Some relief for spouses of H-1B visa holders as US delays work ban

In a relief to Indian nationals working in the US, the proposed ban on H-4 EAD (employment authorisation document) has been delayed. US Department of Homeland said that a rule banning work permits of H-4 visa holders could be published in the spring 2020, at the earliest. The H-4 visa is issued to dependent family members — spouse and children — of the H1-B visa holders. In 2015, Obama administration allowed H-4 visa holders to work in the US. The biggest beneficiaries of the H-4 visa programme is primarily the Indians, the spouses of H1-B visa holders.

In 2017, Donald Trump administration first announced its plan to ban H-4 visa holders of the right to work. As estimated 100,000 foreign nationals, mostly Indians would be affected by the work ban.