A woman on an H4 visa recently opened up about her experience, which resonates with the frustrations many face. She applied for a standalone H4-EAD back in April 2025 and is still waiting for approval, even though she has a job offer lined up.
The pressure is mounting. Without that work permit, she can’t kick off her new job. Like many others on dependent visas, her financial situation is becoming increasingly tough.
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In an effort to speed things along, she decided to reach out to her Congressman—a common route for those seeking emergency expedite requests. While her request was processed quickly, it was denied just as swiftly.
She had done everything by the book. Her application included solid proof of hardship, bank statements, a pending job offer, and a supportive letter from her employer. Yet, USCIS still gave her a firm no.
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Now, she’s contemplating one last resort—the USCIS Ombudsman. This option is often viewed as a backup when other expedite requests fall flat. However, the outcomes can be hit or miss, and success stories are few and far between.
Some who have taken this path report quicker responses, while others find themselves stuck in long waits or receiving no reply at all. There’s no guarantee of success—just a chance worth pursuing.
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The larger issue at play? Even highly skilled individuals find themselves trapped in this limbo. They have jobs waiting and the eagerness to work, but the bureaucratic red tape is holding them back.
This situation is more than just a delay. For many, it translates to missed paychecks, lost opportunities, and unnecessary obstacles. And all of this happens in a system that often claims to welcome skilled talent.
