U.S. Visas: H-4

An H-4 visa is issued to the spouses an/or minor children of H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, and H-3 visa holders.

What Are The Requirements For an H-4 Visa?
Can H-4 Visa Holders be Employed?
How Long Is The H-4 Visa Valid?

What are the Requirements for an H-4 Visa?

CHANGE OF STATUS IN THE US:

If the applicant is presently in the United States, in valid status, VISANOW can file an application for a change of status to H-4 with the USCIS.

H-4 APPLICATION AT A US CONSULATE:

If the applicant is residing outside of the United States, the applicant will submit Form DS-156 and possibly the DS-157 to the Consular office in the country where he/she resides.

An interview at the local U.S. embassy is required for almost all applicants for H-4 visas. The waiting times for the interviews will vary. If the H-4 visa is approved, the embassy will issue a visa stamp in the applicant’s passport within a week of the interview. The officer may request that some applicants provide additional information.

Applicants for H-4 visas must show that their spouse or parent has been granted H-1B status and that they are otherwise admissible to the US.

Can H-4 Visa Holders be Employed?

The H-4 visa does not permit the holder to engage in productive employment.

How Long Is The H-4 Visa Valid?

An H-4 visa is generally valid for as long as the H-1B, H-2A, H-2B or H-3 visa is valid. If the primary applicant is applying for an extension of status in the U.S., VISANOW can also prepare and file and extension for the H-4 visa holder.