If you’re in the USA on an H-1B visa and want your spouse to join you, the H-4 visa is the ticket. It’s the visa category for the dependents of H-1B visa holders, allowing your spouse (and kids under 21) to live in the US with you. This guide will break down everything you need to know about bringing your spouse to the USA on an H-4 visa.
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What is the H-4 Visa?
The H-4 visa is a dependent visa that allows the spouse and children of H-1B visa holders to live in the USA.
The best part? With an H-4 visa, your spouse can stay with you in the US for as long as your H-1B visa is valid. In some cases, they can even apply for a work permit, giving them the opportunity to work in the US.
However, it’s important to note that not all H-4 visa holders can work—there are specific criteria that must be met for your spouse to be eligible for employment authorization.
Tip: If your spouse is interested in working, make sure they check their eligibility for the H-4 EAD (Employment Authorization Document).
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Step 1: Get Your H-1B Visa Approved First
Before your spouse can apply for an H-4 visa, you need to have your H-1B visa approved. Your spouse’s H-4 visa is directly tied to your H-1B status, meaning they can only apply once your visa is granted.
Once you’ve got your H-1B visa approval in hand, your spouse can begin the H-4 application process.
Pro Tip: Keep copies of your H-1B approval notice (Form I-797) and other relevant documents handy—they’ll be needed for your spouse’s application.
Step 2: Complete the DS-160 Form for the H-4 Visa
The H-4 visa application process starts with filling out the DS-160 form online. This form is the same one used for other non-immigrant visas, and your spouse will need to provide their personal details, passport information, and information about your H-1B visa.
Once the DS-160 form is completed, a confirmation page with a barcode will be generated. Make sure to print this out—it’s required for the visa interview.
Tip: Double-check the DS-160 form for any errors before submitting—mistakes can slow down the process.
Step 3: Pay the Visa Fee and Schedule the Visa Interview
After submitting the DS-160, your spouse will need to pay the visa application fee—currently around $190 (check the US Travel Docs website for updated fees).
Once the fee is paid, they can schedule their visa interview at the nearest US consulate or embassy. Interview wait times can vary depending on location, so try to book the earliest available date.
Make sure to have the following documents ready for the interview:
- Valid passport
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Visa fee payment receipt
- Marriage certificate (to prove your relationship)
- Your H-1B approval notice (Form I-797)
- Copy of your passport and visa stamp
Pro Tip: If you and your spouse got married recently, be prepared to show additional evidence like wedding photos, joint bank accounts, or other proof of relationship.
Step 4: Prepare for the Visa Interview
The visa interview is typically straightforward, but your spouse should be prepared to answer questions about your H-1B status, your marriage, and their intention to live in the US.
Some common questions might include:
- How did you and your spouse meet?
- What does your spouse do in the USA?
- Do you plan to work in the US?
The consular officer will assess whether the marriage is genuine and if your spouse has any plans to violate the terms of the H-4 visa (such as working without authorization).
Tip: Honesty is key—encourage your spouse to answer clearly and confidently during the interview.
Step 5: H-4 Visa Approval
If everything goes well, the consular officer will approve the H-4 visa, and your spouse’s passport will be returned with the visa stamp in a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on processing times.
Once they receive the visa, your spouse can start planning their trip to the USA.
Tip: Remember that the H-4 visa is only valid as long as your H-1B visa is valid, so keep your own visa status up to date.
Can H-4 Visa Holders Work?
Here’s where things get interesting. While most H-4 visa holders are not allowed to work, some H-4 visa holders can apply for work authorization if certain conditions are met.
To be eligible for an H-4 EAD (Employment Authorization Document), the H-1B visa holder must either:
- Have an approved I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker), or
- Be granted an H-1B extension beyond the standard six-year limit under the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-First Century Act (AC21).
If your spouse meets these criteria, they can apply for an H-4 EAD, allowing them to work legally in the US.
Pro Tip: The H-4 EAD application process is separate from the H-4 visa application, so your spouse will need to file Form I-765 to get work authorization.
Final Thoughts
Bringing your spouse to the USA on an H-4 visa is a relatively straightforward process as long as you have your H-1B visa in order and the necessary documents ready.
Whether your spouse plans to join you temporarily or permanently, the H-4 visa is a great option for keeping your family together while you work in the US.
For more information on the H-4 visa process, visit the USCIS website or consult with an immigration attorney if you need personalized guidance.
