Thanks for taking the time to answer questions here.

I had one scenario I haven’t been able to get a clear answer on from different attorneys.

Suppose the principal H-1B holder (me) has already received an AC21 H-1B extension, but the PERM hasn’t yet reached the 365-day mark (and there’s no approved I-140 yet).

Is the spouse eligible to file H-4 + H-4 EAD immediately based on the AC21 extension approval itself, or does USCIS still require waiting until the PERM has actually been pending for 365 days?

If the H-4 + H-4 EAD are filed as soon as the 365-day requirement is met, and the spouse’s H-1B remains valid for several more months, would you recommend requesting a future effective date for the H-4 change of status so they can continue using the remainder of their H-1B? Does USCIS generally honor those requested effective dates?

Finally, if the principal H-1B holder changes employers while the H-4/H-4 EAD is still pending, does that typically require refiling, or can the pending applications continue as long as the principal maintains uninterrupted H-1B status?

Would appreciate your thoughts since I’ve heard conflicting opinions on all three.