H4 EAD approved through WOM
Sharing my full H4 EAD(WAC) journey because this process has been one of the most stressful experiences of my life, and reading other's timelines helped me. I hope mine helps someone else who’s stuck in the same loop.
Background
My current EAD was expiring on April 13, 2026, so ideally I should have filed on October 13, 2025 (180 days before expiry).
But due to the federal shutdown, my spouse’s employer couldn’t file his H‑1B extension on time because of labor certificate. That delay cascaded into everything else.
Dec 1, 2025 — H‑1B Extension Filed
Finally filed after the shutdown.
Dec 10, 2025 — H4 + H4 EAD Package Received
Fees deducted the same day.
Dec 12, 2025 — Receipt Notice Date
USCIS issued the receipt with this date — the same day the new biometrics rule started.
Jan 2026 — H‑1B Upgraded to Premium
Employer upgraded the petition.
End of Jan 2026 — H‑1B Approved
Feb 11, 2026 — H4 Approved
Feb 12, 2026 — “Action Taken” Email
But no update appeared online.
Feb 27, 2026 — Expedite Request Filed (Financial Loss)
Mar 10, 2026 — Congressional Inquiry Submitted
Mar 16–23, 2026 — Biometrics Confusion
Multiple agents said biometrics were issued/scheduled.
A non‑delivery request was created.
Mar 30, 2026 — USCIS Contradiction
They said no biometrics were ever issued.
Mar 30, 2026 — Second Expedite Request Created by USCIS agent, since first one was out of timeline
April 3 — WOM Filed through Attorny
April 7 — Summons Issued
Court issued the summons.
After this, no visible case movement from USCIS.
April–May — Continued EMMA Checks
Kept checking with EMMA agents about biometrics status.
May 8 — Biometrics Scheduled
An USCIS agent confirmed that my biometrics were scheduled for May 27.
May 11 — Biometrics Completed (Rescheduled Earlier)
I rescheduled the appointment to May 11 (morning) and completed biometrics.
May 15 — Case Approved
My case was approved shortly after completing biometrics.