Coordination of H1/H4 Renewals with Pending H4 EAD Extension

USA H1B
1

The primary H1 and H4 are scheduled for renewal in September 2025, as their current validity expires in March 2026.

The H4 EAD renewal application was submitted a couple of months ago, with the requested extension end date set to March 2026. I do not anticipate a response from USCIS until late this year, or potentially as late as March 2026.

Assuming no decision is received from USCIS by September 2026, would it be possible to file for an H1/H4 extension at that point, and also ensure that the pending standalone H4 EAD extension’s end date is aligned with the new H1/H4 approval—i.e., extended through March 2029?

2

You will have to file H4 EAD again with H1 and H4 to get extended time.

3

Thank you for the response.
Can I file my H4 EAD again with H1 & H4 even though my current standalone H4 EAD is pending?

Also, what happens if the latter (filed concurrently with H1/H4) one gets approved first with longer validity, and then the former one (standalone) one gets approved with shorter validity? What EAD takes precedence?

4

Multiple EAD applications can be filed.

The first one will get validity upto first H1B validity.
The second one will match the second H1B end date.

5

Hi Anil
What happens if the first EAD (with a shorter validity) gets approved after the second EAD (longer validity) gets approved? Which EAD takes precedence

6

There is no precedence in EAD as its neither a visa nor a status.

Both EAD cards can stay valid as per their validity dates.

7

Thanks Anil. I really appreciate the response.

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