Everything There Is To Know About The H4 Visa: Application, FAQs & More

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.

You need to take the following steps when applying for H4 visa:

• Apply online

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.

• Pay the applicable H4 visa fees

H4 visa fees are the same as other H type visas. Currently, the application fee for this visa is $205. Pay the fee and save the receipt, as you will need it later during your application procedures.

• Schedule a visa interview appointment

Schedule an H4 visa interview with the US Embassy after filing the DS-160 form. Schedule your interview early to finish your H4 visa application faster. Save your interview confirmation letter.

• Compile the H4 visa document file

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.
• Photocopy of your spouse’s/parent’s I-129 form, I-797 form, and the Labor Certification Application (LCA).
• A copy of your spouse’s/parent’s passport with a clear, identifiable photo.
• Your spouse’s/parent’s letter of employment in the US.
• 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 US.
• If you are the child of the H type visa holder, submit the original birth certificate.
• Marriage certificate. Since many applicants try to fake being married to each other, you have to prove that you have married according to your country’s wedding tradition or at the wedding registrar. You can do that through submitting this proof:
• Wedding photographs where you and your spouse are clearly seen in the pictures and DVDs.
• Wedding invitations.
• List of wedding guests.
• Receipts for payments of wedding expenses.
• Booking receipts of your honeymoon or other post-marriage trips.
• If married only at the wedding registrar, you need to have these:
• Copy of your signed wedding registrar affidavit.
• Pictures of you and your spouse signing the marriage certificate.
• Pictures of your witnesses and whoever was conducting the ceremony.

• Attend the visa interview

The visa interview follows online application and document submission. The interviewers will assess your relationship with the H-visa holder. H4 visa interview inquiries about your US intentions are also typical.
Interviewers will inquire what you’ll do in the US and if you’ll break the law. Prepare for the interview by stating your reasons for going and answering questions about your spouse or parent. The H4 visa depends on your interview and application.

• Get your visa

Enter your application number on the US Embassy website to verify visa status. H4 visa processing will be notified by the Embassy. The H4 visa requires visa stamping. Visa stamping is the last step before booking a US vacation.

If you are outside the US, you must apply for an H4 visa at the US Embassy where your spouse or parent applied or in your home country if you and your spouse are different nationalities. USCIS accepts H4 visa applications from US residents.

Remember that an H4 visa or other US visa does not ensure US entrance. The port of entry personnel and DHS decide. You can enter the US if they deem it safe.

• H4 Visa Processing Time

The processing times for the H4 visa are different from country to country. Since your H4 status depends on your spouse or parent’s H visa, it may take as long as their visa to process. If you file for an H-2A visa with your spouse, it will take the same amount of time.

If you apply individually, the US Embassy will handle the H4 visa according to their workload.

• How Long Can I Stay in the US With an H4 Visa?

The H4 visa requires your spouse or parent’s I-797 form. This form lists your spouse or parent’s visa validity dates. Based on this, the US Embassy will give you a visa with the same validity as your spouse or parent.

If your spouse has a 3-year visa, so will your H4 visa. That is your US stay limit.

• Can I Extend my H4 Visa?

If your spouse or parent files for an extension, you are also entitled to apply for an H4 visa extension. This can be accomplished by submitting Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.

In addition to this form, you must supply the following supporting documents:

• A copy of your most recent Form I-94
• Your spouse’s or parents most recent Form I-94
• Copies of your spouse’s or parent’s I-129 form and I-797 form and notice of approval
• Proof of your relationship with the H type visa holder, such as the marriage certificate for spouses and birth certificate for parents

• H4 Visa Interview Questions

The consular official will ask you various questions during your interview for an H4 Visa. Despite the fact that the questions are basic and straightforward, many people may find the interview stressful. That is why you should prepare your answers ahead of time.

The questions typically asked during an H4 Visa interview are listed below.

Questions about you and the reason you are applying for an H4 visa

The US authorities in charge of issuing visas want to know more about you, your reason for applying for a visa, and other details. Every H4 visa applicant may be asked the following questions:

• Which type of visa do you want approval for?
• Why are you applying for an H4 visa?
• Why do you need an H4 Visa?
• Did you make this appointment for the interview? Did someone else make the appointment for you?
• How did you obtain all the documents required for the H4 Visa interview?
• If your spouse is already in the United States, why are you choosing to apply for a visa now?
• Why are you applying for a visa now when you have married over a year ago/some time ago?
• What do you plan on doing in the United States?
• Are you planning to get a job in the United States?
• Do you have any family members living in the United States?
• Which city/town are you currently residing in your home country?
• Do you live with your family or friends?
• Whom do you plan to reside with, in the United States?
• Who will financially support you during your period of stay in the United States?

Questions about your marriage

The interviewer will quiz you about your marriage. This includes inquiries about how you met your partner and your wedding. Without hesitation, provide correct information for each question.

• Can you show me a document that legally states your marriage to the H-1 Visa holder?
• When did you first meet your spouse?
• Were you engaged before getting married to your spouse?
• How long have you and your spouse been married?
• Was your marriage, love marriage or arranged?
• Was your marriage registered? Do you have any proof of this?
• What is the date of your marriage?
• Can you show me some of your wedding pictures?
• Can you show me your wedding invitation?
• Who paid for your wedding, and how much did it cost?
• What is the duration for which you have been married to your current spouse?
• After marriage, did you go for your honeymoon? If yes, where?

Questions about your spouse

Your spouse is the third topic. The interviewer will ask you about her/him to determine if the spouse already in the US can support you financially, has a stable job, and plans to stay in the US.

Find out what your husband does and who his employer is. You must be ready to answer all questions or risk losing the visa.

• What is your spouse’s date of birth?
• What university/college did your spouse graduate from?
• In which month and year did your spouse get approval for the H-1 Visa?
• What is the highest degree of your spouse?
• What is the name of the company where your spouse works? Where are their headquarters located?
• What does your spouse do at his/her job?
• How long has your spouse been working in the US?
• How long has your spouse been working for his/her current employer?
• What did your spouse previously work?
• What is your spouse’s annual income?
• Can you provide a bank statement of your spouse’s bank account?
• Has your spouse obtained a green card?

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. If, for example, you find an employer who is willing to sponsor your visa, you can file for the type of visa in which you qualify. For example, if you get a temporary, non-agricultural job, you can apply for a change of status to an H-2B visa.

• Get a Green Card

Many H4 visa holders wonder if they may get a Green Card. Here, yes. Most H type visas are dual purpose, allowing non-immigrant and immigrant status. Applying for a Green Card from an H4 visa may delay your priority dates. Green Card approval may take years.

Applying for a Green Card after changing status to an H-1B visa is better. You may receive your Green Card sooner.

• Study

You can enroll in academic courses or programs. You will have the same opportunities as a student on an F-1 visa. However, if you get accepted to an academic program in the US as an F-1 student, then you could get the F-1 visa, instead of the H4.

• Open a Bank account for H4 visa holders

You can open your own H4 visa bank account like any other immigrant or citizen of the US with any banking institution. The procedure is easy and you can open it by providing your passport and local ID card.

• Get a driver’s license

H4 visa holders can apply for a driver’s license in the US. If they pass the necessary driver’s tests, they get the right to drive.

• Have access to healthcare

Obtaining health insurance for H4 visa holders will aid in the management of health-care costs in the event of illness or an accident. Despite the fact that it is not required, most US residents have health insurance since the cost of health care in the US is relatively high, and people with ordinary incomes cannot afford it if they have to pay out of pocket.

• Get ITIN number for H4 dependents

You will not be able to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) if you are not working as an H4 visa holder. Instead, you will be issued an ITIN tax identification number. This implies you’ll still have to submit taxes like everyone else with an SSN. If you are employed, you must obtain a Social Security Number.

• Work with an H4 visa

Before 2015, H4 visa work was prohibited. However, after 2015, H4 visa holders are allowed to work based on conditions specified by the H4 EAD program.