H4 Visa / Dependents Visa
H4 Visa Basics
This is visa is 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.
Immediate family members include only the spouse and unmarried children(under 21 years). Family members are admitted for the same period for which the Principal Applicatnt(h1b holder) is admitted.
If one is applying for h4 visa along with the principal applicant( who is applying for H1) simultaneously then you can submit both of your applications together.
H-4 visa holders are not authorized to be employed in the US and are not eligible to get a Social Security Number. Although, they can try and get a drivers license, open bank account(s) and are eligible for an ITIN (Tax ID for IRS Tax purposes).
Documents required for H4 or Dependant Visa
- Completed Non-immigration Visa application Form DS-156. Separate form for each applicant. [Form filing Guidelines-help | Sample Form DS-156]
- Completed Form DS-157
- Application visa fee original receipt issued by the bank authorized for this purpose.
- Copy of interview appointment letter which you get at the time of setting appointment with VFS online or in person.
- Valid passport of each applicant.
- One photograph: 2 and 2 inches square (50 mm square) for each applicant, showing full face, without head covering, against a light background. To be used in the application Form. US consulates are very particular about the Photographs specification. Must follow these guidelines for photographs. Check out the Guidelines for Photographs required for US visa.
- Original receipt of application fee (payment made at HDFC). For current visa fees rates, mode of payment, and other details visit Current Visa Fee page
- If the applicant is below 14 yrs of age, Original Birth Certificate of this applicant (child) is required.
- Original marriage certificate.
- Entire wedding photo album.
- A copy of of each sides marriage invitation card.
- Complete 36 pages copy of your principal H1's passport
- I-94 Copy of H1B holder (only if H1B holder is already in USA).
- Copy of principal H1 holders approved petition I797, form I-129 and LCA.
- H1 holder's employment verification letter. See the sample.
- Pay stubs from principal applicant's current place of work and income tax return (if the H1 holder is already working in USA. )
- Employment letter from H1B holder's current employer
- Bank draft for visa issuance Fee.
H4 Visa Frequently asked questions
Is it possible for H4 visa holder to work in United States?
No, H4 visa holders are not permitted to work in USA. In order to work
one must qualify, fulfil and complete all the requirements for the working
visa category i.e H1b.
Who can qualify under H4 visa category?
Immediate family members of H1b visa holder can qualify under h4 Visa
category. Immediate family members include only the spouse and unmarried
children(under 21 years).
H4 Visa is granted for how long in most cases.
H4 visa can be granted for the same period for which the principal applicant(h1b
holder) is granted.
Can H4 Visa holders study in United States?
Yes, H4 Visa holders may study on H-4 visa. There is no need to apply
for a student visa i.e F-1. There are no travel restrictions on H-4 visa
holders.
Can H4 Visa holders travel in and outside US anytime?
Yes, H4 Visa holders can Travel in and out of the United States or remain
in the United States continuously as long as they are in the status
What should i do if US consulate holds my case under Section 221(g)?
This situation suggest that your case requires further administrative
action and its currently on HOLD. It is not a refusal or rejection it
means that it is on hold. Please follow the instructions that were given
in refusal document 221g. The application fee paid earlier to schedule
the initial interview remains valid for the subsequent interview up to
one year from date of payment.