A photocopy of the primary H visa holder Fill the I-539 form to apply for a change in status with the USCIS to get the H4 visa
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
What is the Tax ID for H-4 visa holders?
The tax ID is called ITIN. The visa holder must send this form to the IRS address. Note that it is not the same as the tax return address. When filing tax returns, also file the W-7 form to get an ITIN. As of May 26, 2015, some H-4 visa holders can apply for a work permit and be able to work.
How to get a driving license with an H4 visa?
If you go to the Social Security Administration office, and bring your I-94, passport, and H4 visa, they will give you a letter to declares that you are not eligible for an SSN. You will then be able to use this letter instead of an SSN when applying for a driving license. Loans for H4 Visa Holders
How to get address proof for H4 visa application?
In case if Utility Bill is not available for H4 candidates, then get a letter from your Spouse Employer stating that your spouse and you, are staying at “so and so” address. This is enough for address proof. Yadavi Dixit | December 20, 2016 at 12:48 pm| Reply
How do I apply for a H4 visa for my spouse?
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 can I get proof of address for H-4 dependents?
Proof of address (utility bill, for example) Accommodation lease. Bank statements (US bank) Proof of medical insurance.
Can H4 visa holder get a driver's license?
You will have to take your Visa, I-94, Passport & H4 papers (May be your spouse's H1B papers). This letter is very important as you would have to take it to the Drivers license office.
Is H4 visa eligible for SSN?
H-4 visa holders are not eligible to get a Social Security Number and cannot be employed, but can hold a driver's license, open bank account(s) and get ITIN for IRS Tax purpose.
Is H4 visa holder a legal resident?
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 H4 stay in US after 240 days of i94 expiry?
H4 can stay up to 240 days after i94 expiry - legally USCIS says that a person is considered OUT-OF-STATUS after 240 days of i-94 expiry. This too, when you have filed the extension application before your i94 expiry and have not received any final result.
Can H4 open a bank account?
H4 Visa Holders and Bank Accounts If it's a yes or no question, then the answer is “yes.” You can definitely open a bank account in the U.S. as an H4 visa holder.
Does H4 visa holders need to file tax return?
H4 visa holders need to file tax returns in the U.S. Just like regular citizens, they need to be compliant with tax laws.
Is it mandatory to have health insurance on H4 visa?
Do H4 Visa Holders Need Health Insurance? Even though it may not always be required by law, it is always advisable for all US residents to have health insurance, even H4 visa holders.
Can H4 visa holder work in USA?
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.
How long is H4 visa valid?
three yearsYour H-4 visa status is tied to your H-1B spouse's status. Therefore, it will be valid for as long as the H-1B is valid, which is an initial period of three years with the opportunity to extend it to a maximum of six.
How many H-4 visas are allowed in USA?
Characteristics of H-4 Visa Recipients The number of H-4 visas allocated to family members of H-category nonimmigrant workers increased from 47,206 in Fiscal Year (FY) 1997 to 136,393 in FY 2017.
Can my wife work on H4 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 H4 get driving license in Texas?
To get a driving license with an H4 visa in Texas, you'll need these documents: Completed application for a driver's license. Evidence of lawful presence in the United States. Proof of residency.
Can I do Masters on H4 visa?
Regardless of your reasons to study in the US, you may wonder if you are allowed to study masters on H4 or L2 visa. The good news is that you can study on H4 visa or L2 visa either as a part-time or full-time student.
Can H4 visa holder travel outside US?
Yes, you can travel out of US, when your H4 Change of Status is pending. But, the most important thing to understand is that your H4 COS application filed with USCIS using Form I-539 would be considered abandoned and subsequently denied, if you leave US when it is pending.
Can my wife work on H4 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 you add videos to your watch history?
Videos you watch may be added to the TV's watch history and influence TV recommendations. To avoid this, cancel and sign in to YouTube on your computer.
Can the rules vary from state to state?
No, the rules can vary from state to state.
Is it possible to get a driving license without a social security number?
Without a Social Security Number (SSN), getting a driving license can be difficult — but not impossible.
Can I use my SSN instead of my I-94?
This is not the case. If you go to the Social Security Administration office, and bring your I-94, passport, and H4 visa, they will give you a letter to declares that you are not eligible for an SSN. You will then be able to use this letter instead of an SSN when applying for a driving license.
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.
What happens if my passport doesn't have a date of entry?
If your passport does not have a date-of-entry on it, then it would be considered invalid. The exception includes aliens from Mexico, Canada, or dependents of military personnel serving overseas. So alternatively , you have to provide proof of residence in the U.S. For this particular purpose, you can use the following documents:
What to do if your passport is expired?
This should be an original version and valid. If your passport is expired or you cannot provide it for any reason, then you can submit any two of the following 12 documents that will support your identity.
What forms are needed to file an ITIN?
When applying for an ITIN, you need to supplement it with that year’s federal income tax return document. Form W-7 should be attached to the front of each tax document, which could include Form 1040, Form 1040A, and Form 1040EZ.
Do H4 visa holders need to file taxes?
H4 visa holders need to file tax returns in the U.S. Just like regular citizens, they need to be compliant with tax laws. Now that you know why an H4 visa holder needs an ITIN, it’s important to understand what the ITIN cannot do for you. An ITIN does not:
When will state income tax be processed?
State income tax returns will be processed after the completion of the federal income return.
Can IRS agents share case numbers?
IRS agents may share a case number to track the issue. Make a note of that number for the follow-up.
Do IRS agents need visa information?
IRS agent will require all your information and the information of the primary visa holder. Keep the information ready before calling.
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:
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.
How to get a H4 visa in California?
California H4 Visa holders Driving License : If you are in California, you can schedule an online appointment for office visit by filling out details. The process is pretty standard. If you need application form, you can call the DMV office and ask them to mail the form, then you can fill it at home and carry it. You need to carry the letter from SSA office that you are not eligible for SSN. More info check : Driving license and ID card information
How many points do you need for a H4 visa in New York?
New York H4 visa holders license : In New York State, it is point system. You need 6 points. Check this document Form ID 44 for Points weightage. You get 4 points for Passport, 1 point for Health insurance and 1 point for Bank Account/ATM card. Sometimes, you can also get 1 point for utility bill too
Is a driving license required for H4 visa holders?
Getting a driving license is very important for H4 visa holder. As I mentioned, It is not a good idea to carry your passport for ID, it is important to get an official ID. There are some challenges and misconceptions among H4 visa holders on how can they get driving license. I will try to put in few scenarios in some states ...
Is a H4 visa valid in Virginia?
Virginia H4 visa holders Driving license : It is pretty much same for Virginia, you may have to explain more. You can check the DMV 141 Document for list of documents needed or you can use the online document guide for Driving license or ID cards.
Do H4 visa holders get SSN?
As you know , H4 visa holders do not get Social Security Number (SSN). But, what you should do is, go to the Social Security Administration office and get a letter from them saying that “You are not eligible for SSN”. You will have to take your Visa, I-94, Passport & H4 papers (May be your spouse’s H1B papers).
Do you need to carry all the documents for an H4 visa?
For the most part, most of the states look for these kinds of documents. Not all of them are mandatory, some are optional . It is recommended that you carry all the optional documents as well, so that you do not face any issues at the DMV. Below is the typical list of documents needed; these correspond to H4 visa holder.
Can I bring my spouse with me on my H1B visa?
Depending on state sometimes they ask for H1B visa holders Passport, SSN and I-94. So, it is a good idea for your spouse to come along with you with documents. ( Optional)
What documents are needed for a state ID?
Common proofs of identity include: Original or certified copies of birth certificates. Adoption records. Valid and unexpired United States passports.
What do you need to get an ID?
To apply for a DMV ID card, applicants must generally prove their identities, residency, citizenship and that they hold a valid Social Security Number. The exact process of applying, however, can differ, depending on the applicant’s state of residency, age and other factors. For instance, minors generally do not have sufficient documentation of identity, and may need parental affidavits. In some states, minors and young adults are held to different application processes and requirements than adults or seniors. DMV ID card fee scales may vary by age, as well.
How much does a DMV ID cost?
DMV ID cost varies widely from state to state. In some states, such as Arkansas, IDs are available for nominal fees (e.g. $5). In others, IDs cost the same, or nearly the same as drivers licenses to apply for, renew and replace.
Why are IDs printed vertically?
In some states, IDs are intentionally printed vertically, instead of horizontally, to make them readily identifiable as non-driver IDs. In either case, a state identification card provides its holder nearly all of the same non-driving privileges and abilities as a drivers license. Holders may use their cards as legally accepted proof ...
What is enhanced state ID?
Enhanced state ID cards typically have slightly higher documentation requirements than standard IDs. At the same time, most require somewhat less stringent documentation than REAL IDs. Likewise, enhanced IDs also offer privileges that fall somewhere between standard and REAL IDs. Which privileges are granted will be specific to the state.
What are the steps to registering for a new job?
In general, however, the process is usually comprised of the following steps: Ordering, gathering or preparing documentation (e.g. birth certificates, Passports, court records and affidavits) Pre-registering online (optional and variable by state) Scheduling an appointment (optional and variable by state)
Do you have to surrender your ID to the DMV?
Finally, DMV ID card requirements also consistently obligate applicants to surrender any other IDs they current hold, such as drivers licenses issued by any state. (Military and Military dependent IDs are exempt from this requirement.
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.
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.
