United States•North AmericaH-4 — Dependent of H Visa Holder
At a Glance
2 weeks – 1 year
Varies by processing route
USD $625–$1,195
Varies by filing options
3 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Living in United States
Overview
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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Cost Breakdown
Processing Time
| Consular (standard) | 2 weeks – 3 months |
| I-539 Standard | 3 months – 1 year |
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 3 years |
| Status type | Tied to program duration |
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
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)
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
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
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- No annual cap — unlimited H-4 visas issued each year
- Dual intent permitted — principal's I-140 does not jeopardize H-4 status
- Qualifying spouses may obtain open-market EAD if principal has approved I-140 or extended H-1B under AC21
- H-4 EAD grants unrestricted employment authorization including remote work
- Can study in the US without restriction
- Renewable indefinitely in step with the principal's H-1B extensions
- Derivative beneficiary on principal's employment-based immigrant petition (EB-1/2/3)
- No language test required
Worth Knowing
- No independent work authorization by default — employment requires separate H-4 EAD
- H-4 EAD only available to spouses (not children) who meet AC21 qualification criteria
- Automatic 180-day EAD extension eliminated as of October 30, 2025 — must maintain uninterrupted EAD
- Status entirely dependent on principal H holder maintaining valid H status
- I-539 processing times can be lengthy; premium processing available but adds cost
- Social media profiles must be set to public for expanded vetting (December 2025 rule)
- Children in H-4 status are not qualifying for employment authorization
- No direct independent path to permanent residency — must rely on derivative beneficiary status
Application Process
Principal H-1B employer files Form I-129 with USCIS (dependents listed but do not file I-129)
Complete DS-160 online nonimmigrant visa application at ceac.state.gov
Pay $205 MRV fee
Schedule and attend visa interview at nearest US Embassy or Consulate
Provide biometrics if required by post
Upon approval, travel to US; CBP issues electronic I-94
If already in US
file Form I-539 with USCIS to change or extend H-4 status
Application Forms
| 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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