H-4 visa is a temporary non-immigrant visa for dependents of H visa holders.
The H-4 visa is a temporary nonimmigrant visa category for the spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age of H visa holders.
Unlike most other visas, there is no cap on the number of H4 visas issued
Beginning on May 26, 2015, select H4 visa holders became eligible to work in the U.S. To be able to work, an H4 visa holder must first apply for and be approved for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
Eligibility Requirements
Be the spouse that holds one of these US Work Visas:
- H-1B visa
- H-1B1 visa
- H-2A visa
- H-2B visa
- H-3 visa
OR
Be the child under 21 years old of an approved H type visa holder. Children of H visa holders who are over 21 years old or married cannot apply for the H4 visa.
Application and Authorization Process
Fill Form DS-160 online
Schedule an interview appointment with the U.S Embassy from which you are applying for the H4 visa.
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.
Time duration for approval
The processing times for the H4 visa are different from country to country. Since your H4 status is dependent on the status of the H type visa holder so your spouse or parent, it might take as long as it takes to process their visa. If, for example, your spouse is applying for an H-2A visa and you apply together, your visa will take the same time to process as your spouse’s.
Forms required to be submitted for this application
- DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form)
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD) (if applicable)
Information that you will have to provide
- Two US visa photographs.
- Photocopy of the primary H visa holder visa.
For interview:
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Birth certificate (if applicable)
How we can help
Our attorneys are available to consult with applicants discuss their options and responsibilities. To start the process:
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