USCIS Agrees to Bundle Adjudications for H-4, L-2, and EAD Applications for Dependents of H-1 and L-1 Visa Holders

On Jan. 19, 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reached a settlement agreement in the Edakunni v. Mayorkas matter challenging the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) over lengthy processing delays for applications to extend or change dependent H-4 or L-2 status and Employment Authorization Document (EAD). The USCIS’ long processing delays have affected dependent spouses taking up to two years or more to adjudicate their I-539 and I-765 applications. These processing delays have caused frustration to dependent spouses in H-4 and L-2 status, many of whom are waiting for work authorization or renewals to continue employment.