how to apply for h4 visa from india

The H4 Visa Application Process

• Fill the Online Application Form. The process of application starts by filling Form DS-160 online. ...
• Pay the Fee. At present, the fee for an H4 visa is $190, which is similar to other H type visas. ...
• Schedule the Visa Interview Appointment. ...

Full Answer

Can I work outside USA on a H4 visa?

The question above cannot be easily answered. However, most lawyers and people who researched the law including our own team believes that H4 visa holders CANNOT engage in active work while on US soil for a foreign company although the payment is made abroad.

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.

How can you get work on a H4 visa?

What am I Allowed to Do in the US With an H4 Visa?

• Apply for a change of status. H4 visa holders can apply for a change of status. ...
• Get a Green Card. Also, many H4 visa holders want to know whether they can apply for a Green Card. ...
• Study. ...
• Open a Bank account for H4 visa holders. ...
• Get a driver’s license. ...
• Have access to healthcare. ...
• Get ITIN number for H4 dependents. ...
• Work with an H4 visa. ...

What are the criteria to get H4 EAD?

• Passport showing your picture, name, and date of birth
• A birth certificate with photo ID
• A visa issued by a foreign consulate
• A national ID document with photo and/or fingerprint.

How long does it take to get H4 visa in India?

While this is subject to change based on the service center, you can expect H-4 EAD processing time to be between 2-9 months depending on the service center that's processing the application.

Can I apply H4 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.

How much is the fee for H4 visa?

$190The 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.

Can I apply for H-4 while working in India?

Only if H1B beneficiary is approved I-140 (Immigration petition), then H4 visa holder can apply for employment authorization (EAD). Since its about working for a Non-US organization, foreign organization will not be requesting for a US work authorization. So you can free to work and US has no jurisdiction on it.

How much time it takes to get H-4 visa?

The average processing period for a visa is 15 to 30 working days.

What documents are needed for H-4 visa?

You must provide the following documents to apply for the H4 visa:Filled DS-160 application form.Your valid passport with at least one blank page.Two US visa photographs.Receipt proving payment of $160 for a nonimmigrant US visa application.Photocopy of the primary H visa holder visa.More items...

Can H-4 visa get rejected?

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.

Can I apply for H4 online?

You can file form i539 online for faster processing for your H4 extension if you are filing alone and without the help of an attorney at this time.

Can my wife work on H-4 visa?

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would start issuing Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) to eligible H4 visa holders. 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.

Can I go with my wife for H-4 visa interview?

Yes your wife can attend the visa interview all by herself, but make sure she carries all the necessary documents previous H1B stamp, marriage certificate, current company's 797.

Who will be the petitioner for H-4 visa?

H-4 visa application process In all cases, the H1-B visa holder is the principal applicant. The Spouses of H1-B holders and their children who are under 21 can apply for H-4 visas from the United State's Consulate in their country of origin.

How long does it take to bring spouse to USA 2022?

Average time -- Five to 14.5 months (as of early 2022) for approval of the Form I-130, and additional time depending on individual circumstances. Summary of the Process -- The U.S. citizen starts the process by filing a Form I-130 with USCIS, either online or by mail.

Can I go with my wife for H4 visa interview?

Yes your wife can attend the visa interview all by herself, but make sure she carries all the necessary documents previous H1B stamp, marriage certificate, current company's 797.

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).

Who is principal applicant for H4 visa?

H1B visa holderthe principal applicant is always the H1B visa holder. Immediate family members like spouse and children under 21 yrs can qualify for this visa and can apply at the US Consulate in their home country.

Who is petitioner for H4 visa?

H-4 visa application process In all cases, the H1-B visa holder is the principal applicant. The Spouses of H1-B holders and their children who are under 21 can apply for H-4 visas from the United State's Consulate in their country of origin.

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...

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 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 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 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.

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.

What is an H4 visa?

The US H4 visa, also known as the Dependent Visa, is a visa category applicable to the spouse and children of US H-1B visa holders who want to accompany the H1B visa holder during their stay in America.

How much does an H4 visa cost?

At present, the fee for an H4 visa is $190, which is similar to other H type visas. After you have paid the fee, don’t forget to save the receipt. You’ll need to present this receipt at various stages of the visa application process.

How old do you have to be to get an H4 visa?

Children of an approved H type visa holder should be under the age of 21 years to be eligible for the H4 visa.

How to schedule an interview for H4 visa?

Just as in any other visa application, you need to schedule an interview appointment with the US embassy for the H4 visa too. This needs to be done immediately after filing the DS-160 form. Save the letter of confirmation you get on scheduling the interview for later use. The earlier you get the interview scheduled, the higher are the chances that the visa application process will be completed quickly.

Can a spouse work in the US on an H4 visa?

The Obama Administration, in 2015, had allowed such spouses to work in the US. For this, dependent visa holders, entering the US on an H4 visa, were issued employment authorization documents (EADs). According to a recent report by the Migration Policy Institute, EADs was issued to more than 71,000 spouses of H-1B visa holders as of early 2017.

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 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.

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.

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.

Validity

The status of the H-4 visa is connected to the H visa holder. If the H visa holder loses their status, the H4 visa will lose their status as well. If the H visa holder’s status is extended then the H-4 visa will be extended as well.

Benefits of the H4 Visa

The H4 visa holder will be able to live and study in the U.S. Spouses of H-1B holders can also work. In order to work they need to get valid Employment Authorization Documents (EAD). Also since 2015, H-4 visa holders can apply for lawful permanent residence (green cards).

H4 Visa Application

When applying for an H4 visa, the applicant will need to take the following steps:

Documents Required for H4 Visa

Applicants must provide the following documents to apply for the H4 visa:

H4 Visa Interview Questions

After the applicant has applied online and submitted their documents, they need to attend the H4 visa interview. During the interview, the interviewers will try to determine the legitimacy of the applicant’s relationship with the H type visa holder.

H4 Visa Status

The applicant can enter their application number on the US Embassy website to check the visa status. You can check your H4 visa cases through CEAC Visa Status Check online portal, using the case number or CEAC barcode on the DS-160 confirmation page. Once the H4 visa is processed, the embassy will notify the applicant.

H4 Visa Processing Time

The H4 visa processing times vary from country to country. It is likely that the visa will take as long as the spouse or parent’s H visa takes to process.

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.

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:

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:

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 long is a visa application valid for?

There is no fee to change an appointment and visa application fees are valid for one year in the country where the fee was paid. The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law.

What determines what type of visa is required?

The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law. As a visa applicant, you will need to establish that you meet all requirements to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.

When did Biden suspend travel to India?

On April 30, President Biden signed Presidential Proclamation 10199 suspending most nonimmigrant travel from India. In light of the travel suspension and due to the current pandemic situation in India, most other routine nonimmigrant visa and VAC appointments at U.S. Embassy New Delhi and the consulates in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, ...

Is there a drop box for visa renewal in India?

Drop Box Appointments: Consular sections across India are now accepting a limited number of drop box applications for renewals of H, L, C1/D, O, I, F, M, and J visas at our Visa Application Centers. Please visit our website to determine whether you are eligible for drop box processing and schedule an appointment for document drop-off. A list of drop-off locations is available on our website.