Major USCIS Error Destroys H-4 EAD Career

A single administrative mistake has left an H-4 EAD holder jobless in the United States. Sharing her ordeal online, the international worker explained how a USCIS error during her visa change completely derailed her career plans.

Wrong Expiry Date on H-4 Visa

After her Change of Status (COS) in September, she noticed that USCIS had shortened her visa validity by mistake. Instead of expiring in June 2026, her dependent visa now shows December 2025. That clerical error instantly changed her legal status and future options.

I-94 Error Adds to the Problem

Because of the mistake, her I-94 record also lists the wrong expiry date. This document determines how long a visa holder can legally stay in the US. Her employer, fearing compliance issues, immediately terminated her job, leaving her without an income or valid status.

Job Loss and Missed Opportunities

She soon found another job, but the new company withdrew the offer after realising her Employment Authorization Document (EAD) was valid for only two more months. The situation has left her career and financial stability hanging by a thread.

Failed Attempt to Fix the Record

Desperate for a solution, she travelled to Canada, hoping US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers would correct her I-94. They refused, saying her original visa stamp had expired. Her lawyers now estimate that USCIS will need at least five months to fix the issue, by which time her job offer will likely disappear.

Systemic Errors and Bureaucratic Delays

The situation highlights a growing problem for H-4 EAD holders. Ironically, the US recently approved up to 540 days of automatic EAD extension during renewals, but this rule doesn’t help when the I-94 itself is wrong. Without accountability, more dependents risk losing their careers to administrative errors.