What is an H-4 visa?

Please update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. An H-4 visa is a visa issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to immediate family members (spouse and children under 21 years of age) of the H-1B visa holders.

Can a H4 visa holder work without a job offer?

Of course, if H4 visa EAD holder chooses not to work, that is absolutely fine too. H4 visa based EAD holder can start their own business of any kind. H4 visa holder does not need a job offer in order to be eligible for EAD. There is no quota for H4 EAD , and there is also no deadline to apply for the same.

Is H4 visa based EAD available for H-1 visa holders?

The H4 visa based EAD is available only to spouses of H-1 visa holders who fall into one of following two categories: H-1B spouse must be the beneficiary of an approved I-140, petition for immigrant worker.

What documents do I need for H4 visa interview?

There are several H4 visa documents the applicant must bring to either prove their marital status or their dependency on the primary visa holder (H1B family member). These documents include: US visa interview appointment letter (emailed to you when applying for the interview) A valid passport.

Can a family member of an H-1B1 visa holder get a H-4 visa?

USCIS allows immediate family members of H visa holders (H-1A, H-1B, H-1B1, H-2A, H-2B, or H-3) 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 for change of status.

Can a H-4 dependent spouse of an H-1B non-immigrant apply for Employment Authorization?

These H-4 dependent spouses are also eligible to receive social security numbers. An H-4 dependent spouse of an H-1B non-immigrant can file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization to obtain an employment authorization document (EAD), if the H-1B non-immigrant:

Is there a waiting list for non-immigrant visas?

However, there are a limited number of these visas available each year. Immigrant Visas are subject to numerical limits and once the quota is filled, applicants are placed on a waiting list until a visa becomes available. Non-Immigrant Visas are easier to obtain than Immigrant Visas, and usually do not involve a waiting list.

How can I Check my H4 visa 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 to get H-4 visa stamping?

You will need the following documents for getting H-4 visa stamping: Confirmation page of online submitted Form DS-160 with CEAC bar code. Fees to be paid in advance before taking an appointment.

How to fill out Form DS-160 for H4 visa?

You will need to fill Form DS-160 online. When you start your H4 visa application, you will get the DS-160 barcode. You need to keep the barcode confirmation page, print it, and bring it with you when you have your interview.