So, if a H4 candidate gets his/her TPS approved and an EAD as well (which is obviously the sole reason why H4 will file for TPS), is it ok the person apply for SSN even if he/she opted not to use EAD afterwards.


I wonder why USCIS will grant EAD to H4 in the first place if the person cannot work. It is like "chapauna chai paune tara nila chai napaune".

@ethobatho
Of course, you can get SSN even if you aren't using the TPS EAD. I know there is a rumor that people who are in H-4 and start working on a TPS EAD, If granted, then they will lose H-4 status after the TPS expiration date; Which I think is TOTALLY untrue! Yes, If one applied for TPS and didn't ask for TPS EAD, but working in the meantime, then for sure s/he violates the H-4. As long as the the primary H1B is maintaining his/her status, during TPS period, H-4 status folks come to the same H-4 status after the TPS expiration.

People might say how about F1 and H1B then? Why they have to go to school or job? Well, for F1, in order to make their I-20 current, they have to take classes, if not their SEIVIS record will get terminated. For H1B, In order to maintain your H1B status, you must maintain your employment, as indicated on your H1B petition.

Hope this help!

I don't know why you can't work after getting TPS EAD, regardless of the previous status. TPS EAD let you work, and you are not violating any rules. But after TPS ends, you will go back to your H-4 and that time you can not work.
Eg, There is a rule that you can only spend $5 the most. So you have to only spend $5 or less. Now the new temporary rule comes, that says you can use all the money you have, so now you have freedom to use any money. After the unlimited money rules expires, you go back to $5 spend rule.

If you do not go to school while in TPS, then your F1 (SEVIS) will be terminated so after TPS you will have no status, but you can apply for another I-20 and get back to F1, but that will be a risk.

thank you guys