Texas H4 Visa Attorneys

An H-4 visa is a visa issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to immediate family members (spouse and children under 21 years of age) of the H-1B visa holders.

USCIS allows immediate family members of H visa holders (H-1A, H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, or H-3) to get H-4 visas to lawfully come and stay in the US. These visas are usually issued at the local US consulate office abroad. However, if the person is already in US, he or she can obtain H-4 visa by filing Form I-539 for change of status.

H-4 visa holders are not eligible to get a Social Security Number and cannot be employed, but can hold a driver's license, open bank account(s) and get ITIN for IRS Tax purpose.

1. PRIVILEGES ON H-4 VISA:

On H-4 visa, you may:

•· Enter into the U.S. along with your spouse or join him/her later;

•· Not have to maintain, a foreign residence;

•· Travel in and out of the U.S. or remain in the U.S. continuously as long as you are in status;

•· Study in any U.S. university.

2. DURATION:

Your H-4 status depends on the status of the principal H visa status. You lose your status once the H loses status.

3. WORK ON H-4 VISA:

No, you may not work on H-4 visa in the U.S. The principal H visa holder has to support you.

4. TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS:

There are no travel restrictions on H-4 visa. You may travel as many times as possible while you are on H-4 status.

Visa processing can be difficult and confusing. If you would like the assistance of an experienced immigration attorney, please contact the firm by e-mail or call our offices. Bertolino LLP maintains offices in Austin, Houston and San Antonio. To reach an immigration law attorney in the Austin office, call 512.476.5757. For the San Antonio office, call 210.223.5553. For the Houston office, call 713.225.7474.