My I-485 is pending now, and my H-1B is about to expire. Last month I just filed my H-1B extension, and it is currently pending. My wife is my dependent and just filed her I-485, and planning to apply her H-4. My question is, if my I-485 is approved, will my H-1B be invalidated immediately? Will my wife’s H-4 application be affected?
Arthur Lee answers:
I see that you are concerned about the fact that your wife filed later than you for I-485 benefits and that you may be approved before your wife. Unfortunately, your wife’s H-4 application becomes invalid as soon as you are approved as a permanent resident. That is because you no longer hold H-1B status as soon as you become a permanent resident. H-4 is not an independent status and is entirely dependent upon there being a H-1B principal. That being said, your wife is allowed to stay here legally during the time that her I-485 application is pending. If she requires employment authorization, she can apply for an EAD based upon the adjustment if she has not already done so.