2024 H4 ead approval time

The provisions relating to H-4 spousal EADs are limited and disappointing. H-4 spouses are entitled to an EAD valid for up to 3 years, which is the maximum increment of time for which H-4 status can be granted at a time. There are therefore almost never situations where someone’s H-4 EAD expires prior to the end of their current H-4 I-94 record.. Irs ltr 12c

Average approval time: 91 day(s) Approval time range: 3-161 day(s) Remaining cases have been pending for 152 day(s) on average; Click to see detailed distribution graphs January 2024: 299/604 Cases processed; Average approval time: 47 day(s) Approval time range: 2-125 day(s) Remaining cases have been pending for 121 day(s) on averageUSCIS only allows some EAD categories to keep working even after EAD expiry if you have filed the extension before the current EAD approval expires. H4 EAD category is C(26) and it is part of the automatic EAD extension allowed list: A03, A05, A07, A08, A10, C08, C09, C10, C16, C20, C22, C24, C31, and A12 or C19. The green card … Refer to your receipt notice to find your form, category, and office. For more information about case processing times and reading your receipt notice, visit the More Information About Case Processing Times page. Form. Form Category. Field Office or Service Center. The below H4 EAD Cases list is sorted by latest filing date. E.g: May 10th filing date cases will be on top of May 1st. H4 Visa EAD Application Tracker, Processing Times, Info, Card Received Info, Analytics, Reports.Beginning November 12, 2021, the EAD of an E and L dependent spouse, and employment authorization and EAD of an H-4 dependent spouse, will be …How I am stacking limited-time opportunities to earn top-tier Hyatt Globalist status with no out-of-pocket cost. Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View t...Guide to car seats policies across 23 major airlines If you're a parent and fly with your family, you know that air travel with kids is not always easy, especially when it involves...USCIS estimates that this new rule will only impact approximately 179,600 H-4 spouses in the first year, and approximately 55,000 H-4 spouses annually. The following are some examples of H-4 spouses who will likely benefit from the new rule: An H-4 spouse married to an H-1B with an approved I-140 Immigrant Visa Petition filed under the EB-2 ...The H4 EAD visa allows spouses of H1B visa holders to work in the U.S. without restrictions on job type or location. Eligibility for the H4 EAD requires an approved I-140 immigrant worker petition or an extension beyond the standard 6-year H1B visa limit. The application process for the H4 EAD involves completing Form I-765, providing ...Yes, you can study while on H-4 visa or while your H-4 visa is pending. H-4 dependents are permitted to study in the US, but they are not allowed to work unless they have a valid H-4 EAD. Studying while on H-4 visa does not impact your immigration status, as long as you maintain your H-4 status and comply with all requirements to maintain your ...Applying for the H4 EAD. If you meet the eligibility requirements, the next step is to file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Here are the key steps you need to follow: Complete Form I-765 accurately. Pay the applicable filing fee (unless you qualify for a fee waiver). Your valid H4 visa.One_more_username. •. H4 EAD expiry will be the same as H4 status expiry (which will be the same as your H1B status expiry). Note that your H1B visa sticker has no role to play here - your H1B status expiry matters. Do it ASAP, the timelines are unpredictable. There is no reason to stay on F1 any longer than the processing time for H4 EAD.Update November 15, 2022. Kudos to USCIS for improving the processing speed of both H-4s and H-4 EADs. Below is a sample stand-alone H-4 and H-4 EAD filed on August 11, 2022. Both were approved at the same time on November 4, 2022. Received H-4 approval which was filed with spouse's H-1B via premium processing on 07/18/2022. At the time of filing and granting of the EAD, both the H-1B employee and H-4 spouse must be in valid status. The USCIS may address the question of what happens if the H-1B worker is laid off following issuance of the H-4 EAD in future FAQs on the USCIS website. 1 Under sections 106 (a) and (b) of AC21, an H–1B nonimmigrant who is the ... 138 reviews. Rating: 8.1. 10 year Top Contributor. Website. (408) 516-4618. Message View Profile. Posted on Jul 14. The spouse of the H1 must be in the US to apply for H4 EAD. Disclaimer.If you apply for an SSN card using Form I-765, you do not have to contact a Social Security office to apply for an SSN card. If USCIS approves your application, you will receive two documents - your Employment Authorization Document (EAD), also known as the "USCIS I-765 card" or "work permit", and in another envelope your SSN card. We will mail ...DHS will begin accepting Applications for Employment Authorization (Forms I-765) submitted by certain H-4 dependent spouses on the effective date of this rule, May 26, 2015. This effective date is intended to prevent an overlap of H-1B cap season and an initial filing surge of Forms I-765 under 8 CFR 274a.12 (c) (26).This includes employment authorization document (EAD) categories (a)(16) or (c)(25) filed with Form I-914 or I-914A. Refer to the Check Case Processing Times webpage for Form I-914 processing times. Please note that we do not begin adjudicating a Form I-765 filed with your Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status and/or Form I-918 ... As long as I-140 is approved, the length of time the H-1B spouse has been in the US is irrelevant. H-4 visa EAD can be applied as soon as H-1B spouse’s I-140 is approved, as there is no waiting time (minimum duration) after the approval of I-140 when H-4 visa can be applied. OR ; H-1B spouse must have extended H1B status beyond the initial 6 ... I have my H4 EAD valid till September 10th and H4 visa till march 2021, i am planning to renew H4 EAD on March 10th. Just wondering if i will be able to get the H4 EAD card approved before the current EAD expires. Last time when i applied for H4 EAD i got the approved H4 EAD card within a month.Home » USA. How to file H4 EAD, Documents, Form i765 (New / Renewal Process) File H4 EAD yourself with I-765 form, document checklist. Fees $520. Renew 180 days before expiry. H1B primary I797 …Spouses on H4, L2, E2, E1 or E3 visa status can work maximum 540-days from the date the EAD card expired while the EAD renewal is pending, provided that the other two conditions are not met (the I-94 is not expired and USCIS has not approved or denied the EAD renewal application).There may be a gap between the H-4 Approval and the EAD approval. The USCIS takes the postiion that it has 90 days after H-4 Approval to make a decision on the EAD. That being said, it may approve them at the same time. 2. You must continue working in H-1B status until the H-4 is filed and received by the USCIS. The H4 EAD will not extend employment authorization. At Herman Legal Group, Your Future Matters Most. Call now to request a consultation. +1-216-696-6170. 24/7 Evening and Weekends for Virtual and In person. Book consultation. Categories: Immigration Guides. This includes employment authorization document (EAD) categories (a)(16) or (c)(25) filed with Form I-914 or I-914A. Refer to the Check Case Processing Times webpage for Form I-914 processing times. Please note that we do not begin adjudicating a Form I-765 filed with your Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status and/or Form I-918 ...I have my H4 EAD valid till September 10th and H4 visa till march 2021, i am planning to renew H4 EAD on March 10th. Just wondering if i will be able to get the H4 EAD card approved before the current EAD expires. Last time when i applied for H4 EAD i got the approved H4 EAD card within a month.Sep 26, 2023 · Part 1. Reason for Applying – New vs Renewal : Question 1: If you are applying for a new application for EAD, you would select ‘1.a.’, if you are applying for renewal of H4 EAD, you would select the corresponding box ‘1.c.’. Check the below screenshots. If you have lost the EAD card, then you select ‘1.b.’. May 4, 2022 ... ... /uscis-increases-ead-auto-extension-to-540-days/ VisaGrader H4 EAD Processing time : https://visagrader.com/uscis-processing-times/h4-ead.On November 10, 2021, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) settled the class action lawsuit Shergill v. Mayorkas. The settlement agreement will update USCIS policy related to certain H-4 and L-2 spousal Employment Authorization Document (EAD) applications. Notably, the settlement agreement provides for an automatic extension of …ALERT – NEW TEMPORARY FINAL RULE INCREASES AUTOMATIC EXTENSION PERIOD FOR CERTAIN EAD RENEWAL APPLICANTS: On April 4, 2024, …As the H4 EAD generally takes about 90 days to be adjudicated, it is best to anticipate H4 EAD approval about 90 days after the H4 approval. It is possible to request a future start date for the H4 status. The hope would be that by the time the H4 status becomes effective, the H4 EAD is also approved.The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processing time for H4 EAD applications can vary, sometimes resulting in significant delays. Delays in a filed visa or H4 EAD application are a common concern. 1. Respond promptly to emails or calls from USCIS staff.During Trump’s government, USCIS added the H4 biometric requirement and started processing the H4 and EAD separately. This added unnecessary delays and increased processing time by up to 2 years. To get the H4 and EAD approval quickly, do this: File H1B extension/transfer/Change of status, H4, and H4 EAD in the same package (at the same time).EAD status “Card was Mailed to Me” indicates approval, and your Employment Authorization Document is on its way. Your EAD card will be sent to the address provided during the application process via USPS. Expect to receive the EAD card within approximately 7-10 days after the status update. Ensure someone is available to …Oct 3, 2019 · H4 EAD Application processing time for applying for approval (without RFE) usually takes 30–90 days from the date of receipt. After approval, it takes another ten days to get approval notice by mail, and approx. Fifteen days to get EAD card. You can raise a request after 75 days to get the latest update. Authorization Document (EAD), also known as the “USCIS I-766 card” or “work permit”, and in another envelope your SSN card. We will mail your SSN card to the address you listed on your I-765 application. You should receive your SSN card no later than 7 business days after you receive your EAD from USCIS.I have my H4 EAD valid till September 10th and H4 visa till march 2021, i am planning to renew H4 EAD on March 10th. Just wondering if i will be able to get the H4 EAD card approved before the current EAD expires. Last time when i applied for H4 EAD i got the approved H4 EAD card within a month.Mar 15, 2023 ... ... Processing Time : https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/. USCIS : EAD Auto Extension, New H4 i94, H4 EAD, Documents, Form i765 | US ... Refer to your receipt notice to find your form, category, and office. For more information about case processing times and reading your receipt notice, visit the More Information About Case Processing Times page. Form. Form Category. Field Office or Service Center. Jan 22, 2023 ... USCIS will now process H4 & H4 EAD along with H1B if they are filed together. News: Today, the government has signed off on a settlement in ...Jun 12, 2020 ... In this video I explain the H4 EAD process in detail. Stay until the end where I also provide some options that should be considered instead ...3) Discrepancies from past historical processing time reports may exist due to differences in reporting procedures. 4) Some of the forms have been aggregated. 5) Processing times are defined as the number of months it took for an application, petition, or request to be processed from receipt to completion in a given time period.Mar 2, 2023 ... Frequently asked questions regarding the H4 visa and the H4 EAD (Employment Authorization Document) for spouses and children of H-1B visa ...EAD status “Card was Mailed to Me” indicates approval, and your Employment Authorization Document is on its way. Your EAD card will be sent to the address provided during the application process via USPS. Expect to receive the EAD card within approximately 7-10 days after the status update. Ensure someone is available to …US Visa Approval & Refusal Rates by Country and Visa; H1B Visa Tracker (FY 2025) US Visa Stamping Dropbox (Interview Waiver) Tracker; US Visa Emergency Appointment ... As the H4 EAD generally takes about 90 days to be adjudicated, it is best to anticipate H4 EAD approval about 90 days after the H4 approval. It is possible to request a future start date for the H4 status. The hope would be that by the time the H4 status becomes effective, the H4 EAD is also approved. ALERT – NEW TEMPORARY FINAL RULE INCREASES AUTOMATIC EXTENSION PERIOD FOR CERTAIN EAD RENEWAL APPLICANTS: On April 4, 2024, …H4’s latest I-797 , approval of I539. Copy of your Marriage Certificate. Copy of Passport (H4) – Front and back of passport and H4 Visa Stamp pages. Basis for Work Authorization Documents: If you are filing on the basis of an approved I-140, Submit the copy of I-140 and H1B’s latest I-797, approval of I-129.IGEA Pharma N.V. / Key word(s): Annual Results/Annual Results IGEA Pharma N.V.: IGEA to get SIX further approval to the 2021 annual report dis... IGEA Pharma N.V. / Key word(s): A...Current USCIS Processing Time: The current USCIS case processing time for H-4 extensions is 5.5 – 7.5 months, per the USCIS website. Please note that this is an estimated processing time. Your particular case may take less time or more time, and this processing time is subject to change.H4 EAD Timeline. Timeline: EAD. Standalone H4EAD timeline at California Service Center: 2020-09-30: application received by USCIS. 2020-10-11: notice date. 2020-10-16: fingerprints applied to the case from H4 COS. 2021-03-30: expedite request raised through Emma. 2021-05-17: called USCIS to ask about my expedite request.Once approved, your spouse can visit CBP at Mexico or Canada border in October and get H4 I-94 extended using primary H1B I-797. Once the I-94 is extended, download the I-94 and apply for H4 EAD. This will give auto-extension for H4 EAD for 180 days from the expiry and your spouse can keep working after the EAD expires in …Mar 6, 2024 · My H4 EAD is approved but the H4 extension is still pending. It is normal to get H4 EAD approval first and then H4 extension approval. There is no need to worry. In fact, it is a good sign that your H4 EAD has been approved first. The H4 extension approval should be on the way too in about 1-30 days. On 6/22/2016 at 7:59 AM, sravanproddaturi said: We have applied H1, H4 and H4 EAD at the same time on May 10th 2016 under Premium Processing. My H1B got approved on May 21st 2016 and my wife's H4 and H4 EAD is still showing as 'Case was received'. Earlier 2 times we applied similarly under PP and H1 and H4 got approved sametime and don't … The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processing time for H4 EAD applications can vary, sometimes resulting in significant delays. Delays in a filed visa or H4 EAD application are a common concern. 1. Respond promptly to emails or calls from USCIS staff. H4 EAD with Approved I-140. H4 EAD with Pending PERM or I-140. H4 EAD Document Checklist for First-Time Applicant (or Renewal) H4 EAD Check Sample. File Form I-765 for First-Time Applicant. I-765 Filing Address. H4 EAD Processing Time. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for H4 EAD for the First Time. FAQs on the H4 EAD ProcessI applied on Jul 7th 2023, my case was approved on April 22, 2024 . TX center, H4 EAD standalone. Raised 2 service requests (no response) Involved Senator & Congressman, not sure if it helped in any way. Got standard responses. Now it has been 12 working days since approval and I have not received the EAD card yet. It is a nightmare!Processing time for correctly completed requests is on average 6-8 weeks. Requests for renewals may be submitted three (3) months in advance of the expiration date. Q: At what age can a dependent child get an EAD? A: Children over age 16-18 and full-time students under age 24 may apply for an EAD, if they meet other eligibility requirements. Q.Guide to car seats policies across 23 major airlines If you're a parent and fly with your family, you know that air travel with kids is not always easy, especially when it involves...Vaccine development takes time. Earlier this spring, we learned that the previous record for vaccine development was four years from sample to approval, and that we might not see a...The agency’s publicly posted processing times show the average amount of time it took USCIS to process a particular form – from when the agency received the application until a decision was made on the case. Internally, USCIS monitors the number of pending cases in the agency’s workload through a metric called “cycle times.”May 8, 2024 · You need to file the H1B extension/or transfer, H4 (COS), and H4 EAD concurrently with H1B (I-129) premium processing in the same package at the same time, in the same location, and generally, all three requests (H1B, H4, and H4 EAD) should be approved within 15 days if there is no RFE, and usually, H4 EAD is dispatched within 10 days. The fee ... Hi, I applied for my wife’s H4 extension and H4 EAD renewal along with my H1 extension. Below are the dates: 10/31/2019 - Applied H1 B (Premium Processing), H4 extension and H4 EAD renewal 11/05/2019 - Received RFE on H1B 11/20/2019 - H4 Biometric Appointment 11/21/2019 - Replied to RFE (with little hope that they would …USCIS only allows some EAD categories to keep working even after EAD expiry if you have filed the extension before the current EAD approval expires. H4 EAD category is C(26) and it is part of the automatic EAD extension allowed list: A03, A05, A07, A08, A10, C08, C09, C10, C16, C20, C22, C24, C31, and A12 or C19. The green card …The H4 EAD will not extend employment authorization. At Herman Legal Group, Your Future Matters Most. Call now to request a consultation. +1-216-696-6170. 24/7 Evening and Weekends for Virtual and In person. Book …The H4 EAD is a work permit that allows the spouses of H1B visa holders to work in the United States. To be eligible for the H4 EAD, the H1B visa holder must have an approved I-140 petition, and the H4 visa holder must have an H4 visa. The H4 EAD is valid for two years and can be renewed indefinitely.May 8, 2024 · You need to file the H1B extension/or transfer, H4 (COS), and H4 EAD concurrently with H1B (I-129) premium processing in the same package at the same time, in the same location, and generally, all three requests (H1B, H4, and H4 EAD) should be approved within 15 days if there is no RFE, and usually, H4 EAD is dispatched within 10 days. The fee ... My EAD case was finally approved on April 5th and got approval notice by mail on April 9th. I waited and waited till the status changed to New Card is being produced but it never did until I called USCIS customer service on April 23rd. On April 23rd my EAD status finally changed to New card is being produced and the status stayed for 2 days.Filing Method. Application Filed. USCIS Received Date. USCIS Notice Date. USCIS Receipt Number. RFE Received? RFE Received Date. Reason for RFE. RFE Replied Date. …On November 10, 2021, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) settled the class action lawsuit Shergill v. Mayorkas. The settlement agreement will update USCIS policy related to certain H-4 and L-2 spousal Employment Authorization Document (EAD) applications. Notably, the settlement agreement provides for an automatic extension of …Apr 11, 2022 ... ... Time Goals 04:03 - 3 Main Takeaways 05 ... Work Without EAD for H4 Visa - H4 Work Authorization Act ... USCIS to approve H4, H4 EAD with H1B - Good ...May 4, 2022 ... Comments20 · USCIS Expedite Request Tips · Why Isn't My Expedite Request Working? · I-130 Processing Time April 2024 || Spouse, Parent Chil...Jul 13, 2021 ... H4 EAD Processing Time 2021 | H-1B Spouse I-765 Processing Updates | H4 I-539 EAD Petitions #h4ead #h1bspouseeadpetitions #h41539petitions ... This includes employment authorization document (EAD) categories (a)(16) or (c)(25) filed with Form I-914 or I-914A. Refer to the Check Case Processing Times webpage for Form I-914 processing times. Please note that we do not begin adjudicating a Form I-765 filed with your Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status and/or Form I-918 ... Guide to car seats policies across 23 major airlines If you're a parent and fly with your family, you know that air travel with kids is not always easy, especially when it involves...On 6/22/2016 at 7:59 AM, sravanproddaturi said: We have applied H1, H4 and H4 EAD at the same time on May 10th 2016 under Premium Processing. My H1B got approved on May 21st 2016 and my wife's H4 and H4 EAD is still showing as 'Case was received'. Earlier 2 times we applied similarly under PP and H1 and H4 got approved sametime and don't … Refer to your receipt notice to find your form, category, and office. For more information about case processing times and reading your receipt notice, visit the More Information About Case Processing Times page. Form. Form Category. Field Office or Service Center. The provisions relating to H-4 spousal EADs are limited and disappointing. H-4 spouses are entitled to an EAD valid for up to 3 years, which is the maximum increment of time for which H-4 status can be granted at a time. There are therefore almost never situations where someone’s H-4 EAD expires prior to the end of their current H-4 I-94 record.May 26, 2015 · The below H4 EAD Cases list is sorted by latest filing date. E.g: May 10th filing date cases will be on top of May 1st. H4 Visa EAD Application Tracker, Processing Times, Info, Card Received Info, Analytics, Reports. Mar 6, 2024 · My H4 EAD is approved but the H4 extension is still pending. It is normal to get H4 EAD approval first and then H4 extension approval. There is no need to worry. In fact, it is a good sign that your H4 EAD has been approved first. The H4 extension approval should be on the way too in about 1-30 days. Posted January 31, 2023. I am currently on H1b and am considering applying for H4 COS and EAD. 1. How to ensure no employment gap occurs since I am not allowed to work on H4 visa until I receive EAD? Is there a way to get both H4 COS and EAD to be approved at the same time. Please note we will not be filing for any change to spouse’s H1b.

My H4 EAD is approved but the H4 extension is still pending. It is normal to get H4 EAD approval first and then H4 extension approval. There is no need to worry. In fact, it is a good sign that your H4 EAD has been approved first. The H4 extension approval should be on the way too in about 1-30 days.. Little big fatz

At the time that the Constitution was written, nine of the 13 states were required for ratification. It took 10 months and a vigorous campaign by proponents of the document to get ...In the ever-evolving world of academic publishing, researchers and scholars are constantly seeking reputable platforms to showcase their work. One such platform that has gained sig...USCIS Guidelines. H4 EAD with Approved I-140. H4 EAD with Pending PERM or I-140. H4 EAD Document Checklist for First-Time Applicant (or Renewal) H4 EAD Check Sample. …Why the H-4 EAD Rule Is Important to H-4 Visa Holders The H-4 visa is the dependent spouse category for H-1B visas. Many H-1B visa holders are from India and China.VisaGrader.com tracks data from US Dept of State, USCIS, DHS, USTravelDocs for latest processing times, reports, analysis. VisaGrader.com is not affiliated with any ...Her PERM priority date is 1 November 2023. Based on the average processing time currently, her PERM will be approved sometime in November 2024. For her I-140, we are planning to do a premium process. So in the best case by end of 2024, we will have PERM and I140 approved. Basically I wanted to ask, does H4 EAD application for me can only …This just depends on the processing center and the officer assigned. You can extend H-4 I-94 using the primary H1B I-797 approval notice and get 180 days auto-extension for H4 EAD if your spouse is working and worried about losing the job due to EAD expiry. AM22Tech.Jan 11, 2023 · The plan is to H-4 EAD premium processing fee at $1,500 for approval within 30 days. This is a hefty sum, but 30 days is much faster than waiting 7 to 13 months for approval on your EAD application. Consider the income your beneficiaries would lose waiting a full year for you to get your work permit in compliance with immigration law. EAD Processing Time. You will receive the new EAD card (i-485 EAD, F1 OPT-EAD, L2 EAD, H4 EAD, or other) by mail within 5-10 working days after the “New card is being produced” USCIS case status update. The EAD (Employment Authorization Document) is filed using USCIS form I-765. SSN Card with EADAfter any I-765 is approved, your EAD card should be produced within one to two weeks. Your EAD card will be mailed via U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Priority Mail. The time frame in which you will receive your EAD card may vary, depending on USPS delivery times. Please allow a total of 30 days from approval before inquiring with USCIS.Managing employee time off can be a complex and time-consuming task for HR professionals and business owners. Keeping track of accrued paid time off (PTO), calculating balances, an...If applying for employment authorization is based on H4 nonimmigrant status, the applicant must file a paper Form, as USCIS will not accept the electronic Form. H4 EAD applicants …Yes, concurrently filing of the Change of Status from H1B visa to H4 and the EAD application is allowed. The H4 will not take effect until the change of status is actually approved. Therefore, if the H-1B continues to be properly maintained, you can continue to work on the H-1B while you wait for the H-4 and EAD to be approved.Reducing processing time for EADs for asylum applicants and certain parolees to less than or equal to 30-day median, ... Absent this measure, nearly 800,000 EAD renewal applicants – including those eligible for employment authorization as asylees or asylum applicants, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) applicants or recipients, and …The dependent spouse has an unexpired Form I-94 indicating valid E, L, or H-4 derivative status. Any such automatic extension will terminate automatically on the earlier of: The end of the validity period of the nonimmigrant status, as shown on the Form I-94; The approval or denial of the application to renew the previous EAD using Form I …The H-1B should speak with the attorney assisting with her/his green card application for instructions on filing for an EAD. H-4 dependent spouses of H-1B nonimmigrants will be eligible to apply for an EAD under the new rule if their H-1B spouse: Is the principal beneficiary of an approved Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker; or The current USCIS processing time for Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization (EAD), is between 2 and 3 months. However, the H-4 EAD premium processing will decrease the wait time to just 30 days! The premium processing service will set you back $1,500. DHS will begin accepting Applications for Employment Authorization (Forms I-765) submitted by certain H-4 dependent spouses on the effective date of this rule, May 26, 2015. This effective date is intended to prevent an overlap of H-1B cap season and an initial filing surge of Forms I-765 under 8 CFR 274a.12 (c) (26)..

Popular Topics