H-4
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      1. The White Paper for F1 Students
      2. Dependent Visas
      3. H-4

      H-4 Application Process & Required Materials

      This article provides a detailed guide on how to apply for an H-4 visa, including all the required documents.

      Application Materials

      • Passport (valid for at least 6 months)

      • Passport-style photo (2 inches x 2 inches, taken within the last 6 months)

      • DS-160 confirmation page

      • Visa application fee receipt

      • The H-1B visa holder's Form I-797A

      • Legal identification of the H-1B visa holder in the U.S. (such as passport, visa, job offer letter, W-2 etc.)

      • Proof of relationship to the H-1B visa holder (such as marriage certificate, photos, joint bank account etc.)

       

      Application Process

      Step 1: Complete Form DS-160 Online

      Filling out Form DS-160 is the first step in applying for a visa. You will need to upload a passport-style photo taken within the last 6 months. After completing the form, print the confirmation page and bring it to the interview.

      When filling out the form, remember to enter the name of your H-1B spouse in the petitioner field, not your own name.

      Step 2: Pay the Visa Application Fee

      The H-4 visa application fee is $205. This fee must be paid before you can schedule an interview.

      Step 3: Schedule a Visa Interview

      After paying the fee, you can schedule your visa interview. When scheduling, you will need to provide the following materials:

      • A valid passport (valid for at least 6 months)

      • The receipt number for the visa application fee

      • The 10-digit barcode number from the DS-160 confirmation page

      Step 4: Attend the Visa Interview

      Bring the aforementioned materials and attend the visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate at the scheduled time. It is best to arrive 30 minutes to an hour early.

      Interview Tips:

      • Authenticity of Marriage: The main focus of the H-4 visa interview is to prove your relationship with the H-1B holder. You need to know details about your spouse's job, such as the industry, position, workplace, visa status, and H-1B start date. The visa officer will usually check the H-1B holder's Form I-797A. You can prepare other documents like photos, call records, and the marriage certificate, but they may not necessarily be requested.

      • Immigration Intent: Since H-1B visa holders are allowed to have immigrant intent, H-4 visa holders can also express such intent. Therefore, you can answer questions about your future plans without being overly cautious.

      Step 5: Wait for the Result

      Usually, you will know the result of your interview immediately. There are three possible results:

      • Visa Approved: The visa officer will keep your passport and return the other materials. You should receive your passport by mail within 1-2 weeks.

      • Administrative Processing: In this case, the visa officer will request additional materials for further review. You might need to send the documents to a specified email address or return for another interview on a given date.

      • Visa Denied: The denial rate for H-4 visas is very low. If denied, it is usually due to insufficient evidence of the marriage's authenticity or the impending expiration of the H-1B spouse's status. If you lack sufficient documentation to prove the marriage, consider attending the interview together with your H-1B spouse to improve your chance of approval.