can my wife work on h4 visa

An H4 Visa

is a Visa issued to dependents (spouses or children under 21 years of age) of H1B visa holders. Spouses of H1B visa holders are not allowed to work with just an H4 Visa. There is, however, an option to obtain an EAD which allows you to work with an H4 visa.

Full Answer

Can spouse of H4 visa holder work in USA?

DHS gives employment authorization (EAD) to work in US for certain H4 Visa holders, whose spouse on H1B satisfies one of the below two : Have an approved I-140, which is the immigration petition for foreign citizens to get Green Card or Permanent Residency in USA.

What is an H4 visa?

The H4 visa is issued to the dependent family members of an H1B visa holder (spouse and children under 21 years) who want to join the H1B visa holder in the United States. How Can I Get the H4 Visa? You need to take the following steps when applying for H4 visa: You will need to fill Form DS-160 online.

Can H4 visa holder apply for EAD extension?

H4 Visa Extensions for EAD An H4 Visa is a Visa issued to dependents (spouses or children under 21 years of age) of H1B visa holders. Spouses of H1B visa holders are not allowed to work with just an H4 Visa. There is, however, an option to obtain an EAD which allows you to work with an H4 visa.

Can a H-1B visa holder work in the US?

Under AC21, H-1B nonimmigrants seeking employment-based lawful permanent residence may be eligible to work and remain in the United States beyond the six-year H-1B period of admission limitation. You must file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to request employment authorization as an H-4 dependent spouse.

Can a dependent on H4 visa work in USA?

The H4 Visa: As long as the H1B visa holder's permit is valid, the H4 visa holder can continue their stay with their spouse. They can open a bank account, get a valid driving license, study in the US, and even work in the US if they get employment authorization document (EAD).

Can H-4 work without EAD?

Who can apply for the Employment Authorization Document? Before 2015, H-4 visa work was prohibited. However, since 2015, certain H4 visa holders are allowed to work under the EAD program. While the UCSIS proposed eliminating the program in February 2019, it is still up for review.

Can H4 visa work legally?

Under H-4 status, you will be able to live and study in the U.S. Those that are the spouses of H-1B holders can also work, provided that they obtain valid Employment Authorization Documents (EAD). Additionally, as of 2015, H-4 visa holders can apply for lawful permanent residence (green cards).

Can spouse work on dependent visa in USA?

F-2 dependent (spouse) visa holders are not eligible for employment. An F-2 dependent who would desire to pursue any employment, paid or non-paid, in the U.S. would need to find an employer willing and able to sponsor them for an employment visa.

Which H4 spouse can work?

Holders of such an H4 visa EAD can now legally work or start a business in the U.S. as long as their spouse's H1B visa is valid.

Which is better H1B or H4 EAD?

The bottom line is that when uninterrupted employment is critical for a position and career growth, H-1B employment may actually be a better (or at least, safer) option compared to H-4 EAD employment.

Can I work on H4 without pay?

H4 can work as Volunteer Yes, you can work as a volunteer for a non-profit company without pay on H4. Make sure that you do hold a position that would otherwise be a paid position.

How can I convert H4 to H1B?

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)

Who is eligible for H4 EAD?

You can get the H4 EAD only if your spouse or parent is on an H-1B visa. Otherwise, if your spouse or parent has other types of H visas, such as H-1B1, H-2A, H-2B, or H-3 visa, you are not allowed to work with an H4 visa. The benefits of the EAD program are immense.

Can my wife work in US if I have H1B visa?

Spouses of H-1B visa holders can work or start a business in the US provided their spouse's H1B visa is valid. H-4 visa holders looking to take up paid employment must first apply for an employment authorization document (EAD) to allow them to work in the US.

How much time does H4 processing take?

Current USCIS Processing Time: The current USCIS case processing time for H-4 extensions is 5.5 – 7.5 months, per the USCIS website.

Can H4 dependent work in USA for Indian company?

You can't. H4 children are not authorized to work in the US.

Can I work for Indian company on H4?

H4 VISA holder, who is a citizen of India, Cannot work for an Indian company and receive Indian salary while he/she resides in US without EAD.

Can a H4 visa holder work in India and visit US occasionally?

You may live and work in India and occasionally visit the U.S., once every three months, using your H-4 visa, as long as your husband maintains his H-1B status in the United States.

Can H4 work without I-140?

H4 EAD USCIS Rules The i140 category is not relevant for filing H4 EAD. All three employment-based i-140 categories like EB1, EB2, and EB3 are eligible. You can file H4 EAD even if your H1B i140 is not approved yet using the AC21 rule by USCIS.

How long is H4 EAD valid?

H4 EAD: How Long Will They Be Valid? The USCIS H4 EAD card will be valid for as long as the H4 Status is valid, even if the grant of the EAD is based on a one year extension of H1B status. Example: Employer files a two-year extension of H1B.

Do I have to pay for I-765?

You do not have to pay the Form I-765 filing fee. Follow the Form I-485 filing instructions to avoid processing delays. If you file a Form I-765 together with a Form I-485 at the filing address for Form I-765 category (c) (26), USCIS will reject your Form I-485 and any corresponding fees.

Can H-4 dependent spouse file I-765?

Certain H-4 dependent spouses of H-1B nonimmigrants can file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, if the H-1B nonimmigrant:

History of the H-4 EAD Rule

In 2015, the Obama administration passed a rule that gave H-4 visa holders the right to work in any field if their spouses, H-1B visa holders, had an approved immigrant worker petition (i.e., be on track for green card processing). In 2017, the Trump administration proposed the ban on the H-4 EAD rule but delayed finalizing the ban.

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. Even though H-1B visa holders have an approved immigrant visa petition and are on track for a green card, they face prolonged delays caused by the per-country limit in approving green card applications.

H-4 EAD Litigation

Uncertainty continues for H-4 EAD visa holders as federal litigation remains pending. Save Jobs USA, a group of American tech workers from California, filed a lawsuit alleging that H-1B and H-4 visa holders unfairly compete against U.S. workers and thereby should not be allowed to work.

Who is eligible for H4 visa?

The H4 visa is issued to the dependent family members of an H1B visa holder (spouse and children under 21 years) who want to join the H1B visa holder in the United States.

How Long Can I Stay in the U.S With an H4 Visa?

When you apply for the H4 visa, you will have to submit your spouse’s or parent’s I-797 form. This form states the dates that the visa of your spouse or parent is valid. Based on this, the U.S Embassy will also grant you a visa with the same validity of your spouse ’s or parent’s visa.

How long is an H4 visa valid?

So if your spouse has a visa that is valid for 3 years , your H4 visa will also be valid for 3 years. That is the length of time that you can to stay in the U.S.

How to check H4 status?

You can check your visa status on the website of the U.S Embassy where you are applying by entering your application number. The Embassy will notify you once they process your H4 visa. If you have been granted the H4 visa, you will need to go for the visa stamping procedures.

How much does an H4 visa cost?

H4 visa fees are the same as other H type visas. Currently, the application fee for this visa is $190. Pay the fee and save the receipt, as you will need it later during your application procedures.

What is a copy of my spouse's passport?

A copy of your spouse’s/parent’s passport with a clear, identifiable photo. Your spouse’s/parent’s letter of employment in the U.S. Copies of your spouse’s/parent’s letters of previous work experience. Recent pay stubs and tax filing information, if your spouse/parent is already working in the U.S.

Where to apply for H4 visa?

If you are outside the U.S, you will need to submit your application for H4 Visa at the U.S Embassy where your spouse or parent has applied or in your home country if you and your spouse are of different nationalities. If you are within the U.S, you can submit your H4 visa application through the USCIS.

How to Apply for H4 Visa ?

The process to apply for H4 Visa depends on the physical location where the H4 visa application currently lives. If the H4 applicant lives outside of US, then they need to apply for H4 Visa at the nearest US Consulate or US Embassy. Unlike, if the H4 applicant is already living in US on a different visa status, then they need to apply for H4 Change of Status with USCIS. Let’s look at each of the processes.

What is H4 Visa ?

H4 Visa or H4 dependent visa is the US visa category given to the spouse and children ( under 21 years of age) of all H visa holders such as H1B Visa, H1B1 Visa, H2A, H2B and H3. H4 visa is treated as dependent visa, meaning its validity and status are tied to the primary H visa holder. USCIS classifies it as given to Family of H1B visa. Unlike H1B Visa Cap, that has annual limit of 85,000 per year, H4 visas do not have any annual limit. As long as the H1B holder is counted towards H1B cap and got visa to work in US, H4 visa holders can join them and go to US.

What form do I use to apply for H4 EAD?

If the H4 visa holder qualifies for H4 EAD, then they can apply for employment authorization document (EAD) with USCIS using form I-765. For step by step instructions, Read How to apply for H4 EAD, Biometrics

What does an H4 EAD card look like?

It looks like a driving license card with details of the H4 holder , with photo, including work authorization category, validity, etc.

What is an H4 approval notice?

If you have got H4 status by applying for Change of Status within US, you will get a H4 approval notice, that is basically a form I-797A that state your details, and validity of H4 status, including the I-94. Check Sample H4 Visa Approval Notice with I-94

When will H4 biometrics be suspended?

In early 2019, USCIS introduced New I-539 form, with Biometrics as an additional step under Trump administration. But, in May 2021, Biden administration suspended the H4 Biometrics for two years until May 2023. If you file H4 COS or Extension application after May 2021, you do not need to attend biometrics by default.

Will USCIS waive H4 biometrics?

USCIS has waived biometrics for H4 visas from May 2021 for two years. But, on a case by case basis, they may issue biometrics appointment. Get H4 Approval Notice with I-94 that indicates your new status and duration of the same, if approved by USCIS. USCIS is yet to introduce Premium Processing for H4 Visa, H4 EAD .

When did the H4 visa change?

On February 24, 2015, it was announced by USCIS that this rule would change beginning May 26, 2015. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would start issuing Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) to eligible H4 visa holders.

What is an H1B visa?

H1B visas are meant for people who have a degree and want to work in the United States. The visa allows them to get a job in the same field as their degree. Meanwhile, the H4 visa is something that allows you to bring your family to the States.

Why is H4 EAD important?

The H4 EAD rule was implemented back in 2015 because the United States wanted to retain skilled foreign workers. They also wanted to lower the number of interruptions to U.S. businesses, as they were causing foreigners to not want to stay in the States anymore. Therefore, the H4 EAD was made with the thought of giving some peace of mind to H1B visa holders, as well as their families. This is helpful while these families are trying to transition to lawful permanent resident status. Not to mention that the rule can decrease the economic burdens that these families used to deal with.

How to apply for H4 EAD?

To apply for an H4 EAD, you need to first own an H4 visa. That means that you need to be the spouse of someone who owns an H1B visa or the child of the holder. If you are the child, then you must be under the age of 21, and not be married.

When will H4 EAD be removed?

The removal of H4 visa EAD has officially been included in the Spring 2018 Regulatory Agenda (set to be in June 2018) titled “Removing H4 Dependent Spouses from the Class of Aliens Eligible for Employment Authorization”. What this agenda item basically said was that the DHS intends to amend the rule regarding H4 EAD’s and that they will possibly remove this EAD in line with the EO.

When did the H4 EAD rule come into effect?

But in 2015, the H4 EAD rule was implemented. After the rule passed, those who were eligible for it could start applying for an Employment Authorization Document. Not long ago, in 2019, USCIS came with the suggestion of getting rid of the program. However, it’s still not certain whether their request will be accepted or not – it’s all still up for debate.

Will H4 visas be abolished?

Later, in November, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia announced that the rule will not be abolished . 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.

Who is eligible for H4 visa?

Who is eligible for an H4 visa? The USCIS will allow immediate family members of H-visa holders, including the H1B visa, to obtain a H4 visa to lawfully come and stay in the US with their spouse or parent. Immediate family members include the spouse or any children under the age of 21 of the H-visa holder. Accordingly, to be eligible to apply ...

How to apply for H4 visa?

Immediate family members include the spouse or any children under the age of 21 of the H-visa holder. Accordingly, to be eligible to apply for the H4 visa, you have to meet either one of the following conditions: 1 Be the spouse of a H-visa holder. This includes the H1B, H1B1, H2A, H2B or H3 visas. 2 Be the child, under the age of 21 years old, of an approved H-visa holder. The children of a H-visa holder who are over 21 will not be eligible to apply for the H4 visa.

What is an H4 visa?

What is the H4 visa? The H4 visa is a nonimmigrant visa issued by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to the spouse and children of H1B visa holders who want to accompany the H-visa holder to the United States.

What is an H1B visa holder?

The H1B visa holder is an individual who has been granted permission to travel to the US to work in a speciality occupation, ie; a professional working in a job role that requires theoretical/technical expertise or academic qualification, at degree level or equivalent, and for whom they have a US sponsor.

How long is an H4 visa valid?

As such, if your spouse or parent has a visa that is valid for 3 years , your H4 visa will also be valid for 3 years. However, you may be eligible to stay for longer, using Form I-539, in the event that the primary H-visa holder applies for an extension to remain in the United States.

What form do I need to apply for an H4 visa?

When you apply for an H4 visa, you will have to submit your spouse’s or parent’s I-797 form. This is a Notice of Action, issued as a result of an application or a petition submitted to the USCIS for a H1B or other H-visa.

What documents are needed to get an H4 visa?

In addition to form DS-160, you will be required to provide other documents when applying for an H4 visa, including a marriage or birth certificate, a copy of your spouse’s/parent’s H-type visa, together with their I-129 form, I-797 form and the Labor Certification Application.

What is the H-4 Visa?

The H-4 visa is for the spouses and dependents of H visa holders who would like to accompany the principle H visa holder into the U.S. The current H visas include:

What is evidence of H-4 status?

Evidence of your H-4 status such as a copy of your I-797 approval notice or a copy of your I-94 arrival/departure card.

How long does it take to get an I-485?

Lastly, you will have to file an I-485 application to adjust your status. This will take about six months to process depending on how busy your USCIS service center is. After your status is adjusted (from H-4 to green card), you will officially be a lawful permanent resident.

Can I submit an I-797 to my spouse?

Evidence that your spouse has an approved I-140. You can submit the I-797 approval notice for the green card.

Can I get my spouse's I-140 revoked?

Also, if your spouse has multiple I-140s approved with the USCIS, having one revoked will not invalidate your EAD. The regulations only state that your spouse needs to have an approved I-140. Alternatively, you may also be able to qualify if your spouse was admitted for H-1B status under sections 106 (a) and (b) of the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-first Century Act of 2000 (AC21). Speak with your immigration attorney to see if you fall under this exception.

Can I file an I-765 for an alien worker?

If you are qualified, you can file an I-765 Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker. You will need to submit the following documents as well in order to avoid unnecessary delays and requests for evidence (RFEs):

Can my spouse sponsor me for a green card?

If your spouse becomes a citizen, he or she can sponsor you for a marriage-based green card, which is the green card with the shortest processing time.

3 attorney answers

Yes, a H4 Beneficiary may be admitted to the United States on a valid visa.

Alexander M. Ivakhnenko

I agree. Your wife may travel abroad using her H-4 visa. https://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/how-to-adjust-your-status-to-permanent-resident...

Carl Michael Shusterman

A person with a current H4 visa and valid passport may travel and not abandon the AOS. Travel has abandoned a pending I-131, but not the I-765.