Need urgent help:
Timeline
* Nov 17, 2025: Lay off Notice
* Dec 15, 2025: H-4/EAD change of status filed (pending; requested validity until Aug 5, 2026), with and H4 COS Effective Date as Dec 15, 2025
* Jan 6, 2026: Last working day on H-1B
* Mar 6, 2026: H-1B 60-day grace period ended
* Mar 20, 2026: H-4/EAD extension filed with spouse’s H-1B extension in premium processing (valid Aug 5, 2026–2029); H-4 is approved; EAD still pending
* Dec 2025 H-4/EAD application still pending (while the Future H4 is approved as mentioned above as it was filed alongside H1B extension in premium processing)
* Now: New job offer; H-1B transfer needed
Summary:
I was laid off from my H-1B job on November 17, 2025 and filed an H-4/EAD change of status on Dec 15, 2025 with an COS effective date as Dec 15, 2025 , requesting validity until Aug 5, 2026. My last working day was Jan 6, 2026, and my H-1B grace period ended on Mar 6, 2026. On Mar 20, 2026, I filed another H-4/EAD extension with my spouse’s H-1B (valid Aug 5, 2026–2029); this H-4 has been approved, but the EAD is still pending. The Dec 2025 H-4/EAD remains pending. I also have an approved I-140 and a valid H-1B visa stamp until Mar 2028, with uncertainty about whether my previous employer withdrew the H-1B. I now have a job offer and have questions around it.
Most Important Questions:
- My prospective employer is currently reviewing my work authorization for the period between December 15, 2025, and January 6, 2026. Since my H-4/EAD change of status application with a requested effective date was filed with date December 15, 2025, their legal team has raised a concern regarding valid H-1B work authorization during that time. Could you please clarify what my actual work authorization status would have been from December 15, 2025, through January 6, 2026? Additionally, does the mere filing of an H-4/EAD change of status impact or revoke existing H-1B work authorization while it is pending?
Thank you in advance.