Unfortunately, H4 visa holders are not supposed to work in the US and pretty much have to stay at home, not doing any work. Technically, your new employer will apply for a fresh petition using your previous H1B case number, which is only used to identify that your petition is cap exempt and can be filed anytime. no need for photo album and such things. US visa interview appointment letter (emailed to you when applying for the interview), Copy of the primary visa holders passport, Photograph of the primary visa holder and applicant together, Passport-sized photograph of the applicant, Confirmation page of the online DS-160 form, A copy of the primary visa holders form I-797, A letter from the primary visa holders employer stating the nature of the relationship between the primary visa holder and employer, Pay stubs from the primary visa holders current place of work. Did you stop over at Chicago? Make sure you show the new petition to the officer. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issues Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, to aliens who are: All persons need a Form I-94 except U.S. citizens, returning resident aliens, aliens with immigrant visas, and most Canadian citizens visiting or in transit. What university/college did your spouse graduate from? You need to take the following steps when applying for H4 visa: You will need to fill Form DS-160 online. Receipt proving payment of $160 for a nonimmigrant US visa application. My H1B visa is approved in Feb16. My wife is coming to US for the first time, can any one pls let me know what are the documents that we require at port of entry for H4? Is this possible. Biometrics? Every interviewer is different, and there are no set of interview structures or questions. You should be fully prepared to answer each question, or else you may lose the chance to get the visa. Will there be any issues at POE ? Apply online for the loan amount you need. This includes questions on how you met with your spouse and about your wedding. How to Check US Visa Status Online? Give correct information for each question without hesitating. Yes, you can use the copy. Now my question is Would be there any issue if port of entry is different location to the employer location? Input your search keywords and press Enter. Visit CBPs I-94, Travel Records for U.S. U.S. I would suggest writing either the "Port of Entry/Exit" as "MAA - ABU DHABI INTL" or the name of the US airport where you landed first. So nearest airport is Washington DC. Hope it helps.. After marriage, did you go for your honeymoon? You need a job and your company should have it, thats the bottom line.. Can I travel with Valid H1B Stamp VISA till DEC-2020 and copy of I 797 (not original) to USA. I am aware of some documents below she will need to carry with her to support her admission at port of entry 1. As of April 30, 2013, most Arrival and/or Departure records are created electronically upon arrival. Can I say its a critical work requirement for a month! If married only at the wedding registrar, you need to have these: Copy of your signed wedding registrar affidavit. Yes, you can use the copy. Did they call your employer and checked if employer is expecting you? Ive nothing to hide I guess a lot of us are like this! Your interview and application will determine whether you will be granted the H4 visa or not. Blogitivity Media FZ LLC, Ajman Media City UAE. You will need the following documents for getting H-4 visa stamping: The consulate will not accept documents received directly from the company by mail or fax. If this is not possible -Can I transfer my H1B after my VISA expires also with new employer from India? Is there any problem in port of entry as my visa expires in 75days. The petition was filed for NJ and Client A through employer E. I never been in US. At POE, he was asked the question about visa expiry and he said the same that his employer will file for extension in a week. akm6270, November 21, 2014 in Travel. Optional documents to carry Proof of residence in USA of primary visa holder (ID copy or address proof). but i want to take risk. The H-4 nonimmigrant alien continues to remain in valid nonimmigrant status as long as the principal alien remains in a valid nonimmigrant status. 2) In case, if I travel and later on move forward for the visa transfer with them will I be needing the I-797 form from employer B? This means that you will still have to file taxes just as anyone with an SSN. Im traveling in July 1st week. If your spouse is already in the United States, why are you choosing to apply for a visa now? You dont really have to change your name after marriage, such as changing last name to have the same as the husbands last name (or in South India, removing the fathers name as the last name and adding the husbands name as the last name). What do you plan on doing in the United States? Will there be any issue at POE ? The denial of entry happens in very rare cases, where there is fraud or misrepresentation of documents or anything as such. Not a legal advice. Now you need to set up your repayment method. Please reach me out in 1311rahul@gmail.com. You will be interviewed by CBP Officer at the port of entry and they need to let you in after review. The visitor must exit the U.S. on or before the departure date stamped on the Form I-94. Got H4 for spouse and used H1 and H4 to enter not AP When you say "with AP", do you mean that he didn't have H1 visa and he showed AP document at the port of entry? Or , this may create an issue at port of entry ? UH makes no warranties or representations, express or implied, about the content of this website, which includes links to external sites. . 2. 2 months back I came back to USA. In the end its a copy thats submitted to USCIS and not the original. Option 5: Attorney to file Extension with USCIS to extend I-94 7. pontevecchio Members 20.7k Posted November 23, 2014 Murali, Yes, you should be fine to use the valid US visa to travel to the new state B. I have h1b stamping valid till Sep 2022 from employer A and currently i am working with employer B with i-797 approved till 2023. If yes, how much fund would be enough to keep in bank? Process at Port of Entry for H1B Visa Holder, Travel to USA Processes, Samples, How to Guides, pre-departure tasks for H1B Visa in your home country, US Port of Entry Questions by CBP Officer, GUIDE to H1B Visa 2023 Lottery, Registration, Predictions, News, FAQs. Now I requested my employer to apply extension , but they didnt turned up to renew the VISA due to premium processing stopped and client time lines.Now I approached new employer and I am planning to transfer. After you apply for H4 Visa interview at US Consulate in your country and it is approved, you would use that H4 Visa Stamp in Passport to travel to US. H4 visa holders can legally: Work Get a drivers license Open bank accounts Go to school Be eligible for an ITIN (Tax ID) Receive a social security number The spouse needs to carefully review the Form I-765 instructions or consult with an immigration attorney before completing and submitting the form. If you are employed, though, you will have to get a Social Security Number. I ll be traveling to Chicago first next I ll head to Pittsburgh. Are you planning to get a job in the United States? Jayendran, If the passport is valid until the I-797 expiration date, then they take the I-797 expiry datebut, if passport expiry is earlier, they use the passport expiration date. They may ask the following questions to every H4 visa applicant: The interviewer will ask you several questions about your marriage. The interviewers will ask what you will do in the US and see whether you intend to engage in any illegal activities. Travelers can speed up their entry into the U.S. by providing their biographic and travel information, and paying the $6 fee for their I-94 application online up to seven days prior . Your spouses or parents most recent Form I-94, Copies of your spouses or parents I-129 form and I-797 form and notice of approval, Proof of your relationship with the H type visa holder, such as the marriage certificate for spouses and birth certificate for parents. All posts are moderated, so it will take time for your post to appear! However, although not mandatory, most US residents have health insurance anyway, simply becausethe cost of health care in the US is very high, and people with an average income cannot afford it if they have to pay out of pocket. Below is complete list of documents to carry. Gathering all of these completed documents will ensure that your H4 visa application process goes smoothly. Option 3: Extend I-94 by Visiting Nearest SENTRI Enrollment Centre 5. If you have any questions, send us an email at [emailprotected]. Appreciate your help and will help me a lot. It is acceptable ? Was your marriage, love marriage or arranged? I really thankful to your valuable suggestions.I also need your help .let me explain my case. This is the Admit Until Date on the electronic Form I-94. I need to travel to usa as soon as possible, Can I still travel using my previously stamped visa and move to minneapolis from there and then when I return to india, I can get it stamped for the H1b cap exempt approved visa. Documents Required for I-94 Extension. Copy of the principal applicants work experience letters. This page was not helpful because the content: Preparing for Your Biometric Services Appointment, Identity Verification and the USCIS Immigrant Fee, Tips on Finding Your A-Number and DOS Case ID, Forms Processed at USCIS Lockbox Facilities, Additional Information on Filing a Reduced Fee Request, Department of State (DS) Forms and Other Non-USCIS Forms, CBPs I-94, Travel Records for U.S. You can face issues at Port of entry, if anything is missing. H-4 dependents may apply for entry at the same time as or after the H-1B employee, but they may not enter the U.S. before the H-1B employees initial entry. What form are you referring to? Do you have any family members living in the United States? You are expected to complete and submit the form prior to your scheduled interview at the Consulate or Embassy. What am I Allowed to Do in the US With an H4 Visa? 4. I am facing the similar situation now, Can you please help me out what did you do in your case? By applying for the H4 visa, these family members are granted temporary residence in the US during the time that the H1 visa-holding family member is working in the US. 2. Can you please tell me if the i94 date is decided based on passport expiration date or i797 expiring date. After you get H1B Visa stamping done and complete all thepre-departure tasks for H1B Visa in your home country, you need to plan for your port of entry process. Generally, a H4 visa holder is advised to carry the following documents. Also, it is a good idea to memorize the address at which the primary visa holder stays and works (residential and employers address). In your case POE will be Brussels. 2.Now I stayed more than 10 months India After return from USA. Below is the sample stamp that CBP officer places in your passport, if they let you into US and all the details that you need to check and verify. Will there be any issue at POE??? i traveled with just 1 month left on my visa and petition. Use of this information is strictly at your own risk. When you are traveling to US for the first time and not sure, what and where to buy, you can take Short Term Travel Insurance from places like Visitors Coverage Health Insurance, where you can search and opt for the short term travel insurance. If you put any of these documents in luggage check-in you may be in difficult situation not able to show these documents. Many H1 visa holders want to stay with their children or spouses, and often, these dependent family members (spouses and children under 21 years of age) rely on the H1 visa holder to financially support them. Once it is all good, then the officer would stamp the passport and enter the admit until date and class as H1B on the passport stamp. POE will be on the first City where you Land in USA. However, definitely bring all key paperwork with you in your carry-on luggage, for two reasons: Who will financially support you during your period of stay in the United States? 2. I have valid H1B visa till 2019. But at port of entry you may have to go twice for the inspection. Should I carry proof of my bank balance that I have enough resources to fly back if at all it is required? Also, you would need to carry the information of the person you are going to meet in America. The Embassy will notify you once they process your H4 visa. H4 Visa Stamping Documents You will need the following documents for getting H-4 visa stamping: Mandatory Documents Current passport as well as old passports One photograph (Only for dropbox appointment) Confirmation page of online submitted Form DS-160 with CEAC bar code. The H4 visa holder may work either part-time, full-time or not at all. H1B Visa Approval notice from USCIS ( Form I-797A Notice of Action), Job offer letter given by the H1B sponsoring company, Employee agreement that you may have signed with your H1B Sponsoring company, Your original educational certificates from Bachelors degree, Masters Degree(if applicable), your high school certificates ( 10th, 12th grade), If you have studied in US like MS or any other degree, you need to carry below documents, OPT card related to your employment before H1B Visa. You can do this by filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. Yes. The visitor must exit the U.S. on or before the departure date stamped on the Form I-94. Prepare for the interview by clearly defining your reasons for going and be ready to answer questions about your spouse or parent. All pages of the principal applicants passport (if not applying with principal applicant). Option 2: Fly out of the US to Mexico or Canada and return 4. You need to answer the questions properly and correctly so that CBP officer can allow you to enter US. US CBP officer may ask to review all the documents as needed. May be will go to my employers place after a week. If this is your first visit, be sure to Your answer will be very helpful. Generally, all H-4 visa applications must include the following: 2. sandy vsandy, Mar 4, 2009. You might have to wait for years until your Green Card is approved. There after working in offshore till the date. However, if the family members are in an independent status (e.g., F-1, O-1), they can remain in that status as long as it is valid. It should be fine. Review our. The following is the list of documents required to prepare for H4 visa stamping. If you are within the US, you can submit yourH4 visa application through the USCIS. Jhansi, Dont worry too much about POE. Stilt provides loans to international students and working professionals in the U.S. (F-1, OPT, H-1B, O-1, L-1, TN visa holders) at rates lower than any other lender. The interview with CBP officer at PoE happens before you collect your checked-in luggage bags. Hi Jhansi, When is your travel date and from which company are u travelling. New, Renewal? With so much riding on the H4 visa interview, knowing the interview questions beforehand can help you prepare for this very important step. All rights reserved. That is the length of time that you can to stay in the US. B1/B2, H1, F1? Receipts for payments of wedding expenses. Is it fine if i land in SFO and after few days travel to Reston(work location). Your passport and visa (and I-94, see below) should, on theory, be sufficient. These are the documents your H-4 dependent (s) should carry to the visa interview: Copy of the H-1B employee's Form I-797 Approval Notice for the H-1B petition Proof of marriage and/or proof of a birth certificate Form I-797 Approval Notice for the I-539 change of status application, if applicable Valid passport immihelp.com is private non-lawyer web site. Currently I am in INDIA. And might even (in some circumstances) ask for some documents thatll verify your relationship with the visa sponsor. H1B1 Visa for Professionals from Chile and Singapore, O1 Visa for Persons With Extraordinary Ability, P Visa for Athletes, Artists and Entertainers. Moreover, you can study at one of the U.S.s many universities and even apply to transition to an H1B visa. Which type of visa do you want approval for? For any legal help or advice, we recommend hiring a qualified professional immigration attorney. You can learn more about the H4 visa interview and interview questions in our complete guide. Hi, My husband had a similar situation last year. Sign and return that note if you wish to accept the loan offer. File H4 EAD yourself with I-765 form, document checklist. If they pass the necessary drivers tests, they get the right to drive. After reaching USA i will be apply for extension. The Form I-94 number also is known as the Departure Number or Admission Record Number. Can I stay beyond Sep 2017 (till Sep 2018) or I need to do some formalities once coming? Original Passport with valid H1B Visa stamp issued by Consulate on it. You should be prepared to answer at least these questions, if not other questions related to your marriage, your partner, and other personal topics related to visa status. My H1B new cap petition was approved in August 2021 for Client A with LCA based on State A. change status to an H-1B visa and then apply for the Green Card, the cost of health care in the US is very high. What if H4 is travelling without H1 Primary document, Your email address will not be published. I hope you reached Boston safely. Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, Information for Completing USCIS Forms. Rohit Mittal is the co-founder and CEO of Stilt. IF you are not sure what your husband works, or who is their employer, obtain more information in this regard. The loan then gets disbursed into your U.S. bank account within a reasonable number of days (some lenders will be as quick as 2-3 business days). When family members are admitted into the U.S. as H-4 dependents, their documents must be returned and an admission date stamp is placed in their passport with the notations H-4 and a date indicating the period they are authorized to stay in the U.S. CBP will issue an electronic Form I-94 for each person to access and print at the CBPs I-94 website. Anyone who was ever a visa overstay in the U.S. must apply for the visa at a consular office in their country of nationality. 21 Cheapest & Affordable Colleges in USA for International Students, How do I get a replacement Social Security Card for my child online, What Is The Visa For Parents To Visit Their Children In USA, Can You get US Citizenship after Student Visa. A visa interview appointment letter and a copy of the Form G-1145 (online notification of the application acceptance) You should bring the form DS-160 - barcode printed for the interview. The CBP officer would review the applicants file in system and ask them common questions like where they are going to work, city name, company name, salary, validity of approval notice and may ask to give the documents to verify. These officers have the discretion to admit family members in H-4 status and may refer them to a more detailed secondary inspection. I am coming to USA on H1B with my wife first time and will be landing to LCA state and staying with friend who is also employee with my H1B Sponsor. In order to remain in the U.S., the child must change to a different nonimmigrant visa status (e.g., F-1 student, B-2 visitor). Canadian citizens do not need to apply for visas at U.S. embassies or consulates. whether my h1b transfer case will come under current premium processing of the following rule. Carry all the documents that your employer gave. When you schedule your interview, you will get a letter of confirmation, which you need to save for later. Prior to applying for anH4 visa, each applicant and this includes children as well must fill out the form DS 160. Passport. there was a question on PoE but no problems at all. Sai, You do not really transfer Visa, your employer would use the previous H1B approval to apply for cap exempt petition. If you have changed your name after marriage, you should get it changed in your passport before applying for an H4 visa. Read US Port of Entry Procedures, Common FAQs to understand the general process at port of entry and what to expect. Could you please suggest on this , As i am very much tensed on this, Want to talk to you urgently. Is the principal beneficiary of an approved Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker; or; Has been granted H-1B status under sections 106(a) and (b) of the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-first Century Act of 2000 as amended by the 21st . I am planning to travel to USA on 26 Aug. 2017. It could be your manager or one of your companys employees. For information about your privacy, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Receipt of the fee paid details. Thanks so much for listing the documents needed in conjunction with the H1B visa. Can I use my friend address as mine while filling form? If you have been granted the H4 visa, you will need to go for the visa stamping procedures. Hi, thanks for your reply. Pay stubs from principal applicants current place of work and income tax return. Two Passport-size photograph. Obtaining an H4 visa in the U.S. opens up many doors. Letter from employer that describes the relationship with the Principal Applicant and the purpose of travel. Will using an AP document delay my entry into the U.S.? I have H1B petition approve till Sep 2017 but visa issue (stamped in Passport) till Sep 2017. What would be the questions asked at the time POE? Visitors website to: If you cannot get your Form I-94 from the CBP website, you may file Form I-102, Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Record, with USCIS. Remember to answer each question truthfully and to show your attachment and dependency on your spouse. Once you are settled in the first few weeks, then you can buy domestic insurance from US providers or have your employer cover it. I gave I797 to Netherlands embassy for Schengen Visa and never got the original documents back. Make sure you carry all your documents and be prepared to answer questions. Hi I am planning to travel in mid of next week to Texas from Hyderabad. I am currently in INDIA and looking for H1b transfer. Thanks, Actually my query is- I am trying for new employer to transfer my H1B before my VISA expires in July. Whom do you plan to reside with, in the United States? 2023 Murthy Law Firm. This website uses cookies, some of which are essential for the functionality of the website while others are for improving user experience and personalization. Proof of residence in USA of primary visa holder (ID copy or address proof). She is traveling with two kids so it is more convinient since Chicago is a direct flight from Delhi. The third part of the questions is about your spouse. Can you show me some of your wedding pictures? That way, if the officer at the POE asks, you can say that the amendment is already filed. You may not be asked to show these documents in transit airports, when you are have connecting flights, but it is good to have all the info. I have a return on 19th march. You can check out other Visa Category Stamps by CBP Officer at Port of Entry to understand how they look. Option 1: Extend I-94 by Crossing US Border by Land 3. Beginning on May 26, 2015, select H4 visa holders became eligible to work in the U.S. To be able to work, an H4 visa holder must first apply for and be approved for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). 3. Consider this as another visa interview and be confident. Family members can mail the Form I-539/I-539A application packet to USCIS on their own, or file the Form I-539 online for each dependent. Did the officer ask you why would you want to travel with just 1 month left? A child can no longer stay in the U.S. as an H-4 dependent once they turn 21. Dont worry too much. I am following your forum from few months. Do you have any proof of this? Check Sample H1B Approval Notice , read the text on it. You can open your own H4 visa bank account like any other immigrant or citizen of the US with any banking institution. Following you may find the questions that are usually asked during an H4 Visa interview. Marriage Cert, I-797 for H-1, your EVL. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) resumed premium processing today for all H-1B visa petitions subject to the Fiscal Year year (FY) 2018 cap. A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer attaches Form I-94 to the nonimmigrant visitors passport upon entry to the U.S. In this article, we cover H1B visa documents checklist that you need to carry and what you need be prepared with. I also works in TCS. My visa expired in Aug mid. The H4 visa is issued to the dependent family members of an H1B visa holder (spouse and children under 21 years) who want to join the H1B visa holder in the United States. After the H-4 family members are admitted into the U.S., send FSIS the following documents for each dependent so we can update our records and check that each person was admitted properly at the port of entry: Copy of Form I-94 admission record from CBP 's I-94 website; Copy of admission stamp with notations in passport; no need for photo album and such things. Pictures of you and your spouse signing the marriage certificate. The approval is always tied to your employer authenticity and your employment opportunity, if all is good, you should be fine. However, you can expect the questions to usually follow this pattern: These are just a few of the questions your interviewer may ask. But now, my employer has filed for h1b cap exempt for minneapolis location and it too got approved yesterday till dec 2025. But the amendment got rejected after giving RFE. Who paid for your wedding, and how much did it cost? So, I started seeking out other opportunities. Most H type visas are dual intent, which means that you can have a non-immigrant and immigrant status. Hi I came to India In Sep 2016 due to my wife surgery and delayed my travel due to her health condition and planned to travel in Feb 11th via Abu dabhi.Is there any problem in port of entry will they ask this timeline.My Visa is valid till July 2017. Copy of my I-797 2. i wana know wat questions will be asked for an h4 holder at the port of entry .my frds r saying tat thy r asking too many questions in recent times due to bad economic conditions in USA. My H1B Visa & I797 validity is 30 Sep. 2017. Is this will effect the transfer process.The new employer is saying he will do transfer once premium is resumed(Probably USICS will resume in Sep). Im travelling to Boston next month. There are several H4 visa documents the applicant must bring to either prove their marital status or their dependency on the primary visa holder (H1B family member). , Is the marriage affidavit certificate get by notary advocate is enough for visa stamping interview process ? For more information, please see USCISs FAQ on work authorization for H-4 spouses. Any challenges to transfer H1b Visa after visa expires. They did not ask any documents other than my passport. If asked about the delay, you can say that project was delayed etc. Optional documents to carry Proof of residence in USA of primary visa holder (ID copy or address proof). I m first time traveling on my h1b visa. Is H4 port of entry should be same place here husband lives? You can check US Port of Entry Experiences Tracker to know more on common questions. Family members may apply for H-4 admission with or after the H-1B employees arrival in the U.S.; they do not need to file applications with USCIS before applying for their visas and/or entry. The family must file Form I-539 (and Form I-539A for each additional dependent) to apply for H-4 changes of status at the same time UH files the H-1B petition. Did Imissanything ? When you travel and arrive in US in flight or ship, you would go through Port of Entry Procedures , where a CBP officer would interview you and stamp your passport. H4 visa holder @Port of Entry documents- First time Over 1M Users on Trackitt LoginSignup Over 1M Trackitt Users Coronavirus (COVID-19): What You Need to Know Before You Travel Read More Toggle navigation Trackers USA Employment Based Trackers USA Family Based Trackers Canada Immigration Trackers UK Immigration Trackers Soon youll have your loan offer. An H4 visa gives spouses and children under 21 of H1B visa holders the ability to join the visa holder in the US. After you apply for H4 Visa interview at US Consulate in your country and it is approved, you would use that H4 Visa Stamp in Passport to travel to US. CEAC Website, Errors Info, GUIDE to H1B Visa 2023 Lottery, Registration, Predictions, News, FAQs. This page was generated at 10:36 PM. I am also want to know about it. Regarding the same, I have a couple of queries which are mentioned below: 1) Is it safe to travel to the USA with this new employer here in India? But, it is not a mandatory that you need to have the original. I am really thankful to you. However , I want to land and stay in SFO to visit my close relative for 1 week. In which month and year did your spouse get approval for the H-1 Visa? H4 visa fees are the same as other H type visas. Employer location is Texas so am worried if there will be any issues due to this. Did you carry any other documents ? It is best for dependents to apply at the U.S. embassy/consulate having jurisdiction over their place of residence, though they may apply at any U.S. embassies/consulates worldwide that permit third country nationals applications. When you arrive, you will be interviewed at the port of entry. Any time limit? However, my most recent entry to US was on the same H1B visa and I had original I797 back then. Carry more recent and up to date documents. He spent years building credit risk and fraud models for top U.S. banks.