What is an H-4 Visa? Eligibility, Application & Requirements

The H-4 visa is a dependent, non-immigrant category issued to the spouse or unmarried children (under 21) of H-1B, H-1B1, H-2A, H-2B or H-3 principal holders. In practical terms, H-4 visa means family members can accompany or join the main worker in the United States for the duration of the principal’s stay. Applicants must prove a genuine relationship, show the principal’s valid status and demonstrate sufficient financial support. Although medical insurance is not mandatory, many families choose comprehensive cover from Bajaj General Insurance Limited before departure to avoid high U.S. healthcare costs.

What is an H4 Visa?

What is H4 visa in USA immigration? It is the classification granted to dependants of H-series employment visa holders, allowing them to reside, study and in limited cases work in America. The visa is typically stamped in the passport after a consular interview and remains linked to the principal beneficiary’s petition. Unlike tourist visas, H-4 status is tied to the main applicant’s lawful employment and must be extended or amended whenever the H-1B or related petition changes. Travellers may enter multiple times while the visa and underlying approval notice remain valid.

Eligibility Criteria for the H4 Visa

To qualify for an H-4 visa you must:

• Be the legally married spouse or an unmarried child (under 21) of a principal H-1B, H-1B1, H-2A, H-2B or H-3 holder.
• Provide proof of the relationship—marriage certificate or birth certificate.
• Show evidence that the principal has valid H-status (I-797 approval, employment letter).
• Demonstrate intent to live in the U.S. temporarily, matching the principal’s authorised stay.
• Have sufficient financial support, either via the principal’s salary or personal funds, to meet living expenses without recourse to public benefits.

Step-by-Step H4 Visa Application Process

• Complete DS-160 form – Fill the online non-immigrant visa application, upload a recent photo and print the confirmation page.
• Pay the MRV fee – Settle the standard H-4 visa fees online or at designated banks and keep the receipt.
• Schedule appointments – Book a Visa Application Centre (VAC) slot for fingerprints/photo and a U.S. Embassy/Consulate interview.
• Gather documents – Passport, DS-160 confirmation, MRV receipt, marriage or birth certificate, principal’s I-797 approval, employment letter, recent pay slips and proof of residence.
• Attend VAC – Provide biometrics and submit the printed DS-160 page.
• Attend consular interview – Consular officer will verify your relationship and principal’s status. Typical questions revolve around marriage details, spouse’s employer and intent to return.
• Visa issuance – If approved, the passport is collected with an H-4 stamp.
• Travel to the U.S. – Present visa, I-797 copy and relationship proof at port of entry to receive an I-94 valid until the principal’s petition expiry.
• Maintain status – File extensions (Form I-539) before expiry, especially when the principal’s H-petition is renewed or amended.

Also Read: Visa Number - Meaning, Significance & Usage

Required Documents for H4 Visa Application

• Current passport (valid at least six months beyond intended stay)
• Completed DS-160 confirmation page
• Visa fee payment receipt
• Marriage certificate (spouse) or birth certificate (child)
• Photographs meeting U.S. visa specifications
• Principal’s I-797 approval notice and valid visa copy
• Principal’s employment letter, recent pay slips and bank statements
• Proof of joint residence (utility bills, lease)
• Wedding album or photos (for new marriages)
• Form I-129 copy and LCA (for H-1B cases)
• Cover letter detailing purpose and duration of stay

H4 Visa Fees and Associated Costs

The standard Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) fee is US $185 (about ₹15,000), paid before scheduling appointments. No separate petition fee is required because the H-4 is derivative. Ancillary costs include the VAC service charge, courier fees, translation or notary expenses and potential SEVIS payments for H-4 dependants of H-3 trainees. Within the U.S., Form I-539 extension costs US $370 plus US $85 biometrics. Always verify current H-4 visa fees on the official embassy website, as amounts can change with currency fluctuations or U.S. policy updates.

Processing Time of the H4 Visa

Consular processing usually takes seven to 15 working days after the interview, depending on appointment availability and administrative checks. In high-volume seasons, wait times may extend to four weeks. For in-country extensions via Form I-539, standard USCIS processing averages three to six months. Premium processing is not available for dependants, so plan renewals early to avoid unlawful presence. Real-time embassy calendars and USCIS case trackers provide the most accurate timelines.

Validity of the H4 Visa

The H-4 visa stamp can be issued for up to the same period as the principal’s I-797 approval—often three years for H-1B. However, overall validity of the H-4 visa is determined at the port of entry via form I-94, which matches the principal’s petition end-date. If the main beneficiary extends status, dependants must file I-539 to stay legally. Multiple-entry privileges apply as long as the visa stamp and I-94 remain unexpired.

Employment Opportunities for H4 Visa Holders

Spouses of H-1B workers can seek employment under the H-4 EAD (Employment Authorisation Document) programme, provided the principal is either the beneficiary of an approved I-140 or has H-1B status extended under AC21 sections 106(a) and (b). Once the Form I-765 is approved, holders may work full-time, part-time or start a business. Children on H-4 cannot work but may study. Policy changes can occur, so monitor USCIS updates and keep comprehensive health coverage—international plans via Bajaj General Insurance Limited are popular for bridging benefits until employer insurance begins.

Also Read: Visa vs. Passport: What Is the Difference?

Conclusion

The H-4 visa offers a lifeline for families accompanying H-series professionals to the United States. Understanding eligibility, fees, documentation, and the application roadmap ensures a smoother journey and lawful stay. While work rights remain limited to EAD-qualified spouses, dependents can study, travel, and build a life alongside their principal visa holder. Staying compliant with extensions and maintaining robust travel health insurance will safeguard your American experience. With careful preparation and timely filings, H-4 dependents can thrive while supporting the primary beneficiary’s career abroad.

FAQs

Can H-4 visa holders work in the United States?

Yes—spouses may work only after receiving an H-4 EAD, available when the H-1B spouse has an approved I-140 or AC21 extension. Children cannot work.

Can H-4 visa holders apply for a Green Card?

They can be included in the principal’s employment-based Green Card process and adjust status when the priority date becomes current.

Are there any travel restrictions for H-4 visa holders?

H-4 holders may travel internationally, but must carry a valid visa stamp and supporting documents to re-enter. Pending I-539 or EAD applications may be delayed by travel.

Is an H-4 visa easy to get?

Approval is straightforward if the relationship is genuine, the documents are complete, and the principal’s status is valid. Inadequate evidence or security flags can complicate approval.

Does an H-4 visa get rejected?

Yes, rejections occur for fake marriage claims, incomplete paperwork or principal’s non-compliance. Applicants can reapply after addressing the specific denial reasons.

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