United States•North America2 weeks – 1 year
Varies by processing route
$875–$1,445 USD
Varies by filing options
3 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
No dependents
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Spouse or unmarried child (under 21) of an H-1B, H-2, or H-3 visa holder.
The H-4 is the US dependent visa for spouses and unmarried children under 21 of H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, and H-3 nonimmigrants. Status mirrors the principal’s authorized period — up to 3 years, renewable in 3-year increments with no cap. No annual quota applies, dual intent is permitted, and study is unrestricted.
Work authorization is not automatic. Qualifying H-4 spouses may file Form I-765 if the principal holds an approved I-140 or has extended H-1B beyond six years under AC21. The EAD is open-market with no employer restriction. Children in H-4 status cannot obtain work authorization.
This visa is ideal for spouses and children of H-1B workers on a path to a US Green Card who want to live, study, and — for qualifying spouses — work in the US while the petition progresses.
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| Consular (standard) | 2 weeks – 3 months |
| I-539 Standard | 3 months – 1 year |
| Initial grant | 3 years |
| Status type | Tied to program duration |
Be the spouse or unmarried child under 21 of a principal H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, or H-3 visa holder
Principal H holder must have valid H status or approved petition
Bona fide marital or parent-child relationship required
Maintain relationship with principal H holder throughout stay
Not subject to inadmissibility grounds under INA § 212(a)
DS-160 confirmation page with barcode
Valid passport (6 months validity beyond intended stay)
Two US visa-size photographs
MRV fee payment receipt
Marriage certificate (spouse) or birth certificate (children under 21)
Copy of principal H holder's I-129 approval notice (Form I-797)
Copy of principal H holder's valid H visa and passport bio page
Copy of principal H holder's current I-94 (printed from cbp.gov/i94)
Copy of principal H holder's employer letter and Labor Condition Application (LCA)
Bona fide relationship evidence (joint financials, tax returns, photos) if spouse
| DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application | Fill online |
| I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status | Fill online |
| I-539A Supplemental Information for Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status | Fill online |
| I-765 Application for Employment Authorization | Fill online |
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