H-4 EAD Lost in System, USCIS Destroys Approval

A shocking case has surfaced involving the USCIS destroying a returned H-4 approval notice. The applicant had filed for an H-4 visa, an H-1B visa, and an Employment Authorisation Document (EAD) together.

USCIS Mishandles H-4 Approval Notice

While the H-1B approval and EAD were delivered without issues, the H-4 approval never reached the applicant. UPS failed to deliver it, claiming the apartment number was missing, even though the I-539 application had the correct address.

Returned Mail and Delayed Response

After the failed delivery, the approval notice was returned to the USCIS. The online portal reflected the update and allowed an e-request for re-sending. Despite two e-requests and a wait of 42 days, there was no response from the USCIS.

Destroyed Approval Shocks Applicant

When the applicant finally contacted the USCIS helpline, officials revealed that the original approval notice had been destroyed. The decision has left the applicant in complete uncertainty about their current legal standing.

Confusion Over Legal Status

The applicant is now unsure if their legal status remains valid without the physical approval notice. Since the notice was issued but destroyed, they are left wondering if they need to reapply or request a replacement.

Preventable Bureaucratic Failure

Reapplying means paying fresh fees and waiting longer, which could have been avoided if the USCIS handled the process carefully. The destruction of an approved document shows how administrative errors can seriously affect visa holders.