H-4 Visa: Family Members of H-1B Workers

Immigration Services in Dallas & Nationwide

Under the H-4 visa, family members of H-1B visa holders can enter the United States for the same period of time as the worker. The H-1B visa holder will be the principal applicant. Only spouses and unmarried children younger than 21 years old qualify. If you have questions about the application process after reading through the following material, speak with the firm's Dallas immigration lawyer today!

How to Get an H-4 Visa

Typically, spouses and dependents of H-1B visa holders obtain these visas at U.S. consulate offices in their home country. In some cases, the individual(s) will already be in the United States, in which case they can file Form I-539[1] to change their status.

Working on an H-4 Visa

According to the Department of Homeland Security[2], H-4 dependent spouses are allowed to work while they are in the United States. Previously, this was not the case. If you are an H-4 visa holder, you may also be eligible to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN)[3]. In order for an H-4 dependent spouse to work in the U.S., he or she can file Form I-765[4] to get their employment authorized. In order to do that, he or she must be the main beneficiary of an approved alien worker or someone granted H-1B status.

Talk to Akula & Associates

Akula & Associates is an immigration law firm based in Dallas, Texas that represents clients globally. We have years of experience helping individuals and businesses obtain employment-based visas and related visas such as the H-4. If you would like more information on how our immigration attorneys could help you, call (844) 299-5003.