address Status Check J2 EAD Processing Time The following table shows the processing time for J2 EAD, I-765 applications based on (C)(5) category at various USCIS service centers. You can bookmark ⭐ this page, or save/share this link, as these processing times are frequently updated and you might need this in the future. Or, you can also check yourself by following the steps mentioned in the next section. To Check J2 EAD Processing Time Yourself Visit USCIS Case Processing Time Calculator Select the form type as 'I-765 Application for Employment Authorization' Select the category 'All other applications for employment authorization' The category (c)(5) which is used to file J2 EAD is not listed (so others) Select the service center based on your receipt number (initial three letters) and hit 'Get processing time': WAC – California Service Center SRC – Texas Service Center LIN – Nebraska Service Center EAC – Vermont Service Center YSC – Potomac Service Center MSC/NBC – National Benefits Center In our experience, the initial J2 EAD application and its three renewals each took an average of 3-4 months to process. It's important to note that processing times vary between cases and service centers. In our case, all applications were processed at the USCIS Potomac Service Center. If you plan to renew your J2 EAD, it's advisable to apply for the extension well in advance. J2 EAD renewals can be submitted up to 6 months before expiration. J2 EAD Cover Letter Sample This letter serves as the cover page for your J2 EAD application. While a cover letter is not mandatory for J2 EAD applications, including this, can improve the chances of application approval. Feel free to customize the following template for a new J2 EAD application or renewal. [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Date, Month, Year] United States Citizenship and Immigration Service RE: Request for J2 Employment Authorization Document [Extension] Dear Sir/Madam, I am requesting an [extension/ a new application] for my J2 work authorization. My name is [Your Name] , and I currently reside in the United States under J2 status, accompanying my spouse, [J1 Visa Holder Name] , who is a postdoctoral researcher at the [University of California, Riverside (SEVIS No. _________)] . I wish to [start/ continue] my employment to gain experience in the American workplace culture. The income generated will be utilized for pursuing my career interests, such as [part-time master's classes and other recreational/cultural activities] , and not for supporting my spouse. My spouse's annual income of $_____ is sufficient for our day-to-day expenses. I kindly request your consideration in granting me [an extension of] work authorization. Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, [Your Name] Enclosed are all the required documents to support my J2 EAD application: Filing fee check, photographs & I-765 application Copy of I-797A approval notice Copy of the latest I-94 Copy of DS-2019 Copy of all pages of passport and visa Copy of DS-2019, last 3 months pay stubs (primary J1 visa holder) Copy of I-94, passport, and visa (primary J1 visa holder) Marriage certificate J2 EAD Validity The validity of the J2 EAD is typically one year . USCIS generally authorizes J-2 employment for one year or until the J-1 visa holder's DS-2019 expires. When you receive a new DS-2019, you automatically become eligible to apply for the renewal of your J2 EAD. As previously mentioned, the renewal process can be initiated at least 6 months before the current EAD's expiration, provided that your DS-2019 has been updated. In our situation, we consistently received one-year J2 EADs and submitted the extension application annually. Related: How to apply for a B2 visa for parents? J2 EAD Renewal Documents or New Application Below are the J2 visa holder documents needed for a new EAD application or renewal: Completed and signed I-765 application G-1145 form (optional) Copy of latest I-94 Copy of passport pages (front and back) Copy of visa stamps Copy of all DS-2019 Copy of previously issued EAD cards (in case of renewal) Payment of $520 by check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Two passport-size color photos: Include two passport-size color photos with your EAD application. Place the photos in an envelope labeled "Photos". On the back of each photo, lightly print your name and A-Number (if applicable) using a pencil. Cover letter Copy of marriage certificate (with certification of translation if not in English) You would be filing a J2 EAD application under (c)(5) category - Spouse/dependent of J1 exchange visitor on the I-765 form. J1 Visa Holder's Documents for J2 EAD Application Copy of all DS-2019 Copy of passport pages front and back Copy of all visa stamps Copy of I-94 form Last 3 months' pay stubs J2 EAD Sample Check I am attaching a J2 EAD sample check for your reference. The J2 EAD application fee is $520, and your check should be payable to the 'U.S. Department of Homeland Security'. Please remember to date and sign the check. Optionally, on the back of the check, you can mention the applicant's I-94 number with a light pencil. The following check has been updated to reflect recent USCIS changes in the EAD application fee. J2 EAD Premium Processing Premium processing is not available for J2 EAD applications. Only certain categories of F1 visa holders can apply for premium processing for the I-765 form. However, you can submit an expedited request on a humanitarian reason basis. Related: USCIS expedite request on humanitarian basis J2 EAD Filing Address Please visit the USCIS website to find the appropriate filing address for your J2 EAD application. The USCIS website will provide state-wise details for sending all the required documents. I have provided the screenshot below but it is better to check the website as these might change in the future. For overnight or courier delivery, FedEx has been our preferred choice, but you can choose a service that suits your convenience. USPS will be the cheapest option. To organize the documents, I recommend using file binders with tabs , labeled and numbered as mentioned in my other posts as well. This organization makes it easy for the officer to review all the documents efficiently. Arrange the documents following the structure outlined in the sample cover letter. When attaching the check, use a paper clip and affix it to a blank page. Similarly, place the photos in a small envelope and attach them with a paper clip to a blank page. Avoid using a stapler. This method helps keep your application organized and facilitates a smoother review process. J2 EAD Status Check Upon receiving your case, USCIS will issue a receipt notice (Form I-797C) containing a unique receipt number. This number allows you to check your case status online. You can visit the USCIS website to track your case . Please don't hesitate to post any questions in the comment section, and I will do my best to provide helpful answers. Best of luck with the J2 EAD! FAQ: J2 EAD Application What is the category for the J2 EAD application? J2 visa holders, who are dependents of J1 visa holders, can apply for Employment Authorization Document (EAD) under category (c)(5). Do I need any sponsorship to apply for J2 EAD? No, you don't need any form of sponsorship for the EAD application. You can file for a J2 EAD card as long as you are a dependent of a J1 visa holder and possess a valid DS-2019, and you can do this yourself. No need for a lawyer. Can J2 work without EAD? No, a J2 visa holder needs a physical EAD card to begin working. Can J2 apply online for EAD? No, J2 visa holders cannot currently apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) online. As of now, J2 visa holders must submit a paper application (Form I-765) to the USCIS by mail. Next: J1 Waiver Process Related Posts ✔ Go to Main Menu ✔ How long can I stay after J1 visa expires? ✔ How can I get a green card? Related Topics

After college, I was very excited to begin work and gain some work experience in the US. However, I soon realized that I needed to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card to work in the US. This is when I first encountered the I-765 form online. Related: Work authorization for L2 visa I thought filling out the I-765 form online would be hard because I'd never done it before. But honestly, it's quite simple. Just know that not all visa categories can use the online I-765 filing. I'm sharing my experience based on an F1 visa. When I searched online to find out who could use the I-765 form online, the search results were confusing. The information kept saying all categories were eligible for online filing, and it mainly showed the process for mailing the I-765 form. This led me to write this article specifically about the I-765 online process. Table of Contents: I-765 Online Application Who can File I-765 Online? How to File I-765 Online? I-765 Online Filing Fee I-765 Online Processing Time I-765 Premium Processing Steps to File I-765 Online I-765 EAD Renewal Online FAQs on I-765 Online Who can File I-765 Application Online? Only the following I-765 categories are eligible to apply for an EAD through the online process , and you will also see this list when you begin filling out the I-765 application online. (a)(12)  – Temporary Protected Status (You are submitting an initial Form I-821 or you have an approved Form I-821); (c)(3)(A) – F-1 student, pre-completion OPT; (c)(3)(B)  – F-1 student, post-completion OPT; (c)(3)(C)  – F-1 student, 24-month extension for STEM students (students holding a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics); (c)(8)  – Applicants for Asylum under the ABC Settlement Agreement; (c)(8)  – Application for Employment Authorization Based on Pending Form I-589, Application for Asylum or for Withholding of Removal; (c)(11)  – Parole; (c)(19)  – Temporary Protected Status (You have a pending Form I-821); or (c)(33)  – Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) (You must have a pending or approved Form I-821D to file Form I-765). USCIS may add new categories in the future for those who can file online. Refer to this USCIS link  for the latest information. Note that the following I-765 categories are not eligible for filing I-765 online as of Feb 2024. However, they can file on paper. (a)(18)  – Spouse of L1 visa holder. See how to file? (c)(26)  – Spouse of H1-B visa holder with approved I-140. See how to file? (c)(5)  – J-2 spouse or child of J-1 exchange visitor. See how to file? How to File I-765 Application Online? These are the high-level steps you need to follow to file the I-765 form online. After creating an online account on USCIS and selecting the I-765 form, the USCIS website will automatically guide you through each step in detail. Create an account with USCIS by visiting myUSCIS   > My Account > File a form online. From the drop-down menu, select form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. The online I-765 form is no different from the physical form. It asks you for the same set of information. However, you can save your progress and resume it anytime. The online form is saved for 30 days. Do not submit duplicate applications i.e. one via physical mail and another online, in this case, your application might get denied. Complete the form and hit the button "Review and submit". After you submit your I-765 online application, you can track your case online with the case number generated. Respond to RFE (Request for Further Evidence, if any): You can do this online by submitting the necessary documents. No need to send it via physical mail. Receive your final decision from USCIS. I-765 Online Filing Fee The filing fee for the I-765 form online is $520. However, it's not required for some categories, and you may be eligible to request a fee waiver. Check the details here . After completing the I-765 form online, you'll need to digitally sign the application and pay the filing fee of $520. You can make the online payment using a credit card, debit card, or directly from a checking/savings account. After clicking 'Pay and submit,' you'll be directed to pay.gov to complete the payment process. Do not click the Back or Refresh button on your browser. If you are not ready to proceed with the payment, click the Cancel button to return to the USCIS online portal. Note that the USCIS filing fee is non-refundable. I-765 Online Processing Time The processing time for an online I-765 application can vary depending on several factors, including the category under which you have applied, the USCIS service center (California, Potomac, Vermont, National Benefits Center, Nebraska & Texas) where your application was sent, and any processing delays or issues that may arise during the review process. However, the I-765 processing time is the same whether you apply online or via mail. You can find the current I-765 processing time  here. This data is refreshed daily. I-765 Premium Processing I-765 premium processing is a service from USCIS that makes the processing of the I-765 form faster. If you're an F1 applicant, you can use this service by paying an extra $1685. USCIS guarantees to process the form within 30 days if you choose this option. You can request premium processing online or by physical mail, even if you initially filed I-765 online. If they don't meet this deadline, they refund the extra fee but still process your application quickly. Remember, this extra fee is separate from the regular one, and you won't get it back, no matter what happens with your application. It's important to note that premium processing is not available for all categories of I-765 applicants. Since March 2023, premium processing has been applicable for F-1 OPT & STEM OPT. For more details, refer to this USCIS link . Additionally, you can consult the I-907 form, which is used to request premium processing. Refer to the following blog. Related: How to request premium processing? Steps to File I-765 Online Below are the steps to file Form I-765 online: Step 1: Create an online account with USCIS . To file Form I-765 online, you will need to create an account with the USCIS. Step 2: Complete form I-765. You will be prompted to answer a series of questions and provide details about your background, your eligibility for employment authorization, and your current immigration status, similar to the physical I-765 form. Step 3: Upload supporting documents online. Step 4: Pay the application fee of $520. You can pay the application fee using a credit card or debit card. The current fee for Form I-765 is $520, although this amount may be subject to change. Step 5: Submit your application. After you have completed Form I-765, uploaded your supporting documents, and paid the application fee, you will need to review your application and submit it online. USCIS will send you a confirmation receipt once they receive your application. Step 6: Wait for USCIS to process your application. I-765 EAD Renewal Online The I-765 online form is applicable for both initial applications and renewals of an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). When renewing an EAD, you need to submit a new I-765 form before your current EAD expires. The renewal process mirrors the initial application process. To avoid a gap in employment authorization, USCIS recommends submitting the renewal application at least 180 days before the current EAD expires. Keep in mind that you cannot file for renewal more than 180 days before the current EAD expiration date. FAQs on I-765 Online Application Can H4 EAD be filed online? No, the c(26) category which is used to file H4 EAD is not eligible to file online. How can I get my I-765 faster? You can either request premium processing or request for expedited processing if you don't have the option of premium processing. Please refer to the provided links for details. Is it better to file I-765 online? It's quicker and easier to file I-765 online, so yes it's better. However, the I-765 processing time remains the same. Next: Change of Status to B2 Related Posts ✔ How to apply for B2 visa for parents ✔ Indian Passport Renewal ✔ How to apply for an OCI card Related Topics

This page offers the latest updates on the current waiting times for US visa appointments in India, based on the Travel State Gov DOS website . Whether you're applying for a Tourist Visa (B1/B2), Petition-Based Temporary Workers (H1B, L1/L2, O, P, Q), or Students/Exchange Visitors (F1, M, J1/J2), it's important to monitor these US Visa Waiting Times to schedule your visa interview appointments at US consulates or embassies in India on time. Table of Contents: US Visa Appointment India Tourist Visa Petition-Based Temporary Workers Students/Exchange Visitors FAQs US Visa Waiting Time for Tourist Visa (B1/B2) The table below shows the appointment wait times for US tourist visas (B1/B2) in India. US Visa Waiting Time for Petition-Based Temporary Workers (H1B, L1/L2, O, P, and Q) The table below shows the appointment wait times for US petition-based temporary worker visas such as H1B, L1/L2, etc., in India. US Visa Waiting Time for Students/Exchange Visitors (F1/F2, M, and J1/J2) The table below shows the appointment wait times for US student visas (F1/F2), M, and exchange visitor visas (J1/J2) in India. FAQs on US Visa Appointment India How can I check available dates for US visa appointments? You can not check available dates for US visa appointments without paying the appointment fee. You need to fill out the DS-160 first, then pay the fee, once payment is processed, you can schedule your appointment using the DS-160 confirmation number where you will be able to see the available slots. How many times we can reschedule a US visa appointment? Generally, you can reschedule your US visa appointment up to 4 times, and this is including your first booking. What is the US B1/B2 visa fee in India? The B1/B2 visa fee for a US visa in India is $185. As these fees might change in the future, you can also refer to US travel docs for the latest fee details. How to pay the US visa fee in India? You can make the payment using NEFT, UPI, debit/credit card, or cash over the counter at these locations . Next: How to apply for a B1/B2 visa for parents? Related Posts ✔ How to apply for H4 EAD? ✔ US visa invitation letter ✔ B1/B2 visa interview questions for parents

The H-1B lottery process begins with an online registration which is done by the employer (that's where an employee needs sponsorship). After that, USCIS performs a random selection process (called the H1B lottery) from the applications that are received. If selected, the employer is notified and files an H-1B petition (Form I-129). Further, if USCIS approves the petition, the employee can start working in the US under H-1B status from the beginning of the fiscal year, which is October 1. H-1B lottery is conducted once a year, typically in March, to select 85,000 registrations. The registration period is only two to three weeks. The second lottery is conducted if the H1B cap is not met. There is no company or country-level cap for H1B applications. Table of contents: H1B Lottery Process What is an H1B lottery? Chances of H1B lottery selection H1B lottery dates H1B Lottery Process FAQs What is an H1B Lottery? Meaning: The H-1B visa program allows U.S. companies to hire and employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Due to the high demand for H-1B visa applications, the USCIS uses a random selection process called the H1B lottery to select the H-1B applications. The following table shows the H1B annual cap. The following chart shows the top 10 companies by the number of applications approved. You can also find the complete details on the USCIS website . In the year 2024, Amazon, Infosys, and TCS were amongst the top companies that got H1Bs approved. H1B Lottery Chances The probability or chances of getting selected in the H1B lottery have been reduced to 17.71% in FY 2025, compared to over 50% a decade ago. This is calculated based on the total H1B annual cap limit of 85,000. In FY 2024, the situation was even worse, with chances around 10% of applicants' names selected in the lottery. This means only 1 out of 10 applications was selected. The following chart shows how the probability of H1B lottery selection has gone down in the past 15 years. H1B Lottery Dates As mentioned earlier, H1B lottery registration is typically open in March and often closes in two to three weeks. The previous deadline for H1B lottery registration was March 25th, 2024. You can refer to the USCIS website for the latest registration dates. After the initial selection in the lottery, USCIS notifies the employer to file the complete I-129 petition with supporting documents, which has a deadline of June. The initial number of selections was 120,603 for FY 2025, which is higher than the H1B annual limit of 85,000, and this does not mean that your I-129 will get approved 100%. Your I-129 application can still be denied to meet the H1B annual limit. The following table shows how the number of H-1B registrations has increased over the past several years. H1B Lottery Process Below are the 7 steps for the H1B lottery process: Registration Period: Employers register their respective H1B candidates with USCIS. Lottery Selection: USCIS conducts a random selection process if registrations exceed the annual quota of 85,000. Selection Notification: Employers and applicants are notified if their registration is selected. 🎉 I-129 Petition: Employers then file the I-129 petition for the selected applicants. Processing and Approval: USCIS reviews the petitions and may request additional evidence. Approval or Denial: USCIS approves or denies the I-129 petition. Work Authorization: If approved, applicants receive work authorization for the specified period. FAQs on the H1B Lottery Process How many times you can apply for the H-1B lottery? There is no specific limit on how many times an individual can apply for the H-1B lottery. However, each fiscal year (FY), an employer can submit one registration per employee. What is the success rate of the H-1B lottery? For fiscal year 2025 which is starting on October 1st, the selection rate was 17.71%. Roughly 1 out of 5 applications got selected. What is the deadline for H1B lottery registration? Typically, the H1B lottery registration deadline is in March. For FY 2025, the initial registration period began on March 6th and ended on March 25th. What is the I-129 petition deadline after a successful H1B lottery? Typically, the I-129 petition deadline is June end. Employers get approximately 90 days (April 1st to June 30th) to complete the documentation process for the I-129 petition. What is the H1B lottery registration fee? The H1B lottery registration fee is $10. When does USCIS release H1B lottery results? USCIS typically releases the H1B lottery results by March end. For FY 2025, USCIS released results on March 27th. Next: How to apply for H4 EAD? Related Posts ✔ B1/B2 tourist visa for parents ✔ Current green card priority date for India ✔ H4 EAD expedite request Related Topics

The purpose of Form I-907 is to request USCIS premium processing for certain applications, such as I-765, I-129, I-140, and I-539. However, not all categories under I-765 & I-539 forms are eligible for premium processing. Please refer to the following list of forms to determine which categories qualify for premium processing. You can also find the details here . Form I-129 , Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-140 , Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, Certain categories (c(3)A, c(3)B, and c(3)C) of Form I-765 , Application for Employment Authorization, and Certain categories of Form I-539 , Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. If you are ineligible for USCIS premium processing, you may want to explore USCIS's expedited request option, which is based on humanitarian circumstances . Table of Contents: I-907 Premium Processing Form I-907 PDF I-907 Form Sample I-907 Filing Fee Steps for Filing Form I-907 by Mail I-907 Mailing Address Address for Filing I-907 for I-765 Address for Filing I-907 for I-539 Before You Mail Form I-907 Conclusion Form I-907 PDF You have three options for obtaining form I-907 PDF: You can either download it online from the USCIS website if you have an internet connection. Or, if you don't have internet access, you can request a copy by calling the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. Or, you can request USCIS to mail a form to you. Additional information can be found here . I-907 Form Sample You have the option to submit Form I-907 either online or through the mail. You can include Form I-907 with your main application or file it separately. Even if you've submitted your main application online, you can still request premium processing using Form I-907, either online or via mail. Filing this form yourself is straightforward. To assist you, I've provided a sample Form I-907 for reference. You can use this sample as a guide when filling out your form. I-907 Filing Fee The filing fee for Form I-907 varies from $1,685 to $2,805 , depending on the specific USCIS premium processing request associated with your visa application. Form I-129: A premium processing fee ranging from $1,685 to $2,805. Form I-140: A premium processing fee of $2,805 Form I-765: A premium processing fee of $1,685 Form I-539: A premium processing fee of $1,965 Steps for Filing Form I-907 by Mail I have successfully submitted Form I-907 on multiple occasions via mail, and I'm confident that you can follow these steps to file it as well. Please don't hesitate to ask any questions in the comments section if you have any doubts or concerns. Download I-907 Instructions The initial step is to obtain the Form I-907 instructions, which can be downloaded from the USCIS website via the following link . Feel free to review the instructions, but there are a couple of key points I'd like to emphasize: Remember to complete the form with a black pen or type in black. Ensure you sign it with a handwritten signature. When submitting payment, issue a separate check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Avoid using initials like 'USDHS' or 'DHS,' and do not send cash. Fill Out Form I-907 I assume you've already downloaded the Form I-907 PDF from our previous discussion. If not, you can access it here . You will observe that Form I-907 consists of five parts. I presume you are completing the form for your application. We will fill out only those fields that are necessary to process your I-907 form and keep our lives simple. You can disregard the boxes and fields before Part 1; they are designated for USCIS use only unless you intend to file Form G-28, the 'Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative.' The G-28 form is utilized to convey your eligibility to represent an applicant, petitioner, or respondent. Part 1. Information About the Person Filing This Request Item # 1 to 2. If you possess an Alien Registration Number or USCIS Account Number, you may include them, but they are not mandatory. Item # 3 Enter your First Name and Last Name. Item # 4 If you know your company name, you can mention it; otherwise, you can leave it blank. Item # 5 to 6 & 7. Simply provide your address details. I assume your mailing and physical addresses are the same. If they differ, complete Item # 7 with your physical address. Item # 8 Choose the third option if YOU are requesting premium processing for your application. Part 2. Information About the Request Item # 1 Provide the application Form number for which you are requesting Premium Processing. It could be one of the following: I-129, I-140, I-765, or I-539. Item # 2 If you are filing Form I-907 after filing the main application and you have the receipt number, then please enter the receipt number. If you are filing Form I-907 together with the main application, you can leave this field empty. Item # 3 Complete your classification or eligibility category. You can find the comprehensive list of categories here . Item # 4 to 5. Your name if you are filing for yourself. Item # 6 to 7. You can leave this blank if you don't know. Item # 8 Re-enter the address you provided in Part 1. Part 3. Requestor's Statement, Contact Information, Declaration, Certification, and Signature Item # 1 to 6. It's quite straightforward. You can refer to the following screenshot and complete your details accordingly. Item # 7 Manually sign the form with a handwritten signature and enter the current date. You can skip Parts 4 and 5 if you are filing this form for yourself. Let's keep it simple. That's all; you have completed your Form I-907 application. I-907 Mailing Address Always refer to the USCIS website ( Where to file? ) for the latest information, as these details might change in the future. I have attached snapshots for your convenience: Address for Filing I-907 for I-765 Address for Filing I-907 for I-539 If you are requesting premium processing for Form I-539 seeking a change of status to: F-1 Academic Student or F-2 Dependent of F-1 M-1 Vocational Student or M-2 Dependent of M-1 J-1 Exchange Visitor or J-2 Dependent of J-1 Refer to this for I-140 and this for I-129 . I mostly use FedEx to post these types of requests. Before You Mail Form I-907 Before mailing your Form I-907, please ensure that your package includes the following documents: A fully completed and signed Form I-907. A check or money order for the I-907 application fee. If you are filing Form I-907 together with your main application, please make sure to write two separate checks, each covering the respective fees. A copy of the receipt notice for the main application if you are requesting premium processing after submitting the original application. Conclusion That concludes the I-907 application process. You are now ready to submit your Form I-907 for premium processing. Processing times may vary, typically ranging from 15 to 45 days , depending on your type of application. For more information on processing times, please refer to our next blog. Feel free to comment if you have any questions, and I will do my best to provide answers. Next: Continue reading Related Posts ✔ Expedite request based on humanitarian reasons ✔ H4 and H4 EAD premium processing ✔ I-485 processing time Related Topics

OCI Card for Minor (US citizen): To apply for an Indian OCI card for minors or children born in the USA, you would need to go through the OCI document checklist. I will be discussing the OCI application for minor child checklist in detail. New OCI checklist for minors OCI application form for a minor child Photographs, OCI signature for minors, thumb impression (left or right) Consent letter for OCI application Parental authorization form Fee payment & courier By following this blog, you can ensure that you have all the necessary documents ready when you begin the OCI card India application process for your child, and it's filed accurately. You will learn how to fill OCI application for a minor child. In the end, I will also point out some common mistakes that you can avoid. Table of Contents: OCI Application for Minor Child New OCI checklist for minor US national by birth How to fill out OCI application form for minor Part A Part B Registration and Fee Payment OCI Card Fee OCI document checklist and final submission OCI registration form Photographs and signature Parental authorization form Birth certificate Current passport Parents' Indian passport Consent letter for OCI application Marriage certificate Proof of address OCI fee payment and courier OCI card for minor - Common mistakes OCI card for minor - Processing time OCI card for minor - Validity OCI card India - Benefits New OCI Checklist for Minor (US National by Birth) To start the OCI application for a minor child, you must first download the OCI checklist. You can download the checklist directly from the VFS website. I have added the new links below. Try reloading the page if the VFS checklist page doesn't open. Never held an Indian passport: Download Previously Indian passport holder: Download Re-issue of OCI card: Download Note: When I applied for OCI in October 2022. One of the key differences between the old and new checklists is the notarization of the OCI application, which was mandatory earlier; however, the current checklist does not mention that anymore. You can find the old checklist here . Before you begin the OCI application, you will need the following items: Minor's Information : Like name, date of birth, place of birth, visible identification mark, etc. Email ID : It's advisable to create an email ID for your newborn . Gmail allows you to have parental control created for minors under the age of 13. This email ID can also be used for various purposes in the future. US Passport : See my previous post on how to apply for a minor's passport if you haven't applied for a minor's passport yet. Mobile number : One of the parent's mobile numbers. Thumb impression : You need to have the left thumb impression for newborns instead of the signature. You can buy fingerprint black ink from Amazon, I bought these  and it worked well. How to Fill OCI Application for Minor The second step is to fill out the online OCI application/registration form. You can fill out the new OCI registration form online through the OCI website . OCI application has two parts, A and B, you will notice this when the pdf is generated after the final submission. Click on "Proceed" and accept the terms and conditions and you will get the following two options. New Application: Either you can fill out the New OCI Application. Retrieve Application: Or you can retrieve the partially filled previous Application with the " Temporary Application ID " (generated in the top right corner when you save the application, see the screenshot in the next section). OCI Application Form - Part A OCI application for a minor child will ask you for basic information like: Place of Submission (see note below) Applicant's Information Applicant's Passport Details Applicant's Family Details Note: If you are applying from the United States then select the place of submission as USA and select the mission closest to you. You can find the Indian embassy's details here . Next, you would need to online upload the following items: Photograph : 2 by 2 Inch photograph ( g uidelines for photo ): You must post the same picture with the package that you upload online. Thumb Impression : The left thumb impression needs to be uploaded. Obtain their thumb impression (in black) on white paper while they are in a deep sleep. Capture several impressions and then scan and select the best one. For minors OCI application, there is some relaxation for photos but try to capture an image that has both ears visible and eyes open. Note that the maximum size limit for photos and thumb impressions to upload is 500 KB each. Related: H1B Grace Period and Severance Pay You can also take a passport photo from your phone camera and edit the picture. On iPhone > Go to photo > Edit > Crop > Square (1:1 ratio) > Paste it on a Word document > Change the height and width of the image to 2 inches > Copy-paste same photo side by side > Print (at least you will get 9 photos). Read more . We have an HP printer and it works well for scanning and printing, if you don't have one you can also get one from Amazon . This will be useful in the long run as there will be a lot of paperwork. Next, you would need to upload all the supporting documents. I uploaded the scanned copy of the following documents. These document lists may vary for you, depending on the OCI checklist. Passport: Minor's US passport. Scan copies of Indian passports for both parents: If you no longer possess an Indian passport, copies of Indian passports belonging to your grandparents or great-grandparents will also suffice. Address proof: Driver's license (both parents). The legal status of parents: Scan copies of Green Card (both parents), or it can be an I-129S approval notice for L1 visa holders, DS2019 for J1 visa holders, or I-797A for H1B visa holders. Relationship certificate: A scanned copy of the applicant's birth certificate. Parental authorization form: Original and notarized. OCI Application Form - Part B In OCI Application Form Part B, other details of applicants will be asked where you would need to answer yes/no, this applies to all the categories. Additionally, it will request information about the family member/relative's name, address, and relationship with the individual staying in India. Related: How to apply for passport renewal for parents in India After completing OCI application parts A and B, you'll need to submit the OCI application form. This will generate a PDF that you'll need to print and sign. I got the page 3 'Declaration' notarized when I applied for OCI. In the case of a minor, any one of the parents can sign the form (Declaration - Application for minor child). Registration and Fee Payment For OCI application fees, you need to visit VFS Global here: VFS Global website for courier services . Select Overseas Citizenship of India from the given options. It will ask you to create a new OCI application where you have to fill out your respective details. I have also provided a sample snapshot below. Additionally, I used a debit card/ credit card for payment mode. Related: How to apply for a B2 visa for parents OCI Card Fee VFS service fee for an OCI card is $15.90, in addition, there is a consular fee of $275 and an ICWF fee of $3, plus taxes. Once you hit proceed, your OCI application fee details will be shown, refer to the below screenshot. These fees might vary in the future. Registration: After this, you will be asked to register yourself and make the final payment. After you make the payment, a fee confirmation letter pdf and a courier label will be generated. The courier label will have the Indian consulate address where you need to send your package. You need to download both PDFs and print them out. OCI Document Checklist & Final Submission This is the OCI document checklist for minors which I followed while applying for my son. This document checklist might vary a little based on your immigration status but overall it should not vary much. Please check the checklist pdf for the supporting document you would need. OCI Registration Form Print the OCI registration pdf which was generated in the previous section . I got the form signed and notarized (declaration page). You might be able to get it notarized from your bank for free, I used USPS notary service where I had to pay $15 per notary. Photographs and Signature You need to send 2 passport-size color photographs. These photographs should be the same ones you uploaded in the OCI registration form part A . Do not paste the photograph on the OCI application, as the application will automatically generate a photo and thumb impression on the form. Instead, just send two passport-size photos separately with the application form. Parental Authorization Form Your sample parental authorization form can be downloaded here . The parental authorization form needs to be notarized and it needs the signatures of both parents. One parent may sign the Parental Authorization Form For a minor with divorced parents, if only one parent has legal custody (with no visitation or child support from the other parent), provide the court order for legal custody. If the court order is in a language other than English, include an English translation by an authorized translator. If one parent has passed away, provide a copy of the death certificate. For a single adoptive parent, include a copy of the adoption document. Birth Certificate You need to submit a copy of the birth certificate (issued by county) for minors and it should reflect the name of both the parents, date of birth, and nationality. Please do not submit the birth certificate issued by hospitals, those are not accepted by VFS. Related: FNU name Current Passport You need to provide a copy of the first 2 and last 2 pages of the applicant's US passport. This should be self-attested, in addition, I also got the applicant's left thumb impression on the copy of the passport pages. Note: On a U.S. passport for a child under 16, a parent should type the child's full name on the signature line. The parent should also sign their name next to the printed name of their child, and note their relation to their child (for example: mother, father, or guardian). Parents' Indian Passport In the case of minors, parents also need to provide a copy of their Indian passport i.e. first 2 and last 2 pages. The passport should be valid at least for 6 months from the date of submission of the application at the VFS consular application center. We self-attested these copies. If your passports are expiring soon, I would recommend renewing them. Refer to this for passport renewal . Proof of Legal Status of Parents in the USA Please provide a self-attested copy of one of the following documents: Green card, US visa, I-797 Notice, or Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Related: How to apply for H4 EAD Consent Letter for OCI Application In the case of minors, parents also need to submit a consent letter that clearly states that the Indian consulate is authorized to make an edit and correct the mistakes made in the OCI government form. You can download the consent letter for the OCI application from here . Affidavit in Lieu of Originals This requirement for the OCI minor's application has been added recently. You must submit a notarized affidavit affirming that the documents accompanying the OCI application are true copies of the original documents, especially when only copies are being provided. Use this link for the format. Undertaking by the OCI Applicant This requirement for the OCI minor's application has been added recently. When I submitted my application, it was not part of the process. You can download the format from here . Related: J1 Visa to Green Card Marriage Certificate of Parents A copy of the marriage certificate is required, and you need to self-attest it. If parents are divorced, a self-attested copy of the divorce decree is required. If one of the parents has passed away, a self-attested copy of the death certificate is required. OCI Address Proof for Minor You are required to submit a self-attested copy of proof of address for one of the parents. Acceptable documents include a not expired Driver's license, State ID, Utility bill, Lease agreement, Income tax return, or Mortgage document. I have submitted a self-attested copy of my driver's license as proof. Check the OCI checklist PDF for the complete list. Related: How to Expedite H4 EAD? Proof of Native Address People who are not U.S. citizens but are living in the USA with a valid long-term visa should provide a self-attested proof of address from their home country. If there is no address proof available, a notarized statement must be given, providing details of their home country address. OCI Fee Payment & Couriers Include the printout of the fee payment confirmation letter and courier label with your OCI application. Additionally, paste the printout of the courier label on your package. OCI for Minor Common Mistakes It's mandatory to complete the VFS online registration process before sending out the physical application. The physical application should be completed and sent within 70 days once the online application is submitted. If you are applying for a new OCI then the envelope should mention "NEW OCI - MINOR (US NATIONAL BY BIRTH)". Do not staple the documents. Include the fee payment and courier printout in the envelope. The photograph should be the same i.e. what you upload online and what you send in the physical form. It's always a good idea to self-attest all the copies of the documents you are sending. Use left thumb impression for minors whether it's a girl or boy. OCI for Minor Processing Time I am sharing my processing time for the OCI card. It took approximately 6 months for me to receive the OCI card. I applied on November 3rd, 2022, and received the OCI card in my mailbox on May 11th, 2023. VFS Global website states it usually processes in 6 weeks but it was not true in my case. Though I had no issues with my application the processing time was six months. I followed up a couple of times for my application and it was always in progress and finally, I received it after 6 months. Related: How to expedite green card processing? OCI for Minor Validity There is no expiry date on the OCI card, but it needs to be reissued once the individual reaches the age of 20. Initially, I thought it was valid for a lifetime, but that's not the case for minor applicants under 20 years of age. According to the CGI-SF release in April 2021: A person who has registered as an OCI cardholder before attaining the age of 20 years will have to get the OCI card re-issued only once when a new passport is issued after his/her completing 20 years of age, to capture his/ her facial features attaining adulthood. If a person has obtained registration as an OCI cardholder after attaining the age of 20 years, there will be no requirement for the re-issue of an OCI card. To update the data regarding new passports obtained by the OCI cardholder, it has been decided that he/she shall upload a copy of the new passport containing his/her photo and also the latest photo on the online OCI portal, each time a new passport is issued up to 20 years of age and once after completing 50 years of age. These documents may be uploaded by the OCI cardholder within 3 months of receipt of the new passport. However, in the case of those who have been registered as OCI cardholders as spouses of foreign origin of a citizen of India or an OCI cardholder, the person concerned will be required to upload on the system, a copy of the new passport containing the photo of the passport holder and also the latest photo along with a declaration that their marriage is still subsisting each time a new passport is issued. These documents may be uploaded by the OCI cardholder spouse within three months of receipt of his/ her new passport. When you receive the OCI card you will notice the date of issue, as you have on your Indian passport, but there will be no expiry date. OCI Card India Benefits When I started applying for an OCI card, I was wondering what benefits we get with an OCI card. Instead, I can get an Indian visa in a few days which costs around 40 dollars, and it's fast. On the other hand, an OCI card has a validity of 10 years and costs around 300+ dollars. So why not just get the visa? Related: Green Card v/s Citizenship Well, I soon realized the benefits of an OCI card and applied for it. These are some major benefits: The right to work and study: OCI card holders can work and study in India without the need for any additional visas. Access to certain financial services: One of the significant benefits is that you can purchase property, open bank accounts, and take loans like other Indian Citizens. This is a big benefit as once you become a US citizen you have to lose Indian citizenship and this would be a significant setback if you want to buy any property in the future. Lifelong multiple entry visa: OCI cardholders are entitled to numerous entry, which allows them to visit India as many times as they want without the need for a visa as long as the OCI card is valid which is 10 years. Same privileges as Indian citizens: OCI cardholders enjoy the same privileges as Indian citizens, except for voting and some political rights, similar to permanent resident rights in the US. Related: B1/B2 visa extension beyond 6 months for parents FAQs on OCI Card for Minor Which documents are to be notarized for OCI minor? The following documents need to be notarized for the OCI card application for minors: Parental authorization form OCI application form (I notarized declaration, page 3) Affidavit in lieu of originals Proof of native address (if applicable) Which thumb impression is required for an OCI card for a minor? For an OCI application for a minor child, a left thumb impression (in black) is needed, regardless of the applicant's gender, whether it's a girl or a boy. Do we need to send the original passport for the OCI minor? No, you don't need to send the original passport for the minor's OCI. You need to send the copies. For OCI, which thumb impression for a baby boy? You need to take the left thumb impression for OCI application (minors who can not sign) whether it's a boy or girl. How to take OCI minor signature? You can take a left thumb impression (in black ink) for OCI minor in the place of signature. Does the OCI card need to be updated with the new passport? No, you don't need to renew your OCI card but you need to upload a copy of the new passport (online) and a recent photo (not older than 30 days) each time a new passport is issued. This is needed up to 20 years of age and once after 50 years of age. What is the required proof of native address for non-US nationals living in the USA? Non-U.S. residents living in the USA on a visa can use their Aadhar card, Indian Driver's License, or Passport to prove their address from their home country. If they don't have these documents, they can provide a notarized statement with their address details. What to do if there is no visible identification mark for the minor? You can simply write N/A if the minor does not have an identification mark. Next: B1/B2 Visa for Parent Related Posts ✔ Go to the Main menu ✔ Green card priority date for India ✔ Indian passport renewal in the US Related Topics