If you hold an H4 EAD (Employment Authorization Document) in the U.S., you can work freely across almost any sector, no job sponsorship required. From full-time tech roles to freelancing, startups, or e-commerce, the H4 EAD offers unmatched flexibility for H4 spouses of H1B holders. This guide covers everything you can legally do and how to get started.
What Is an H4 EAD?
The H4 EAD is a work permit granted to eligible spouses of H1B visa holders in the U.S. It allows them to legally work for any employer, freelance, or start their own business, without the need for employer sponsorship.
Eligibility Note:
You must be on an H4 visa and your H1B spouse must either:
• Have an approved I-140 (green card petition), or
• Be eligible under the AC21 rule (extensions beyond the 6-year H1B cap).
What Kind of Jobs Can I Do on an H4 EAD in the U.S.?
Once you receive your EAD card, there are no restrictions on the type of employment. You can:
1. Full-Time Jobs
• Tech jobs (software developer, data analyst, QA tester, UI/UX designer)
• Healthcare roles (medical assistant, lab technician)
• Administrative jobs (HR, office assistant, payroll coordinator)
• Customer service and support roles
Case Study: Priya, an H4 EAD holder in California, joined a mid-sized fintech company as a QA Analyst and later moved into a product management role.
2. Part-Time or Remote Jobs
• Great for parents with kids, students, or freelancers
• Flexible roles like:
o Remote content writing
o Virtual assistant work
o Remote software testing
o Teaching/tutoring online
3. Freelancing or Contract Work
Popular among Indian-origin professionals and creative freelancers:
• Web design and development
• Digital marketing
• UI/UX freelancing
• Technical writing
• Freelance consulting (finance, tech, immigration support)
4. Start Your Own Business (Entrepreneurship)
Yes, H4 EAD holders can start and own a business in the U.S.
Examples:
• IT consulting firm
• E-commerce store (Amazon, Etsy, Shopify)
• Boutique service (photography, baking, home décor)
• YouTube channel or podcast (generate ad revenue)
• Dropshipping or print-on-demand stores
Note: While you can register and run your business, consult a tax advisor or CPA for proper business registration (LLC, S-Corp, etc.).
Also Read: H4 EAD: Eligibility, Application, and What You Can Do
Checklist: What You Need to Get Started
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Valid H4 EAD Card | Must be valid and not expired |
| SSN (Social Security Number) | Needed for employment or to start a business |
| Work Authorization Letter (Optional) | From USCIS (Form I-765 approval) |
| EIN (Employer Identification Number) | Required to register a business |
| Resume/Portfolio | For job applications or freelancing platforms |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I do multiple jobs on H4 EAD?
A: Yes. You can hold multiple part-time or full-time jobs, or run a business alongside a job.
Q: Can I start a business while working full-time?
A: Yes, you’re allowed to be a full-time employee and a business owner simultaneously.
Q: Can I invest in a franchise or a retail store?
A: Yes. H4 EAD holders can invest in or operate physical and online stores.
Q: What happens if my H4 EAD expires?
A: You must stop working immediately until it is renewed. Apply for renewal at least 6 months before expiry.
Hubs with High H4 EAD Activity
• California (Bay Area, LA) – Tech jobs, startup culture
• New Jersey & Texas – Large Indian communities, job opportunities
• Virginia & North Carolina – Growing tech and business scenes
• Illinois & Georgia – Midwestern and Southern job growth
A Real-Life Example
Asha, an MBA graduate from India based in Frisco, Texas, started with part-time bookkeeping on her H4 EAD and soon launched a digital marketing agency. She now runs a successful consulting business, thanks to the flexibility of the H4 EAD.
Also Read: Can I start a business while on a GC EAD or OPT EAD in the U.S.?
Key Takeaways
• H4 EAD gives you full flexibility to work, freelance, or run a business.
• No sponsorship or employer limitations.
• Great option for tech workers, creative professionals, and entrepreneurs.
• High relevance for Indian-origin spouses in the U.S. tech corridor.
• Plan ahead and renew your EAD on time.
H4 EAD holders have the freedom to work in full-time jobs, freelance, or even start businesses in the U.S. From tech roles to creative gigs to entrepreneurship, the opportunities are vast, as long as the EAD is valid.