Expat Workers’ Spouses Not Required to Apply for a Work Permit

On Wednesday, the Biden administration announced a significant settlement in a class-action lawsuit, addressing a pressing concern for thousands of undocumented workers’ spouses in the United States.

Relief for L-1 and H-1B Visa Holders’ Spouses

Under the terms of the settlement, spouses of L-1 visa holders will now be able to obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) without the need for a separate application process. Additionally, spouses of H-1B visa holders will benefit from an automatic extension of their work permits for up to six months.

Backlogs and Challenges in Visa Processing

The Immigration and Nationality Act provides eligibility for derivative work visas such as H-4 and L-2 visas. However, delays in processing these visas have been exacerbated by a backlog worsened by the pandemic and previous policy measures.

Transitioning smoothly from one topic to the next, the settlement aims to rectify the challenges faced by spouses of visa holders, ensuring smoother access to work authorization.

The settlement addresses a long-standing issue and represents a significant step toward streamlining the visa process for affected individuals.

In conclusion, this settlement marks a positive development in immigration policy under the Biden administration, providing relief to thousands of individuals and their families.

Source: boundless.com