Hi All,

My Visa status is H-1B, and my I-140 was approved through my employer in July 2025. My spouse holds H-4 status. (PD May 2023, Indian - No GC in my lifetime)

My H-1B max-out date is September 30, 2026, which is also the expiration date for my spouse's H-4 visa.

I need to apply for an H-4 EAD for my spouse. I understand that standalone H-4 EAD applications are currently taking a minimum of 12 months for approval.

What is the recommended course of action in my situation? If we file the H-4 EAD now, it may not be approved until next December, at which point our H-1B and H-4 extensions will likely be pending or already approved. Please suggest. Thank you.