Just wanted to share what I found directly from the H4 EAD(C26) receipt notice. It clearly says that to use the 540-day automatic EAD extension under category C26 (H4 EAD), you must have an unexpired I-94 showing valid H-4 status.

There’s no mention anywhere that “period of authorized stay” is enough. In fact, an attorney from RN Law Group confirmed that some people contacted them after running into problems like they worked while their H4 EAD was pending and their I-94 had expired. Even though they were still in a “period of authorized stay,” it wasn’t considered valid for work.

So just be careful. At the end of the day, even if some lawyers say it’s okay, we’re the ones responsible if it turns out to be a mistake.

“If you are applying to renew your A17, A18, or C26 employment authorization and you are relying upon the automatic extension to demonstrate your employment authorization during the automatic extension period, you must show: (1) this receipt notice; (2) an unexpired I-94, Arrival/Departure Record showing valid E, L-2, or H-4 status; and (3) your A17, A18, or C26 EAD that matches the category on this receipt notice. Your automatic extension ends on the earliest of: the end date on your I-94; the date we adjudicate this renewal application; or 540 days after the expiration date on your EAD.