
H-4 visa
An H-4 visa is a visa issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to immediate family members of the H-1B visa holders. USCIS allows immediate family members of H visa holders to get H-4 visas to lawfully come and stay in the US. These visas are usually issued at the local US consulate office abroad. However, if the person is already in US, he or she can obtain H-4 status by filing Form I-539 …
Full Answer
Can a H4 visa holder travel with H1B?
As long as there is a genuine reason for the H4 person to travel now and H1 person to stay back for sometime and reach US later, it should be ok What are the documents required at the port of entry for an H4 visa while the primary H1B holder is in the USA? The below is the current consolidated list that is suggested by my attorney.
Are H4 dependent visa holders exempt from the US travel ban?
The State Department has updated their guidance on the travel ban to include some exemptions under the National Interest Exceptions. This includes H4 dependent visa holders whose primary H1-B beneficiary is present in the U.S.
When does a H4 visa become valid in the US?
H4 is a "H1B Dependent" visa. As the name suggests the visa becomes valid only and only when the primary H1B holder starts working in the US i.e. "First working day". This is because the duration/period of H4 visa is determined by the duration/period of stay of H1B visa.
How to avoid issues with government officials on an H-4 visa?
To avoid issues with government officials, the new visa holder should verify all major information, such as: Any mistakes will cause problems. The holder should point them out and ask for corrections immediately. What Can a Person Do With an H-4 Visa?

Can H4 visa holder travel to USA alone?
No, your H4 is tied to your H1B spouse. The only condition which allows you to stay in US is when you both are in US and your spouse has to travel to India or any other country.
Can dependent H4 stay in US when I go to India?
Yes it is perfectly okay for the H-4 dependent to remain in the US while the principal H-1B visa holder is in India applying for a visa stamp at the consulate there...
What H4 visa holder can do?
As an H-4 visa holder, you can remain in the U.S. as long as your husband or wife has a valid visa. You can attend school, obtain a driver's license and open a local bank account, but your ability to work will be determined by whether or not you obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
Is H4 allowed to travel?
This includes H4 dependent visa holders whose primary H1-B beneficiary is present in the U.S. This means that certain eligible H4 visa holders, primarily spouses who are stranded in India due to the Covid travel ban for Indians, may now enter the U.S. under special circumstances.
Does H4 need sponsorship?
H4 visa holders would still be allowed to apply for an EAD and be able to work in the United States under their visa status. Still, the judgment has then been passed back to a lower court. If you have an EAD, you will not need any petition or sponsorship, or an LCA (Labor Condition Application).
How can I convert H4 to H-1B?
To apply for H4 to H1B conversion, the applicant must submit the following documents along with those required for H1B application.Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.Supporting documents such as employment offer, support letter, and labor condition approval, (LCA)
How H4 can earn money?
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Is marriage certificate mandatory for H4 visa?
The marriage certificate is the main document required when you apply for your dependent status (like the H-4).
Can H4 dependent work in USA without EAD?
Currently, the H-4 visa holders must apply for work authorization and wait for it to be processed before they can work, even though they are already in the United States and their spouse is working here.
Is H4 dual intent?
Privileges of the H4 Visa: Dual Intent The INA grants H4 nonimmigrants the privilege of a ''dual intent” visa. This means that H4 holders can be the beneficiary of an I-140 (immigrant petition) filed under section 204 of the INA. Meaning, they can seek and apply for legal permanent residency.
Can H4 stay in different state?
H1B and H4 may reside in different states without an issue for the IRS.
How can H4 get green card?
Your H-1B holder spouse must have successfully filed an I-140 petition to establish permanent residence in the U.S. through a green card. The USCIS must have already approved this petition. As long as the I-140 has been approved, you are eligible for an H-4 EAD.
Can I travel to India if my H4 extension is in process?
Can I travel While H4 EAD is pending? You can travel out of the country while your standalone H4 EAD application is pending with USCIS. Note that H4 EAD can be denied if your H4 COS or an extension is also pending with the EAD application.
Can dependent travel to USA from India?
Yes. You may travel to the United States without any further visa processing.
Can H4 stay in different state?
H1B and H4 may reside in different states without an issue for the IRS.
Can I work from India on H4 EAD?
The EAD is for being employed by a US subsidiary and getting your pay. Just changing the location and getting paycheck in US does not help. You can continue to work from India and get paid in India but that also means the employer should have an Indian office and means to generate paycheck as per Indian tax laws.
What Can a Person Do With an H-4 Visa?
The holder will enjoy several privileges available to American citizens. They can:
What Is an H-4 Visa?
H-4 visa holders are immediate family members of H-1B visa holders. Most H-4 visa holders are spouses who want to join their partner in a new country. They enjoy many of the benefits of living in the United States, but some limitations exist. That's why an H-1B visa is better.
Who Qualifies for an H-4 Visa?
The only people who qualify are dependents. In the United States, those people are spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21.
How Does a Person Apply for an H-4 Visa?
The applicants of both the H-1B and H-4 visas usually apply together. Otherwise, the paperwork won't get finished at the same time, leaving one person unable to join the other in the United States.
What Steps Are Required When the H-4 Visa Arrives?
To avoid issues with government officials, the new visa holder should verify all major information, such as:
Why Is H-4 Visa Reform so Popular?
Their belief was that the current system needed improvement. With roughly 100,000 unhappy holders, the United States had an influx of immigrants who didn't enjoy their new country. Also, these people not working were also not paying taxes, costing the government millions of dollars.
What Can an H-4 Visa Holder Do to Solve the Problem?
Someone interested in going back to school can switch to the F-1 student visa. It not only allows for educational opportunities, but also liberates the holder to work on campus . Another option is to apply for an H-1B, just as the spouse has.
How long is the quarantine period for international travelers?
UPDATE: Per a new executive order signed by President Biden today, all international travelers entering the U.S. will quarantine for 7 days. This will in addition to needing a negative Covid test before entering any U.S. port of entry, either by sea, air or land.
How long do you have to self isolate?
Self-isolate for 7 days as soon as you enter the U.S.
Is there a travel ban on people who are in China?
This includes individuals who will provide vital support or executive direction for critical infrastructure or for significant economic activity as well as their dependents. Currently there is a travel ban on anyone who had presence in China, Iran, India, Brazil, South Africa, the Schengen area, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.
Is the H4 visa a national interest waiver?
The State Department has updated their guidance on the travel ban to include some exemptions under the National Interest Waivers. This includes H4 dependent visa holders whose primary H1-B beneficiary is present in the U.S. This means that certain eligible H4 visa holders, primarily spouses who are stranded in India due to ...
What is an H4 visa?
An H4 visa is a dependent visa, where a spouse (husband or wife) can get to stay in the US, for the same time as the sponsor ( H1 visa holder ). Many wives (and husbands) of H1 visa holders travel to the US, to stay with their spouses on this visa.
What do immigration officers ask you at the port of entry?
Generally, immigration officers at Port of Entry, will ask you questions to verify your intention of travel. And might even (in some circumstances) ask for some documents that’ll verify your relationship with the visa sponsor. So, it’s a good idea to carry all such documents with you, just in case. Also, it is a good idea to memorize ...
