Loune-Djenia Askew, Esq.
Oct 29, 2025
Many people who move to the United States for work want to bring their loved ones with them. To make this possible, the U.S. Congress created the H-4 visa, which allows the spouses and unmarried children (under 21 years old) of certain visa holders to live in the U.S. as dependents.
Many people who move to the United States for work want to bring their loved ones with them. To make this possible, the U.S. Congress created the H-4 visa, which allows the spouses and unmarried children (under 21 years old) of certain visa holders to live in the U.S. as dependents.
What Is an H-4 Visa?
The H-4 visa is granted to dependents of individuals who hold H-series visas, such as the H-1B for professionals, H-2A and H-2B for temporary workers, and H-3 for trainees.
An H-4 visa is directly tied to the primary visa holder’s status. If the primary visa holder’s visa expires or is extended, the H-4 visa follows the same timeline. H-4 visa holders may live in the U.S., study at schools or universities, and in some cases, work — but only if specific conditions are met.
To qualify for employment, the spouse of an H-1B visa holder must have either an approved Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) or an H-1B visa that has been extended beyond the standard six-year limit. In that case, the H-4 spouse may apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) using Form I-765 before starting work.
Applying for an H-4 Visa
The H-4 visa can be obtained at the same time as the primary visa holder or after they’ve entered the United States. The process begins by completing Form DS-160, paying the visa fee, and scheduling an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Applicants must bring supporting documents, such as a passport, photos, proof of their relationship to the H visa holder, and a copy of the primary visa holder’s approval notice. During the interview, a consular officer will review the documents and determine eligibility.
Processing times vary depending on the applicant’s country and the consulate’s workload, but it usually takes between three to five months. Once approved, the H-4 visa will be stamped in the applicant’s passport, allowing them to travel and live in the U.S. for the same duration as the primary visa holder.
Why It Helps to Have an Immigration Attorney
Applying for an H-4 visa may seem straightforward, but small mistakes in the application or documentation can cause long delays or even denials. Immigration laws and procedures often change, and every applicant’s situation is different.
An experienced immigration attorney can make the process smoother by ensuring that all documents are accurate, complete, and submitted on time. Attorneys also help address complications, such as previous visa issues, missing proof of relationship, or inconsistencies in immigration records.
Most importantly, an attorney can help you understand what benefits your family may be eligible for — such as work authorization for the H-4 spouse — and guide you through the process of applying for those benefits correctly. Having professional guidance gives you peace of mind that your family’s immigration process is handled properly from start to finish.
If you or your loved ones are planning to apply for an H-4 visa, our team can help you every step of the way — from preparing documents to communicating with immigration officials.
For more information, contact our office at Askew & Associates, P.A. by calling 954-546-2699.
Disclaimer: this blog post is not intended to be legal advice. We highly recommend speaking to an attorney if you have any legal concerns.