Overview of Proposed H-4 Visa Changes
The potential revocation of H-4 visa work authorization for spouses of H-1B specialty occupation visa holders is currently under review by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). According to a recently released regulatory agenda, the government is exploring the complete elimination of the current rule that allows certain H-4 dependent spouses to work while their primary H-1B spouse is undergoing the green card processing journey.
Background and Recent H-1B Restrictions
Originally established in 2015 during the Barack Obama administration, the H-4 employment authorization program has allowed thousands of spouses to work legally in the United States. If the new regulatory proposal is finalized, the eligibility to apply for work permits would be stripped away. However, officials note that this initiative is currently in the early stages of a long-term regulatory plan, and detailed specifics alongside a final release schedule have not yet been disclosed.
This prospective policy shift aligns with a broader series of stringent immigration and visa restrictions. Notably, the DHS recently introduced a plan to impose a hefty fee of $103,265 per new H-1B visa application, which was published in the Federal Register for a 30-day public comment period. As South Korean and other international professionals monitor these developments, families await further updates regarding employment security in the U.S.
