This article was last updated and fact checked on August 3, 2024 by Mani Karthik.
Planning to apply for an H4 visa? If so, you’re likely preparing for the visa interview, a crucial part of the application process.
The H4 visa is designed for dependents (spouse and children under 21) of H1B visa holders, allowing them to accompany their family member in the USA.
To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of the top H4 visa interview questions along with suggested answers.
Understanding these questions and preparing your responses can significantly increase your chances of a successful interview.
In this article...
1. Can you tell me about yourself?
This is a common introductory question meant to make you comfortable and give the consular officer a general idea about you.
Suggested Answer: “My name is [Your Name]. I am originally from [Your City, Country]. I hold a [Your Degree] in [Your Field] from [Your University]. I am married to [Spouse’s Name], who is currently in the USA on an H1B visa. We have been married for [number of years/months], and I am here to apply for an H4 visa to join my spouse in the USA.”
2. What does your spouse do in the USA?
The consular officer wants to verify the information about your spouse’s employment.
Suggested Answer: “My spouse, [Spouse’s Name], works as a [Job Title] at [Company Name] in [City, State]. They are currently on an H1B visa and have been working with this company for [duration].”
3. Can you provide details about your marriage?
This question is to verify the authenticity of your relationship.
Suggested Answer: “We got married on [Marriage Date] in [City, Country]. It was a [religious/civil] ceremony attended by our families and friends. I have our marriage certificate and wedding photographs with me, if you would like to see them.”
4. Why do you want to go to the USA?
The consular officer is checking your intentions for traveling to the USA.
Suggested Answer: “I want to join my spouse who is currently working in the USA. We have been living apart for [duration], and we believe it’s important for our family to be together. Additionally, I plan to pursue [personal goals, e.g., further education, volunteering, etc.] while I am there.”
5. How will you support yourself financially in the USA?
The consular officer wants to ensure that you will not become a financial burden.
Suggested Answer: “My spouse has a stable job with a good income that will support both of us. Additionally, we have savings that we can use for any unforeseen expenses.”
6. What are your future plans?
This question is to understand your long-term intentions in the USA.
Suggested Answer: “For now, my primary goal is to support my spouse and settle into our new life together in the USA. In the future, I might consider [studying, working if eligible, volunteering, etc.], but my immediate focus is on our family.”
7. Do you intend to work in the USA?
H4 visa holders are not allowed to work unless they have an EAD (Employment Authorization Document).
Suggested Answer: “I understand that H4 visa holders are not permitted to work without an EAD. At this moment, I do not have any plans to work. My priority is to support my spouse and take care of our family.”
8. Have you ever been to the USA before?
This question helps the officer understand your travel history.
Suggested Answer: “No, this will be my first time traveling to the USA.” or “Yes, I have visited the USA before on [previous visa type] for [purpose of visit] in [year].”
9. Where will you be staying in the USA?
Provide the address where you will reside with your spouse.
Suggested Answer: “We will be staying at [Full Address] in [City, State], where my spouse currently resides.”
10. Can you show me your marriage certificate and other supporting documents?
Be ready to present any documents that validate your relationship and your spouse’s status in the USA.
Suggested Answer: “Yes, here is our marriage certificate, wedding photographs, my spouse’s H1B approval notice (I-797), their passport copy, and their recent pay stubs.”
Conclusion
Preparing for your H4 visa interview involves understanding the types of questions that may be asked and having clear, honest answers ready. Make sure to carry all the required documents, dress formally, and arrive on time for your interview.
Practice answering these questions with confidence, and remember that the consular officer is looking to ensure that your application is genuine and that you meet the visa requirements.
Good luck with your H4 visa application!
5 comments
Hi! Is there any issues in issuing a visa(dependent) if my first name in passport is surname, last name is my name where as my parents first name is their names and last name is surname?
And all my educational documents n adhar card has just an initial with name where as my name in passport is expanded… Will that cause a problem for my dependent visa processing?
Please let me know…
Thanks
Usually not. If your name on passport and the name on your spouses passport (spouse name) is different then it can create problems.
Disclaimer: I’m not an attorney and the above is not legal advice.
Hi, I am having my visa interview next week with my husband. Me and my baby is going on H4 visa basis. Can you help me to know some important interview questions asked from H4 visa person.
The above questions are good enough Srishti. All the best.
My f1 was rejected in 2014 four times after which i went to australia to complete my studies and now planning to apply for h4 visa since am getting married will there be a problem of my visa getting rejected because of prior refusal but my circumstances have been changed.