When you file a benefit application with USCIS, you will be issued a Case number, also known as receipt number (begins with WAC, SRC, IOE etc). You can check the status by inputting this case number using this link: https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do

The USCIS processing times are subject to change depending on the case load at the USCIS office. You can check the processing times for your EAD (or any other benefit application with USCIS) using this link: https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/

Simply input the following details and click “Get processing time” to check the status of your EAD application
- Form type (I-765 for EAD);
- Form Category (if the EAD is pending based on H-4 status, select “Based on being an H-4 spouse of an H-1B non-immigrant”
- Field Office or Service Center (example – California Service Center, the Service center where your case is pending can be found in your receipt notice)

USCIS requires you to submit medical examination report (Form I-693) from an authorized doctors (also known as civil surgeons) when submitting your green card application with the USCIS. You can find such providers in your area/zip code using this link: https://my.uscis.gov/findadoctor.

Medical exam reports are valid for 2 years and the medical exam report should be issued by a civil surgeon no more than 60 days before the date the applicant filed the green card application. USCIS temporarily waived this 60-day requirement effective December 9, 2021, and will be in effect until September 30, 2022. However, it is highly recommended that an applicant makes an effort to adhere to the 60-day requirement to avoid unnecessary inquiries from USCIS

You can submit your medical examination report along with your green card application or when the USCIS issues a Request for Evidence (RFE) for the same. Sometime, the USCIS simply requests you to bring your medical examination report to your interview at the local USCSI field office.

It is not uncommon to receive a recommendation for additional tests with the chest x-rays that causes the 8-week delay. In such cases, you are not required to keep your initial appointment that the National Visa Center (NVC) scheduled. Because the medical exam reports will be directly sent to the Consulate, typically the Consulate will send instructions to you to reschedule the appointment or the Consulate will reschedule it for you. The Consulate will not permit you for an interview if you have not successfully completed your medical exams.

It depends. Typically, if an American citizen would anticipate getting paid for the job under similar circumstances, then even if you volunteer or work without pay, it would still be considered unauthorized employment. Generally speaking, you are able to volunteer on H-4 status at non-profit organizations such as museums, churches or fire stations where one would not expect a compensation. In such cases, the volunteering work is not likely to be considered unauthorized employment.

No, a visitor to the US on B-2 visa is not permitted to work or authorized to accept employment.

Yes, you can, using this link: https://www.uscis.gov/n-400. You will be required to create an online account with USCIS. Additional applications that can be filed online are:
- Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card
- Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative.

In order to avoid abandoning your status as a permanent resident/green card holder, you can file a re-entry permit (travel document) with the USCIS. Typically, this travel document is issued with a validity of 2 years. You can travel outside the US with this travel document and return before it expires. Note that you can apply for re-entry permit only from with the US and you are required to complete your biometrics appointment before you travel.

Although a pending green card application (also known as adjustment of status) allows you to legally stay in the United States, it is recommended that you try and maintain your H-1B status as a fallback option in the event of denial of your green card application. Furthermore, the H-1B is a dual intent visa which gives you the freedom to simultaneously pursue the adjustment of status application.

Typically, you can file your naturalization application for up to 90 days before you first meet the statutory 5 year of continuous resident as a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) or green card holder. If you have been married to a US Citizen spouse, the statutory requirement for continuous residence will be 3 years.

In the above circumstance, you will be traveling in a period called CAP- gap. The CAP-gap allows F-1 student to get an automatic extension of their status and work authorization while their H-1B CAP (lottery) petition is pending. If you travel during this period, you will not be able to return on F-1 status. Instead, you should wait until your H-1B is approved and you apply for an H-1B visa at the US Consulate outside the US.