H4 Extension, EAD Application Pending since a while, Upcoming Travel

[msksatish]

My current H4 extension and EAD are valid through July 2021. I also have a visa stamped in my passport till that date. My husband on H1 changed to a new employer early last year and we all applied H1. H4 /EAD extension, My husband got his H1 valid through March 2022 , but my application has been pending.

I have travel plans - planning to travel outside US for couple of months starting in Feb this year; I am concerned about my H4 Extension status. 

Questions?

a) What happens to my H4 / EAD extension when I travel out?

b) Is it ok to travel? 

 

[User099]

1. Your H4 will be abandoned and EAD will still be processed. If you are not back by the time EAD is adjudicated, it might be rejected too. But you can still use the EAD that was issues till July 2021.

2. Yes.

[Attorney_15]

An H-4 Extension of Status is Not abandoned by the applicant's departure. Under the law change of status applications are abandoned by a person's departure from the United States. Under the law, an extension of status application is not abandoned by a departure from the United States. Consequently, the application for the EAD should also not be impacted.