Can I apply for H4 EAD while waiting for F1 approval?

[dharushyam]

Hi,

I am eligible for applying for H4-EAD. While waiting for change of status (F1) to be approved, can I also apply for H4 EAD?

If ok to apply for H4-EAD in parallel with change of status (I539) request to F1, I would like to have clarification on the below scenarios:-

1. If I get the EAD before the change of status-F1 is approved, is there a way to cancel the change of status (H4 to F1) request so that I can continue with H4 EAD? If yes, what is the process?

2. If I get change of status-F1 approved before I gets H4-EAD, will the H4-EAD get automatically cancelled or do I have the option to wait for H4 EAD approval even after getting F1 approval?

 

The course that I am doing is a one year program. I will start the last semester next month(since I have not got F1 approval and its been 7 months) and hence the worry.

 

 

It will be of great help if someone can address this.

 

Thanks,

Dharini

[jairichi]

Yes, you can apply for EAD.

1. You can request USCIS for withdrawal of COS to F1 application.

2. Yes, it gets canceled as you are no longer on H4 status.