Applying for an
‍H-4 Visa in the US?

Find immigration lawyers who help H-4 visa holders secure work authorization and plan a path to a green card.

Support your family,
secure your future.

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Time matters. While you support your family member on an H-1B, build your own secure future. Start your H-4 Visa process now, and let our network of immigration lawyers guide you toward work authorization and long-term residency.

Why choose H-4

What is the H-4 Visa and Who is it For?

The H-4 Visa is a dependent visa available to the spouse and unmarried children (under 21) of H-1B visa holders. This visa allows family members to legally reside in the United States while the primary H-1B visa holder works. In some cases, H-4 visa holders may also obtain work authorization through an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), making it possible to work legally in the U.S. This visa is valid as long as the H-1B holder’s status remains active, and it can serve as an important step toward permanent residency.

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Thousands apply every year. These are just a few we've helped connect with trusted immigration lawyers.

Tunde O. - Boston, Ma

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How VisaLaws Helps You Secure an H-4 Visa

The H-4 Visa process involves strict eligibility requirements and, when applying for work authorization, detailed filings. VisaLaws connects you with verified immigration lawyers who specialize in family-based immigration and H-4 work permits. Whether you’re applying for the first time, renewing, or seeking an EAD, our lawyers will ensure every detail is correct, deadlines are met, and your family’s future is secure.

Visa progress

Olena V.

Fintech & Cybernetics

Moved from Ukraine to pursue cybernetics - now in Silicon Valley

100%

Approved

Green card status

35% complete

Adjustment of status underway
Filed: May 2025
Expected: Feb 2026

Why VisaLaws

Built Only for Immigrants

VisaLaws is building the largest network of immigration lawyers focused on immigrant success. Every case is unique. That’s why we connect you to lawyers who understand the H-4 Visa process inside and out, tailoring strategies to your family’s needs and long-term goals.

Juan C.

Software Engineer

VISA TYPE

H-1B Visa

ELIGIBILTY STATUS

ELIGIBLE

TIMELINE

2-3 months

Green Card Path

How the H-4 Visa Leads to Permanent Residency

The H-4 Visa can be more than temporary. Many H-4 visa holders transition to green cards when the H-1B spouse’s employer begins the permanent residency process. With professional guidance, H-4 visa holders can also pursue their own green card through family-based petitions, work sponsorship (if holding an EAD), or other qualifying pathways. Immigration lawyers at VisaLaws help you prepare early, ensuring you take every opportunity to move from H-4 to permanent residency and, ultimately, citizenship.

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Hey Joseph, is this the right step to get my citizenship? What is the fastest path to a Green Card?

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Green card status

75% complete

Adjustment of status underway
Filed: July 2025
Expected: March 2026

Green Card Success

Santiago R.

Ivana P.

Kwame M.

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What Happens Next

Find Your Lawyers

Once you’re ready, you can browse and contact immigration lawyers experienced in H-4 visas directly on VisaLaws. Send a message, schedule a consultation, and take the first step toward securing your family’s future. Your lawyer will guide you on work authorization, renewals, and how to position your H-4 status for a smooth green card process.

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Zoe Zhang-Louie

details

zoe@zllawoffice.com

Phone #

+18577535818

U.S. City

Boston, MA

Visa Focus

Business & Investment

Years Exp.

10yrs

Language

ES, PT, ZH, FR

Example Message

"Hi, I'm Zoe, an immigration lawyer in Boston. I've reviewed your case and can help you get started."

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FAQ

Common H-4 visa Q's

What is an H-4 Visa?

The H-4 Visa is a dependent visa issued to the spouse and unmarried children under 21 of H-1B visa holders. It allows family members to legally live in the United States for the duration of the H-1B holder’s status. H-4 visa holders may study, open bank accounts, obtain a driver’s license, and, in certain cases, apply for work authorization (EAD). This visa is essential for keeping families together while the H-1B worker builds a career in the U.S.

Who qualifies for an H-4 Visa?

You qualify for an H-4 Visa if you are:
• The legal spouse of an H-1B visa holder, or
• An unmarried child under 21 of an H-1B visa holder.

Other family members, such as parents or siblings, do not qualify. Eligibility is strictly limited to immediate dependents.

Can H-4 visa holders work in the U.S.?

Yes, but only under specific conditions. H-4 visa holders can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if the H-1B primary visa holder has an approved I-140 petition (green card sponsorship) or is in the process of seeking permanent residency. With the H-4 EAD, dependents can legally work for any employer in the United States without restrictions on field, hours, or salary.

What is the H-4 EAD (Employment Authorization Document)?

he H-4 EAD is work authorization granted to eligible H-4 visa holders. It allows dependents to work full-time or part-time, start a business, or freelance in the U.S. Unlike the H-1B Visa, the H-4 EAD has no annual cap and does not require employer sponsorship. This makes it one of the most valuable benefits of the H-4 Visa for families seeking financial security and career growth.

How do I apply for H-4 work authorization?

To apply for an H-4 EAD, you must file Form I-765 with USCIS, along with supporting documents such as your H-4 approval notice (Form I-797), proof of your spouse’s approved I-140 or H-1B extension, your marriage certificate, and photos. The filing fee is typically $410, and processing times range from 3 to 8 months. Immigration lawyers can help ensure that your EAD petition is correctly prepared to avoid delays.

How long does it take to get an H-4 Visa?

Processing times vary depending on whether you are applying from inside the U.S. (Change of Status with USCIS) or outside (Consular Processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate). Generally, H-4 approval takes 2–6 months, though consular appointments may add extra wait time. Expedited options are not guaranteed but may be available in urgent cases.

Can H-4 visa holders study in the U.S.?

Yes. H-4 visa holders can enroll in public schools, colleges, and universities without needing an F-1 Student Visa. Many H-4 spouses pursue higher education while waiting for work authorization or green card processing, making this visa flexible for both work and study.

How long is an H-4 Visa valid?

The H-4 Visa is tied to the H-1B holder’s status. If the H-1B is valid for three years, the H-4 will also be valid for three years. Extensions are available as long as the H-1B is extended. If the H-1B worker loses their status, the H-4 dependent visa also ends, usually with a 60-day grace period to depart or switch to another status.

Can an H-4 Visa holder apply for a green card?

Yes. H-4 visa holders can transition to permanent residency (green card) when the H-1B spouse’s employer sponsors the family. In some cases, H-4 visa holders with an EAD can pursue their own employment-based green card, or file a family-based petition if they become eligible. Many families use the H-4 Visa as the first step on the path to citizenship.

Does the H-4 Visa depend on the H-1B holder’s status?

Absolutely. The H-4 Visa is completely dependent on the H-1B worker. If the H-1B holder’s visa is revoked, expires, or is denied, the H-4 status also ends. This dependency makes it crucial to keep the H-1B active, extended, and in compliance with U.S. immigration laws.

Can I travel internationally on an H-4 Visa?

Yes, you can travel internationally on an H-4 Visa as long as your visa stamp is valid. Upon re-entry, you’ll need your passport, valid H-4 visa stamp, and proof of the H-1B spouse’s employment and visa status. If your H-4 stamp expires while abroad, you’ll need to apply for a new visa at a U.S. consulate before returning.

What happens if the H-1B Visa holder loses their job?

If the H-1B worker loses employment, both the H-1B and dependent H-4 visas enter a 60-day grace period. During this time, the H-1B holder must find a new employer sponsor or change to another status. If the H-1B is not maintained, the H-4 dependents will also lose their legal status.

Can H-4 visa holders change to another visa status?

Yes. H-4 dependents can apply to change status within the U.S. (e.g., to F-1 Student Visa, H-1B work visa, or other categories) if they meet eligibility requirements. This process involves filing a change of status application with USCIS, and it’s strongly advised to consult an immigration lawyer to avoid gaps in status.

Can H-4 visa holders start a business in the U.S.?

Only if they hold an H-4 EAD. Without work authorization, H-4 visa holders cannot legally earn income, manage employees, or engage in business operations. However, with the EAD, dependents have full freedom to start and run businesses, making the H-4 EAD one of the most powerful tools for entrepreneurial families.

How much does it cost to file an H-4 Visa?

The filing fee for Form I-539 (used to apply for H-4 or extend status) is $370, plus a $85 biometric fee. If applying for an H-4 EAD (Form I-765), the additional fee is $410. Costs for consular processing vary by embassy. Legal fees may add to the overall cost but significantly reduce the risk of denial.

Can children on H-4 attend public schools in the U.S.?

Yes. Children on H-4 visas are allowed to attend public schools, private schools, and universities in the U.S. without requiring a separate F-1 visa. This makes the H-4 Visa an attractive option for families seeking educational stability while the H-1B parent works.

What are the common reasons H-4 visas are denied?

Common denial reasons include:
‍
• Incomplete or incorrect documentation
• Lack of proof of marriage or parent-child relationship
• Expired H-1B status or employer non-compliance
• Prior immigration violations or overstays
• Missing required fees

Working with an immigration lawyer helps avoid these pitfalls and improves approval odds.

Can an H-4 visa holder extend their stay?

Yes. H-4 extensions are filed through Form I-539 and are dependent on the H-1B spouse’s status. Extensions must be filed before the visa expires. If the H-1B is extended, the H-4 can also be extended for the same duration.

Do I need a lawyer for an H-4 Visa application?

While you can file on your own, having an immigration lawyer ensures that your application is complete, accurate, and optimized for approval. Lawyers help with complex issues such as work authorization, green card pathways, or handling prior denials. Given the dependency of the H-4 Visa on the H-1B holder’s status, legal guidance is highly recommended.

What is the easiest way for H-4 visa holders to get a green card?

The most common way is through the H-1B spouse’s employment-based green card process. Once the I-140 is approved, H-4 dependents can adjust status to permanent residency. In some cases, H-4 EAD holders may pursue their own employer-sponsored green card, or file family-based petitions if eligible. With proper planning, the H-4 Visa serves as a direct path to permanent residency and U.S. citizenship.

Secure Your H-4 Visa

Don’t delay in protecting your family’s future. Immigration lawyers at VisaLaws are ready to guide you through every step of the H-4 process, from application to work authorization and green card planning.

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