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-53…
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-53…
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
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. ...
Can a H4 visa holder have foreign income?
There is no restriction on H4 visa for any length of time the visa holder needing to stay in US. One caveat to the rule is, you are not supposed to earn while you’re physically in USA on H4 visa. But, as a thumb rule, if you take a vacation from work in India and come to USA, then it should be totally fine. Yes, that is possible.
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.
Who is eligible for H-4 visa?
The H4 visa is issued to the spouse and children (below 21) who are dependents of the H1 B holders by the USCIS. It is issued to the dependent family members who wish to travel along with the H1B holders. As long as the H1B visa holder's permit is valid, the H4 visa holder can continue their stay with their spouse.
How can I get H-4 dependent visa?
To apply for the US Dependent Visa you will have to:Fill the digital Form DS -160.Pay the fees for H-4 Visa.Schedule the appointment for the Visa interview.Submit all the documents required for the Visa.Attend the interview.Obtain the H-4 Visa.
Are H-4 dependents allowed to work?
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.
Is H-4 spouse a dependent?
As a family you will be able to save more taxes than being a single and claiming dependent indeed gives better tax benefits. In general, for tax purposes wife is regarded as spouse (whether on H4), not as dependent.
How long is H-4 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 much is H-4 visa fee?
One form I-539, and one filing fee of $370 should be submitted per family, regardless of the number of H-4 applicants.
Can H-4 convert to H-1B?
Any H4 visa holder may convert from H4 to H1B visa status as long as they meet the H1B visa requirements. The H4 visa holder’s sponsoring H1B employer must file his or her H1B petition. The H1B sponsoring employer will need to submit the following along with Form I-129.
How long does H-4 visa processing take?
between 2-9 monthsWhile 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 H-4 stay in US without H1?
4 attorney answers. As long as the H-1B principal has valid status and the H-4 beneficiary have valid status it is okay to remain in the US while H-1B travels outside the US.
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.
How many H-4 visas are allowed in USA?
Characteristics of H-4 Visa RecipientsFiscal YearTotal Number of H-4 Visas IssuedCountries with Highest Number and Percent of H-4 Visas Issued2014109,1473,6782015124,4844,1542016131,0514,6012017136,3934,77019 more rows•Mar 26, 2018
What is the age limit for h4 dependent child?
21 years of ageH-4 eligibility Unmarried children under 21 years of age and spouses of H-1B employees are eligible for H-4 status. A child can no longer stay in the U.S. as an H-4 dependent once they turn 21.
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.
Who is eligible for H4 visa?
Who is eligible for an H4 visa? The USCIS will allow immediate family members of H-visa holders, including the H1B visa, to obtain a H4 visa to lawfully come and stay in the US with their spouse or parent. 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 ...
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.
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 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.
What is H4 Visa ?
H4 Visa or H4 dependent visa is the US visa category given to the spouse and children ( under 21 years of age) of all H visa holders such as H1B Visa, H1B1 Visa, H2A, H2B and H3. H4 visa is treated as dependent visa, meaning its validity and status are tied to the primary H visa holder. USCIS classifies it as given to Family of H1B visa. Unlike H1B Visa Cap, that has annual limit of 85,000 per year, H4 visas do not have any annual limit. As long as the H1B holder is counted towards H1B cap and got visa to work in US, H4 visa holders can join them and go to US.
How to Apply for H4 Visa ?
The process to apply for H4 Visa depends on the physical location where the H4 visa application currently lives. If the H4 applicant lives outside of US, then they need to apply for H4 Visa at the nearest US Consulate or US Embassy. Unlike, if the H4 applicant is already living in US on a different visa status, then they need to apply for H4 Change of Status with USCIS. Let’s look at each of the processes.
What form do I use to apply for H4 EAD?
If the H4 visa holder qualifies for H4 EAD, then they can apply for employment authorization document (EAD) with USCIS using form I-765. For step by step instructions, Read How to apply for H4 EAD, Biometrics
What does an H4 EAD card look like?
It looks like a driving license card with details of the H4 holder , with photo, including work authorization category, validity, etc.
What is an H4 approval notice?
If you have got H4 status by applying for Change of Status within US, you will get a H4 approval notice, that is basically a form I-797A that state your details, and validity of H4 status, including the I-94. Check Sample H4 Visa Approval Notice with I-94
When will H4 biometrics be suspended?
In early 2019, USCIS introduced New I-539 form, with Biometrics as an additional step under Trump administration. But, in May 2021, Biden administration suspended the H4 Biometrics for two years until May 2023. If you file H4 COS or Extension application after May 2021, you do not need to attend biometrics by default.
Will USCIS waive H4 biometrics?
USCIS has waived biometrics for H4 visas from May 2021 for two years. But, on a case by case basis, they may issue biometrics appointment. Get H4 Approval Notice with I-94 that indicates your new status and duration of the same, if approved by USCIS. USCIS is yet to introduce Premium Processing for H4 Visa, H4 EAD .
What is an H4 visa?
A H4 visa is issued to dependent family members (spouse and children) of H1 visa holders who would like to accompany the H1B visa holder to the U.S. during their stay. This article outlines the complete process on how to apply for H4 dependent visas. In such a case, the principal applicant is always the H1B visa holder. Immediate family members like spouse and children under 21 years old may qualify for a H4 visa and may apply at a US Consulate in their home country.
How to apply for H4 visa?
If you are applying for your visa along with your spouse, who is applying for H1 simultaneously, then you can submit both applications together. An H4 visa allows visa holders to: 1 Get a driver's license 2 Pursue education 3 Open bank account (s) 4 Become eligible for an ITIN (Tax ID for IRS Tax purposes) 5 Work in the US
When will H4 visa holders get EAD?
However, effective May 26, 2015, certain H4 visa holders will be able to apply for work permit (get EAD) and be able to work. H4 Visa EAD
What is PCI DSS?
The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)—which was developed by the PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) created by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and JCB—is an extensive set of technical and operational standards that a company needs to follow to ensure that all companies that process, store, or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment.
Can a family member be admitted to a non-immigrant?
Family members may alternatively be admitted in other nonimmigrant categories for which they quali fy, such as the F-1 category for children or spouses who will be students or the H-1B category for a spouse whose employer has also obtained approval of an H-1B petition to employ the spouse.
Can family members work on H4 visa?
However, family members cannot engage in any form of employment in the H-4 visa category. In order to work, family members must obtain USCIS permission through the approval of a change of status application to a nonimmigrant category permitting employment. Since H4 visa holders are not allowed to work, they are not issued the Social Security Number.
Who is eligible for an H4 visa?
Immediate family members i.e. spouses and children under the age of 21 years are eligible.
What is the H4 processing time?
If you are applying for an H4 visa outside the United States, the processing time depends on the availability of visa interview appoint of regional US consulate.
How to apply ITIN for H4?
You can apply for ITIN with an H1B visa holder’s income tax return. You have to file income tax jointly and send the paper-based application to IRS. Alternatively, you can take an appointment at a local taxpayer assistance center to send your ITIN application along with income tax returns. Income tax refund will be delayed due to the processing time required for ITIN.
Can H4 visa holders apply for a driving license?
H4 visa holders are eligible to apply for a driving license and State ID .
Can H4 visa holders work?
The H4 visa holders cannot work. If the primary H1B applicant has approved I-140, then the H4 visa can apply for H4 EAD. H4 visa holders can only work after the approval of H4 EAD.
What is an H-4 visa?
The H-4 is a temporary, nonimmigrant visa category for the spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age (dependents) of individuals in one of the following nonimmigrant visa categories: H-1B (workers in a specialty occupation)
Why is it important to allow H-4 spouses to work?
Notably, allowing spouses to work brings the United States in line with other countries competing to attract talented foreign nationals.
Can an H-4 dependent attend school?
Thus, these individuals are referred to as “H-4 dependents.”. H-4 dependents can attend school. However, they are not eligible for temporary employment related to their field of study—something available to some foreign students, such as those in an F-1 status. H-4 dependents can apply for an extension to remain 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.
What Can a Person Do With an H-4 Visa?
The holder will enjoy several privileges available to American citizens. They can:
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.
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:
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 EAD to work in USA?
This includes filing different H-4 EAD documents and paying H-4 EAD fees. Before you start your application process for the EAD, make sure to first check whether you are eligible for it or not. In case of eligibility, you can then start the procedures to get your EAD.
What kind of H-4 EAD jobs am I allowed to find?
As mentioned, it is not necessary to have a job offer in order to apply for the EAD. So if you have one before you apply, that is perfectly fine, but if you don’t it will not cause you any problems. After going through the EAD application process and getting the authorization, you can start looking for jobs.
What is the form I-765?
Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
Which form proves your stay in the U.S. has been extended?
Form I-797 and Form I-539 which prove your stay in the U.S has been extended.
Can I start working if I don't have an I-766?
If USCIS approves your application and you are given the EAD, you will receive Form I-766, which allows you to start working. You cannot begin employment if you don’t have a Form I-766.
Do I qualify for the H4 EAD Program?
Not all those who have an H-4 visa and are dependents of H-1B visa holders are eligible to apply for an EAD. There are two requirements, and H-4 dependents need to satisfy at least one of them to qualify for an H-4 EAD application. The requirements are as follows: