
Can H4 Visa Holders Work in the USA
- Get a Driver’s License
- Get Admission in Educational Institutions. There are three main types of institutions that you can join with an H4 visa. ...
- Work in the United States. If you hold just an H4 visa, you are not authorized to work in the US. ...
- Current Updates Regarding the H4 EAD. ...
Can I start a business on h4 visa?
You can't run a business on an H4. Your intent to switch to an investor visa or whether you “keep the profit in the business” is all irrelevant. It is downright illegal to do business on an H4. You can, however, do a business if you have an H4 EAD.
Are H4 visa holders allowed to work?
In general, as H4 visa holders are not allowed to work, they are not eligible for SSN, unless they qualify for H4 EAD. If you are eligible for H4 EAD, then you can either apply for it directly using your EAD application or apply for it separately at SSN office. Check H4 EAD SSN Application Process, Documents.
What kind of employment can a H4 visa holder get?
H4 EAD has no restriction on kind of jobs a visa holder can engage. It is up to you to find a suitable job at entry level which you can carryout. What is the better way to apply for jobs with H4 EAD? Is it necessary to do some training? A2A.
What are the options for a H4 visa holder?
Steps for H4 Visa Interview, Stamping
- Fill out Online Non-immigrant US Visa Application Form, also called as DS-160 form
- Pay required US Visa fee for H4 visa stamping.
- Book appointment at a Visa Application Center (VAC) to give Biometrics ( fingerprints, photo)
- Book appointment for in-person Visa Interview
- Give Biometrics, Attend US Visa interview on the booked appointment date

Can H4 visa holders work?
The H4 visa is issued as a non immigrant dependent visa. The H4 visa is issued to the spouse and children below 21 years of the H1 visa holders. The H4 visa holders can study, live, and work in the US with this visa status.
Can H-4 work in any company?
Can H4 Visa holder under new EAD work for multiple employers? A: Yes, the EAD for H4 visa holders is not restricted to any particular type of employment.
What jobs can H4 visa holders get?
Before 2015, H4 visa holders weren't allowed to work in the United States at all. After 2015, certain H4 visa holders are allowed to work if they have an EAD. The EAD doesn't limit you to a specific sector or type of job. You can work in any industry for any employer, and you can even freelance.
How H-4 can earn money?
Nine ways to earn money legallyGet paid for your opinion. Many companies will pay you to take surveys for market research. ... Try your luck at contests and sweepstakes. ... Write a book or music. ... Invest in a startup company. ... Invest in stocks. ... Start a YouTube channel. ... Become a student. ... Change your status.More items...
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.
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.
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 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.
Do H4 visa holders need health insurance?
However, although not mandatory, most US residents have health insurance anyway, simply because the cost of health care in the US is very high, and people with an average income cannot afford it if they have to pay out of pocket.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
When did USCIS start accepting H4 EAD applications?
USCIS began accepting H4 EAD application from May of 2015. Check the H4 EAD Eligibility and How to Apply for H4 EAD.
Can I go back to school on H4 visa?
Going back to school on H4 Visa is probably the best option. I would never say no to anyone going back to school to study.
Can I study on H4 visa?
For some, going back to study on H4 Visa is the best option. For others, I would recommend mixing of H4 and F1, for toehrs, I would recommend to look for alternatives.
Can H4 visa holders work in the USA?
H4 Visa is a dependent visa for H1B. There’s very options for H4 Visa holders work here in the USA. Spouse and children of H1B visa holder can get H4 visa to enter the USA. H4 is non-immigrant visa and doesn’t provide work permit unless H1B spouses Green Card process have started.
Do forced housewives have good qualifications?
Many such dependents, most of whom are forced housewives, have excellent qualifications and probably even had successful careers before they were transformed into a perpetual state of inactivity. The archaic laws prevent these legal immigrants from any opportunities.
Can an employer sponsor an H1B?
It is possible, though difficult, that you find an employer who can sponsor your H1B. The only problem with this is that it is a hard enough economy to find an employer, let alone find one who will be willing to sponsor your H1B.
Can H4 dependents work in the US?
The USCIS director Leon Rodriguez announced that certain H4 Visa holders would be allowed to work in the US as long as – here’s the catch – certain conditions are met. As per the new rules, the H4 dependent spouses are allowed to apply for I-765 or Employment Authorization Card, which is a temporary work permit , as long as the principal H1B holder satisfies one of the conditions (Ref. From USCIS.gov ).
Is H4 visa exclusive for women?
And every year, a young Indian girl travels across the oceans to land up in an unknown country with a man she barely knows. She becomes an H4 visa holder – the dependent spouse. While such a visa status is not exclusive for women, of course, but they constitute the largest number of dependent visa holders.
Can H4 visa holders work in the USA?
Best ways H4 dependent visa holders can work in the USA. A life in the USA, is a desirable one for a lot of Indians. It gives many a chance at a better job, better life and even an opportunity to live their American dream. In fact, living and working in the US, has become a sign of success and a right of passage, for many NRI bachelors, ...
Can I apply for an EAD while in H4?
While in H4, you can choose a program that can train you with a job skill. You can then apply for an EAD as your H1B partner becomes eligible for a green card application (I-140 approved). Totally twisted like jalebi. But just like one, the end result may be delicious after all.
Can you change your visa status with a J1?
There are the J1 and O1, each of which will claim a kidney and a limb! Just kidding. They won’t need your limb.
Who can get an H4 visa based EAD?
The H4 visa based EAD is available only to spouses of H-1 visa holders who fall into one of following two categories:H-1B spouse must be the beneficiary of an approved I-140, petition for immigrant worker.
Can I get a job with a H4?
Yes. Depending upon the skill levels H4 can find employment, but has to get employment Authorization Document from USCIS. File form I 765 and pay the requisite fees to USCIS and EAD will be issued within 90 days and after that you can find a job and start working
Does a work visa have to be for spouse?
Work visas comes with variety of benefits for only the person receiving but also spouse and family too . I think there are many attachment to H-4 visa, if I can elaborate that would be as followings;
Can dependents of H visas work in America?
In that case, they need to return to their home countries. Dependents of H visas holders who hold H-4 visas cannot obtain Social Security Numbers and cannot work in America. But they can study at U.S. universities and get driver’s licenses.
Can I change my H-4 visa status?
They may also become eligible for H-1B visas. Though the H-4 visa holders do not have the right to work in the U.S. they can change their status to some other non-immigrant status that would grant them the ability to work in the country. To change their non-immigrant status, they need to file the USCIS Form I-539, ...
What Can a Person Do With an H-4 Visa?
The holder will enjoy several privileges available to American citizens. They can:
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 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.
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.
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:
