👨‍👩‍👧

H-4 Visa Checklist

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

Overall Progress

0 of 36 items completed

0/4Phase 1 0/8Phase 2 0/7Phase 3 0/6Phase 4 0/7Phase 5 0/4Phase 6

$205

MRV Fee

H visa application fee

$420 / $470

I-539 Fee

online / paper

$470 / $520

H-4 EAD

I-765 online / paper

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

0/4

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

Action

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

Action

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)?

Action

Phase 2: Gather Documents

Required for both embassy and change-of-status applications

0/8

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

0/7

Complete DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application

Form

DS-160

Pay H-4 visa application fee: $205 (at designated bank or online)

Fee

Schedule visa interview at US Embassy or Consulate

Action

Bring all original documents + copies to interview

Action

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

Action

Receive H-4 visa stamp in passport

Document

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

0/6

Do NOT let your current status expire before filing I-539. File well in advance and check USCIS's live processing-time tool.

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

Form

Pay I-539 filing fee: $420 online or $470 on paper

Fee

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

Document

Follow any biometrics instructions USCIS sends; there is no separate biometrics fee under the current I-539 schedule

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

Action

Phase 5: H-4 EAD (Work Authorization)

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

0/7

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 I-765 filing fee: $470 online or $520 on paper

Fee

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

Document

Check USCIS live processing times; you may file concurrently with I-539

Action

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

Document

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

Action

Phase 6: H-4 Renewal

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

0/4

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

Action

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