You left your home country with hope in your heart.
You followed opportunity. Maybe love. Maybe both.
But now, you’re here in the U.S., faced with an impossible question:
“Do I wait on the H-4 EAD? Or risk everything for the H-1B?”
You’re not alone. Thousands of families just like yours face the same decision every single year. And while immigration laws are written in black and white, your life, your future, your career… those are anything but.
At VisaPro, we’ve guided professionals, spouses, and families through this journey with legal clarity and human compassion. Here’s what you need to know to move forward with confidence.
What’s the Difference Between H-1B and H-4 EAD?
Let’s keep it simple:
- H-1B: A work visa category designed for professionals in specialized fields and requires employer sponsorship.
- H-4 EAD: A work permit for the spouses of H-1B holders, but only available if the H-1B spouse has reached a specific stage in the green card process.
Both allow you to work in the U.S. but how, when, and where you work varies significantly.
Pros and Cons: H-1B vs. H-4 EAD
| H-1B Visa | H-4 EAD | |
|---|---|---|
| Pros |
– Independent work status; build your own path
|
– No job offer or sponsorship required
|
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– Pathway to green card (via employer)
|
– Flexibility to work for any employer, or start your own business
|
|
|
– Ideal for long-term career planning in corporate roles
|
– No lottery or cap, less uncertainty once eligible
|
|
| Cons |
– Annual lottery (no guaranteed selection)
|
– Only available if your spouse’s I-140 is approved, or they’ve obtained an extension based on a pending I-140 or PERM application
|
|
– Job changes = risk of status issues
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– Entirely dependent on your spouse’s H-1B status
|
|
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– Must rely on employer sponsorship at all times
|
– Processing delays may keep you in limbo for months
|
Real People, Real Stories
Mei – “I felt invisible.”
Mei moved to the U.S. full of hope and a decade of experience in marketing. But with only an H-4 visa, she couldn’t work. Days blurred into months. Her confidence faded.
“I went from being a professional to feeling like a shadow of myself.”
The turning point came when her husband’s I-140 was approved. She applied for the H-4 EAD and got it. Within six months, she had her own freelance clients. Within a year, she launched her own branding agency.
“I didn’t just get a work permit, I got my identity back.”
Henry – “I had to take the risk.”
Henry, a skilled software developer, found himself on an H-4 after moving with his wife. He thought he’d take a break. Instead, he found himself restless.
“I missed working. I missed building.”
After trying his luck with the H-1B Lottery, he finally got lucky and obtained an H-1B through a startup and won the lottery. 2 years later, Henry’s spouse’s I-140 was approved. He decided to switch back to H-4 and obtain the H-4 EAD so he could start his own company. With the H-4 EAD, he was free to run his own startup but had the option of switching back to H-1B at any time. “It was a gamble, but it brought me back to life.”
Maya – “I started from zero. Again.”
Maya gave up a thriving business in India to join her husband in Texas. With no EAD and no clear timeline, she felt stuck.
“I watched opportunities slip by, waiting for a process I couldn’t control.”
Once eligible, she applied for the H-4 EAD and launched a handmade jewelry store on Etsy. Today, her work is sold in three states.
“I rebuilt myself one piece at a time.”
Every family has a different story.
But no one should have to walk this journey alone.
At VisaPro, we don’t just manage paperwork, we help people find their next chapter.
So… Which One Is Right for You?
- If you’re career-focused, already have a job offer, and want your own independent status, the H-1B may be the right choice.
- If you’re looking for flexibility, want to build a business, or need a quicker path to working once eligible, H-4 EAD could be your golden ticket.
We See You. And We’re Here to Help.
This isn’t just about visas. It’s about you, your career, your family, your peace of mind.
At VisaPro, we take the time to understand your story, not just your status. We’ve helped people just like you take smart, confident steps, whether that’s applying for a change of status, filing for H-4 EAD, or planning a future H-1B strategy.
Don’t Wait. Let’s Build Your Future Together.
Whether you’re in H-1B limbo, or considering the H-4 EAD path, the next step is clarity.
Schedule your confidential assessment with a VisaPro attorney today.
Or call us to talk through your situation. No pressure. Just support.
Because you deserve more than immigration advice.
You deserve to feel seen, supported, and secure in your next step.
VisaPro
Trusted. Proven. Here for You.
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