How do I apply for a H4 visa?
To apply for a visa, the applicant must begin the H4 visa process and fill out a DS-160 form online and then attend their visa interview. You will also need to complete an H4 biometrics evaluation as part of the application process.
How long does it take to get H-4 visa after interview?
The processing time for the H-4 depends on the caseload of the U.S. consulate or embassy that you will go to for your interview. You may have to schedule your interview several weeks in advance. If you are approved, then it will also take a few weeks for the embassy to mail you your passport with your visa inside.
How long is the H4 visa valid for?
The H4 visa is valid for three years. The eligibility lasts until the principal H1 holder has an approved I-129. In an unfortunate situation where the H1B holder is out of a job, then a grace period of 60 days will be given. As per the USCIS, the H4 visa holder can file for extension within 180 days of the EAD expiration.
What is the processing time for an EAD for an H4 visa?
For an H4 visa holder who wishes to start work right away, you may be wondering what the processing time for an EAD would be. Processing times vary by service center which means there is no exact time. No two EAD cases are the same, but most EAD applicants will get their petition processed within 90 days of submitting their application.
How long does it take to get H4 dependent visa?
The average processing period for a visa is 15 to 30 working days.
How long does it take to get H-4 visa in USA?
In such a case, can change your visa status from H1B to H4 visa status. You should start applying as soon as possible as the visa status change can take 2-3 months.
Is H4 processing faster?
Does H4 gets processed faster, if I expedite H4 EAD ? Yes, if your H4 EAD expedite request is approved, you will get H4 processed faster. The reason is that, the processing of H4 EAD depends on H4 approval, so they process H4 faster.
Can I apply H-4 visa by myself?
Q: Do I need to apply for H4 visa EAD through an attorney, or can I do this on my own? A: Just like any other immigration petition, you don't have to go through an attorney, and you can do it yourself.
Why is H4 processing so slow?
One of the fundamental reasons for delays of H4 processing is the Biometrics Process that was introduced by Trump Administration in 2019 as part of Executive Order 13780. “Protecting the National from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States”.
How can I speed up my H4 extension?
Make EAD expedite request by calling USCIS on 1-800-375-5283 (recommended). The dialing code to speak directly with a Customer Representative is 1-2-6-1-1. They keep changing the options and hence you should keep trying.
Will H4 visa get rejected?
212(a)(4) Refusal The visa sponsor (or principal applicant) must be able to take care of their H4 dependents. The application for the H4 visa will, therefore, be rejected by a 212(A)(4) refusal if the financial means of the principal applicant does not meet or exceed the state poverty line.
Will USCIS speed up 2022?
USCIS Extends Premium-Processing to Certain Pending Immigrant Petitions. On May 24, 2022, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced an expansion of premium processing service to two additional categories of Form I-140 immigrant petitions.
Can I stay in US while H4 is pending?
H4 dependents can stay in the USA while the H4 application is pending with USCIS even after 240 days of i94 expiry.
How much is H4 visa fee?
$190H4 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.
Is there premium processing for H4?
No, there is no premium processing option for H4. It is only available for the H1B holders.
Does H4 visa require 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).
Does H4 visa have premium processing?
Premium Processing for H4 EAD: USCIS will also provide premium processing option for H4 EAD applicants. Again, this provision will be effective only after USCIS completes the regulatory process.
Has premium processing for H4 started?
The H4 EAD premium processing is not yet available even though the bill was passed in Congress (2020). As per the final rule published (29 Mar 2022), USCIS will NOT be able to start premium processing for H4 and H4 EAD until 30 Sep 2024.
How long will it take to get H4 EAD?
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.
How long does it take for H4 to F1 cos?
You could either travel outside the United States and get F1 visa stamped or stay back in the US and apply for a change of status from H4 to F1. Change of status petitions can take anywhere from 3 to 9 months depending on the service center your petition gets sent to.
Who is Eligible for an H4 Visa?
The H4 visa is issued to the immediate family of the H visa holder. The term immediate family includes spouses and children. Children should be bel...
What is H4 Visa?
The H4 visa employment was an important announcement made by President Obama. The Department of Homeland security (DHS) intends to increase the eco...
How long is h4 visa valid?
The H4 visa is valid for three years. The eligibility lasts until the principal H1 holder has an approved I-129. In an unfortunate situation where...
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.
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.
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.
H4 Visa Process
For foreigners living in USA who want to bring their spouse to the USA, here is a step-by-step process for obtaining a H4 visa.
EAD For H4 Visa
Qualified H-4 dependent are now eligible for employment in the US; here is a step-by-step guide for EAD for H4 Visa holders.
How long does it take to get an extension for an H4 visa?
As per the USCIS, the H4 visa holder can file for extension within 180 days of the EAD expiration.
What to do if you apply for H4 visa first time?
If you are applying the first time for the H4 visa, then you are advised to consult an immigration attorney to smooth H4 visa processing in compliance with the immigration law.
What is H4 Visa?
The H4 visa employment was an important announcement made by President Obama. The Department of Homeland security (DHS) intends to increase the economic stability of the nation by allowing the dependents and H4 spouse of the H1 visa holders to work and the H1 visa holders can extend their stay. The Donald Trump administration also encouraged the skilled foreign workers to work in the USA along with their H1 visa holders.
What documents do I need for a h4 visa?
The H4 visa applicant has to submit the following documents to the visa officer:
How long is h4 visa valid?
The H4 visa is valid for three years. The eligibility lasts until the principal H1 holder has an approved I-129. In an unfortunate situation where the H1B holder is out of a job, then a grace period of 60 days will be given.
How much is h4 visa fee?
The Visa fee payable for the H4 visa is $190, which is approximately 11, 000 INR. This amount should be paid before scheduling the interview for the visa. The payment can be made through debit cards electronically via NEFT or IMPS transactions or cash payments in Citi Bank or Axis bank counters. The visa fee can also be paid at DRUK bank. The Visa fee paid is non-refundable.
How long does it take to change from H1B to H4?
In such a case, can change your visa status from H1B to H4 visa status. You should start applying as soon as possible as the visa status change can take 2-3 months.
How to apply for a H4 visa?
To apply for a visa, the applicant must begin the H4 visa process and fill out a DS-160 form online and then attend their visa interview.
When did H4 visa holders become eligible to work?
Beginning on May 26, 2015, select H4 visa holders became eligible to work in the U.S. To be able to work, an H4 visa holder must first apply for and be approved for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Additional requirements include:
What is an H4 visa?
An H4 visa gives spouses and children under 21 of H1B visa holders the ability to join the visa holder in the US. H4 visa holders can legally:
How long does it take for a loan to be disbursed?
The loan then gets disbursed into your U.S. bank account within a reasonable number of days (some lenders will be as quick as 2-3 business days). Now you need to set up your repayment method. You can choose an autopay method online to help you pay on time every month.
Will my H4 visa be rejected?
It’s possible your H4 visa application will be rejected. While it would be a letdown, it’s not the end of the road. Check out our guide for what to do in case of an H4 visa rejection.
Can dependents work in the US on an H4 visa?
Luckily, with an H4 visa, dependent family members can join the H1 visa holder during their stay in the US. By applying for the H4 visa, these family members are granted temporary residence in the US during the time that the H1 visa-holding family member is working in the US.
Is the H4 visa policy changing?
Visa policy is always changing, and even just until 2015, H4 visa holders were not allowed to work. This change in policy came with backlash from groups who believed that H4 visa holders were taking their jobs, and although most of these criticisms were initially brushed off since Trump’s administration took office, there have been statements released suggesting that there will be changes to the H4 visa EAD rule.
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.
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 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.
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.
How much does it cost to get an H4 visa?
You should save your fee receipt as you will require this later. Currently, the application fee for an H4 visa is $190. Schedule a visa interview appointment with your local US Embassy or consulate. Having scheduled your interview, you will get a letter of confirmation, which again you will need to retain.
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:
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 Can a Person Do With an H-4 Visa?
The holder will enjoy several privileges available to American citizens. They can:
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.
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.
How much is the DHS application fee?
An application fee of $410 must be paid to the DHS before your application can be processed. Some people are exempted from paying this fee, however.
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.
How long before an EAD expires can you renew it?
You cannot file for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your original EAD expires.
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:
How to get an expedited visa appointment?
In all cases: You must first submit the online visa application form (DS-160), pay the application fee, and schedule the first available interview appointment. Only at this point will a consular section consider your request for an expedited appointment.
Can a consular officer refuse a visa?
The consular officer will either issue or refuse the visa. If a visa applicant has not established that he or she is eligible for a visa, the consular officer must refuse that application. However, some refused visa applications may require further administrative processing.
