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H-4 Visa Checklist

Dependent visa for spouse/children of H-1B holders

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$185

MRV Fee

embassy visa fee

$370

I-539 Fee

if changing status in US

$520

H-4 EAD

I-765, requires I-140 approval

H-1B expiry

Valid Until

tied to sponsor's status

Phase 1: Confirm Eligibility

H-4 is for immediate family of H-1B holders in valid status

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The H-1B sponsor (spouse/parent) is currently in valid H-1B status

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You are the spouse or an unmarried child under 21 of the H-1B holder

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You have a valid marriage certificate (for spouses) or birth certificate (for children)

Document

Decide: Are you applying from abroad (embassy) or changing status inside the US (I-539)?

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Phase 2: Gather Documents

Required for both embassy and change-of-status applications

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Valid passport (must be valid at least 6 months beyond intended stay)

Document

Marriage certificate (if spouse) — translated to English if not already

Document

Birth certificate (if child) — translated to English if needed

Document

H-1B sponsor's most recent I-797 Approval Notice

Document

H-1B sponsor's valid visa or most recent I-94 (proof of status)

Document

H-1B sponsor's employment verification letter

Document

Proof of relationship photos (for spouses applying at embassy)

Document

Financial evidence (sponsor's pay stubs, bank statements)

Document

Phase 3: Applying from Abroad (Embassy Route)

If you are outside the US and need H-4 visa to enter

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Complete DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application

Form
DS-160

Pay MRV visa fee: $185 (at designated bank or online)

Fee

Schedule visa interview at US Embassy or Consulate

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Bring all original documents + copies to interview

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Attend embassy interview (waiver possible for renewals in some countries)

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Receive H-4 visa stamp in passport

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Enter the US and receive I-94 at port of entry (valid until H-1B expiry)

Document

Phase 4: Change of Status in the US (Form I-539)

If you are already in the US on another visa and want to switch to H-4

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Do NOT let your current status expire before filing I-539. File well in advance — processing takes 6–12 months.

File Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) before current status expires

Form

Pay I-539 filing fee: $370

Fee

Include copies of all relationship documents, sponsor's I-797, and I-94

Document

Biometrics appointment will be scheduled by USCIS ($85 biometric fee included)

Action

Receive I-797 approval notice — print your I-94 after approval

Document

Note: You may stay in the US while I-539 is pending, but cannot travel outside the US

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Phase 5: H-4 EAD (Work Authorization)

H-4 holders can work only if H-1B sponsor has an approved I-140

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H-4 EAD requires the H-1B sponsor to have an approved Form I-140 (immigrant petition). Without an approved I-140, H-4 holders cannot work.

Confirm H-1B sponsor has an approved I-140 petition (check with employer)

Action

File Form I-765 with category (c)(26) — H-4 EAD

Form

Pay $520 filing fee for I-765

Fee

Include: H-4 approval (I-797 or I-94), copy of sponsor's I-140 approval, marriage certificate, passport copy

Document

Processing: typically 3–5 months — can file concurrently with I-539

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Receive H-4 EAD card — valid until your H-4 status expiry date

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Renew H-4 EAD every time H-4 status is renewed (file early — process together)

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Phase 6: H-4 Renewal

Renew before expiry whenever H-1B sponsor extends their status

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Confirm H-1B sponsor has filed H-1B extension (I-129)

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File I-539 for H-4 extension along with or after H-1B extension approval

Form

File I-765 for H-4 EAD renewal at the same time (saves processing time)

Form

Keep all receipts and track your current H-4 status expiry

Action