USCIS Agrees to Bundle H-4 and L-2 Dependents’ Extensions and EADs Filed with Principal’s Petition

January 25, 2023

Through a class action settlement agreement, the USCIS has agreed to process applications to extend or change to H-4 or L-2 status, and EAD applications, together with a principal spouse’s H-1B or L-1 petition. 

What we know about the bundling of the Form I-539 and Form I-765 (for EAD) filed by dependents together with the principal’s Form I-129:

• Applies to cases filed via premium processing and regular processing as of January 25, 2023
• Must be filed concurrently with the principal’s I-129
• Must be properly filed (e.g., with correct filing fees and proof of qualifying relationship)
• This settlement will be valid for 2 years.

We do not yet know how or whether this settlement will impact currently pending applications.

The settlement is positive news for H-4 and L-2 dependents who have experienced lengthy processing times for the past several years.