how to renew h4 visa

If you need additional time, you can apply for an H4 Visa extension by filling out and submitting Form I-539 before your visa expires. To be eligible for an H4 visa renewal, you must resubmit evidence of your relationship with the primary H visa beneficiary. Comprehensive immigration advice tailored to your circumstances and goals.

Full Answer

Can I cancel a H4 visa?

Yes, you can use the same format and send H4 EAD Application withdrawal as well. There is no format given by USCIS, all they need it details of your application and reason for withdrawal. Do I need to notarize the H4 Withdrawal letter before I send to USCIS ?

Do we need to transfer H4 visa?

H4 and H4 EAD do NOT need any transfer. H4 and H4 EAD do NOT need any transfer. You are okay with your current H4 and H4 EAD validity till 15 Aug 2021. Issues with H4 stamping after H1B transfer. No, there is no issue with stamping. Stamping is ONLY needed to enter the USA. Travel on current H4

Do H4 need new stamping with H1B visa transfer?

No, the same concept explained above applies to H4 visa dependents as well. If the H4 visa holder’s visa stamp on the passport is valid, they can use the same visa stamp and present the New H1B approval notice copy of their spouse after transfer. They do not need to go for re-stamping.

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. ...

How long does it take to renew H-4 visa?

However, processing times at all four USCIS Service Centers for standalone H-4 EAD renewals are currently listed at 8.5 to 12 months. If renewal applicants cannot file more than 6 months in advance, but processing times exceed 6 months, a gap in employment authorization will result.

How do I extend my H-4 visa?

There are two ways family members can acquire or extend H-4 status: (A) by applying for H-4 visas at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside the U.S. and then applying for H-4 admission at a U.S. port of entry or (B) by submitting a Form I-539 (and Form I-539A for each additional dependent) application to USCIS while they ...

Can I apply H-4 extension 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. Example: If you have an H4 kid who can normally be added to your H4 extension i539 form, then you cannot file the H4 extension online.

When should I file H-4 extension?

You can apply for H4 EAD renewal 180 days before the current EAD card expiry.

What happens if H4 visa expires?

H4 spouses will qualify for the automatic extension of their valid EAD for 180 days beyond the date of the EAD expiration if the nonimmigrant spouse: Files a Form I-765 before the current the EAD expires; and. Continues to maintain H-4 status beyond the expiration of the existing EAD.

How much does it cost for H4 extension?

$370. You and each co-applicant must also pay an $85 biometric services fee.

What documents are needed for H4 extension?

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 I travel to India when H4 extension is in process?

Yes, you can travel out of US with your H4 EAD in pending status, provided you meet all the H4 visa requirements to re-enter US.

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”.

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.

Can I change my status from an H4 Visa to a Green Card?

Your H4 status is linked to the main H visa holder’s permit. Most of the visas that fall into this category are dual intent, meaning they allow a c...

How can I submit a successful H4 Visa application?

As part of your H4 Visa process, you will need to upload several documents. Your evidence must prove your marital or dependency status with the pri...

What is the H4 visa processing time?

Your H4 Visa processing time may vary based on the country from which you submitted your form. As a general rule, both the main H Visa and the depe...

Do you need guidance on your H4 Visa application?

If you wish to join your family members in the U.S. while they are employed under an H-type visa, we can help you with your H4 Visa process. Howeve...

What should I expect from my H4 Visa interview?

There are no fixed questions for an interview. Based on your circumstances, the officer will investigate different aspects of your application. How...

Where to mail H class package?

Mail the package to the USCIS service center with jurisdiction over the state the H-class visa holder is currently working in. Additional tracking options including delivery confirmation and return receipt are recommended to provide you proof of when the package was received by the service center. Once the service center has processed the package and entered the information into its computer, you will be mailed a I-797, Notice of Action. A second I-797 will be sent once a decision is made on the visa.

What documents are needed to attach to an I-539?

Depending on your relationship, this will be the marriage registration, birth certificate or adoption certificate issued by a government office. Attach a copy and maintain the original document for your records.

How to apply for H4 visa?

To apply for an H4 Visa, you must file the Form DS-160 online. When you pay the application fee, do not forget to save the receipt as you will need it during your interview. The H4 Visa is the same cost as the other H types permits ($190). After filing your petition, you can schedule your interview appointment.

What is the H4 Visa application process?

To apply for an H4 visa, you must file the Form DS-160 online. When you pay the application fee, do not forget to save the receipt as you will need it during your interview. The H4 Visa is the same cost as the other H types permits ($190).

What is the H4 visa?

An H4 Visa is issued to dependent family members of those who received H temporary employment visas. In other words, it is available for the immediate family members of the following permit categories:

What are the benefits of holding an H-4 Visa?

Once in the United States under an H-4 visa, dependent spouses and children can legally do the following:

What is the H4 EAD Program?

To be eligible for lawful employment, H4 visa holders must be dependent spouses of an H1B visa holder. In order to work legally in the United States, the spouses must file Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Furthermore, their H1B spouse must meet the following qualifications:

What are the required H-4 Visa documents?

As part of your H4 Visa process, you will need to upload several documents. Your evidence must prove your marital or dependency status with the primary H-type visa holder. An adequate supporting portfolio must include at least the following:

How to apply for an H4 extension?

If you need additional time, you can apply for an H4 Visa extension by filing out and submitting Form I-539 before your visa expires .

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 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.

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 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.

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.

What to do after renewing a visa?

After you submit your documents for visa renewal, you have to go to the US embassy and sit for an interview with a visa officer. They will ask you questions about your trip, the reason you are applying for the visa, as well as more personal information, such as your salary and relationships. They will ask you anything that will help them make a decision.

What Is the Validity of a Renewed US Visa?

In most cases, you will receive a new visa with the same validity and conditions as your expired visa.

Why is my US visa application rejected?

Most often, applications for US visas are rejected because of incomplete documentation or because they are suspicious of the applicant’s intent in the US. When your US visa application is denied, you have the option to apply for an Ineligibility Waiver.

What is the form for a US visa?

The application form for US visas is called Form DS-160, and it is the same online form for all non-immigrant visas and US visa renewals. You can complete Form DS-160 in one of the following methods:

Where to inquire about interview waiver?

Inquire with the Visa Application Center or the US Embassy about the possibility of an interview waiver.

How long does a passport have to be valid?

Your passport. It has to be valid for at least another six months from the time you plan to leave the US. Any previous passports that have an expired US visa in them. Two passport-size pictures, in line with the US visa photo requirements. Not the same ones you used in your original application.

What happens when you complete the DS-160?

If you are nervous about completing the DS-160, such companies are beneficial because they are used to dealing with Embassies and Consulates, and are well-informed regarding the application process and required documents. When you complete the application, you will be redirected to a confirmation page.

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.

What is the purpose of submitting supporting evidence to USCIS?

Submitting sufficient supporting evidence will minimize the likelihood that USCIS will need to send you a request for more evidence.

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:

When will USCIS stop extending nonimmigrant status?

On or after March 9, 2021, applicants and petitioners should not provide information required solely by the Public Charge Final Rule.

How to pay for USCIS lockbox?

When filing at a USCIS Lockbox facility, you may also pay by credit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. If you pay by check, you must make your check payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Is USCIS revising form instructions?

USCIS is in the process of revising form instructions to reflect the changes made by this policy update. Any revisions to the form instructions will be made in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. Alert: On Nov. 2, 2020, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois vacated the Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds final ...

How long does it take to renew an H4 EAD?

You can apply for H4 EAD renewal 180 days before the current EAD card expiry. USCIS allows us to file H4 EAD with H1B Amendment and H1B transfer applications even if the current card is valid for more than 180 days.

What is the admission record number on an H4?

The admission record number on H4’s i94 fetched from the CBP site is what should be written on the back of each photo.

What is the H4 EAD fee?

H4 EAD fees check for $410 payable to ‘ U.S. Department of Homeland Security ‘. Short forms like USCIS are not allowed on personal or cashier or money order. Personal check from your checking or savings account in Bank of America, Chase, etc. is allowed. A certified check is not required. H4 EAD application check.

How long does it take to get your SSN card?

Your SSN card will be automatically generated after your EAD is approved within 3-4 weeks mailed by USPS.

What to do if your employer has not shared the I-140?

If your employer has not shared the I-140 approval copy with you, use USCIS FOIA request to get I-140 details.

How many photos are required for H4 EAD?

Two identical 2×2 inch photographs clicked within the last 30 days are required for the H4 EAD application.

Do you add biometric fees to H4 EAD?

Do not add biometric fees to the H4 EAD check. Calculate the current USCIS H4 EAD fee.