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 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. Disclosure: Content may contain sponsored links to partner programs and affiliates, which may earn us a commission from sales generated, at no additional cost. Dont worry too much. Once you are settled in the first few weeks, then you can buy domestic insurance from US providers or have your employer cover it. Yes. In my couple of recent experience, they just asked for passport and took the receipt number from the visa stamp. H-4 visa application requirements differ by embassy/consulate, so family members need to check directly with the specific U.S. embassy/consulate on the requirements for the visa application if they have any questions. Thanks in Advance Eswar. 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. The procedure is easy and you can open it by providing your passport and local ID card. sandy vsandy, Mar 4, 2009. As of April 30, 2013, most Arrival and/or Departure records are created electronically upon arrival. guys plzzzz do that mistake wat i did . My H1B visa is approved in Feb16. I am currently in INDIA and looking for H1b transfer. akm6270, November 21, 2014 in Travel. To apply for a visa, the applicant must begin the H4 visa process and fill out a DS-160 form online and then attend their visa interview. 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. Review our. As long as you have everything in place and all details correct, without fraud, you should be fine. The spouse needs to carefully review the Form I-765 instructions or consult with an immigration attorney before completing and submitting the form. Who paid for your wedding, and how much did it cost? My flight is from Chennai -> Dubai -> Boston-> Philadelphia. Technically, the original copy is advised to be held by USCIS on the approval notice. Yes, it is possible to apply for cap exempt H1B petition even after your H1B visa expiration on passport. All rights reserved. It looks like below and details of each of them. In his current role, he defines the overall business strategy, leads debt and capital fundraising efforts, leads product development, and leads other customer-related aspects for the company. As i did not traveled to US till now and thinking to travel in Jan 2018. Also, it is a good idea to memorize the address at which the primary visa holder stays and works (residential and employers address). 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. My H1B new cap petition was approved in August 2021 for Client A with LCA based on State A. The spouse may begin working in the U.S. after receiving the EAD. After reaching USA i will be apply for extension. My Employer is located at Virginia but Im getting down at Chicago as port of entry in USA to attend a personnel function and will be there for few days. It is acceptable ? So, make sure you keep all these important documents with you in person in your laptop or backpack that you carry on the plane along with you. Note:We do not offer visa/legal advice or application services, so we do not respond to such inquiries. My employer cannot extend VISA due to current situation. My H1B Visa & I797 validity is 30 Sep. 2017. With so much riding on the H4 visa interview, knowing the interview questions beforehand can help you prepare for this very important step. You might have to wait for years until your Green Card is approved. Attach the following documents for each dependent to the Form I-539/I-539A: FSIS will review the Form I-539/I-539A for any obvious errors and mail the application with the H-1B petition. 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). They did not ask any documents other than my passport. The interview might be quite stressful for many, despite that the questions are quite basic and simple. Article Contents hide 1. If, for example, you find an employer who is willing to sponsor your visa, you can file for the type of visa in which you qualify. ( the latter is the plan). If you have any questions, send us an email at [emailprotected]. So, I started seeking out other opportunities. How is port of Entry in DFW. there was a question on PoE but no problems at all. Will there be any issues at POE ? Or if my employer is planning to file extension once I reach? Visitors website, Apply for a new I-94 (land border travelers only), See how much longer you can remain in the U.S. based on the terms of your admission, Form I-102, Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Record, Applying for Admission into United States. I will also bhi travelling next week. Home Visas H Visa H4 Visa Stamping Documents. If you have been granted the H4 visa, you will need to go for the visa stamping procedures. Information shared on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. 12. How long has your spouse been working for his/her current employer? or you just took little risk and landed in US for a different employer before H1B transfer? Do I need to have my POE in and around my work location or can I land at some other city as Im planning to visit family friends before heading to my work location? I also works in TCS. This time being a re-entry on the same visa, will I need the original or photocopy of I797? Mandatory Documents: H4 visa Valid I797 of the primary visa holder. Processing time 2-7 month. Passport. My employer on visa and i797 is same. The interviewer will ask you questions about her/him in order to figure out if the spouse already in the US can maintain you financially, is they have a stable job, and if they intend to remain in the US for long. 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? You can learn more about the H4 visa interview and interview questions in our complete guide. Submit the required documentation and provide your best possible application. Im travelling to Boston next month. POE will be on the first City where you Land in USA. What if H4 is travelling without H1 Primary document, Your email address will not be published. Your passport and visa (and I-94, see below) should, on theory, be sufficient. The H4 visa holder may work either part-time, full-time or not at all. However , I want to land and stay in SFO to visit my close relative for 1 week. You must provide the following documents to apply for the H4 visa: Filled DS-160 application form. I am also want to know about it. You should be fully prepared to answer each question, or else you may lose the chance to get the visa. Now, I do not have onsite opportunities with client A in State A, so my company is planning to file an amendment petition for client B in State B. What do you plan on doing in the United States? Visit CBPs I-94, Travel Records for U.S. 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. Saurabh, is it still on to show copy of I797 at POE? Is it fine if i land in SFO and after few days travel to Reston(work location). Appreciate your help and will help me a lot. Instead, they need to follow the H-4 entry procedures. They do not need to go for renewal or new visa stamping. Should I carry proof of my bank balance that I have enough resources to fly back if at all it is required? A H4 visa holder can however work if the original sponsor has filed for green card and has an EAD achieved. WASHINGTON U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced an enhancement to the I-94 website today, which allows travelers to apply and pay for their I-94 online prior to arriving at a land port of entry. We have also included information on the current state of the H4 visa and some changes that may be made to the visa in the near future. immihelp.com is private non-lawyer web site. I have booked one-way ticket as no airline issuing ticket beyond 10 months return at time. but i want to take risk. If yes, where? If USCIS receives the Form I-539/I-539A late, dependents may accrue unlawful presence. I stayed in USA only 11 months of time. Read US Port of Entry Procedures, Common FAQs to understand the general process at port of entry and what to expect. The visa stamping will be the last step for you to complete before you can book your trip to the US. 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. If UH is filing an H-1B extension petition for an employee, dependents who will be in the U.S. when their current H-4 status expires must submit a Form I-539/I-539A application to extend their H-4 statuses. This means that you will still have to file taxes just as anyone with an SSN. The questions can range around topics like below, We have compiled a list of questions that you can expect, check US Port of Entry Questions by CBP Officer. My wife will be travelling on her own for first time to US on H4 visa. My employer provided the letter to me for the port of Entry. please keep us posted. Obtaining an H4 visa in the U.S. opens up many doors. Under the automatic visa revalidation provision of immigration law, certain temporary visitors holding expired nonimmigrant visas who seek to return to the United States may be admitted at a U.S. port of entry by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), including, but not limited to the following: Next, dependents apply for admission in H-4 status at a U.S. port of entry. So, if you have a copy, that should be good enough..Most employers are open to give the same, but you should be fine. The admission stamps with notations and the Form I-94 printouts are proof of admission to and legal immigration status in the U.S. Everyone needs to keep copies of their passport biodata/expiration pages, visas, admission stamps, and Form I-94 records permanently in case any of these documents are lost or stolen. 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. Is the marriage affidavit certificate get by notary advocate is enough for visa stamping interview process ? I am with the same employer since 2008 and recently moved to US on Oct 2016 for the same company. Did you make this appointment for the interview? Can I say its a critical work requirement for a month! H-4 eligibilityObtaining and extending H-4 statusEmployment permitted for certain H-4 dependentsStudy permitted for H-4 dependents. 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. This visa has been criticized a lot and some people call it the slave visa since it restricts the visa holders rights in some ways. Generally, immigration officers at Port of Entry, will ask you questions to verify your intention of travel. I am in a similar situation, can you tell me what happened to your case. So if your spouse has a visa that is valid for 3 years, your H4 visa will also be valid for 3 years. You must provide the following documents to apply for the H4 visa: After youve applied online and submitted your documents, you need to attend the visa interview. 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). Here, we put together this guide with all the information you need to know about the H4 visa and how you can apply for the visa. Remember to answer each question truthfully and to show your attachment and dependency on your spouse. The US authorities in charge of issuing visas are interested to know more about you, the reason for applying for a visa, and more. Dependents who will be outside the U.S. when their current H-4 status expires do not need to file Form I-539/I-539A. H1B Port of Entry Documents Checklist 3. 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. Marriage Cert, I-797 for H-1, your EVL. I traveled on H1b in Dec 2015 on A company (Petition valid till 07/07/2017)and later transferred my H1b to B company in USA(Petition valid till 06/20/2017).. Due to family health emergency came to INDIA in Oct 2016. Proof of residence in USA of primary visa holder (ID copy or address proof). Apply for H-4 admission at a U.S. port of entry below. Please help me. The sooner you schedule your interview, the faster will you complete the wholeH4 visa application. Pay the fee and save the receipt, as you will need it later during your application procedures. If they determine that it is safe to let you enter the US, you may do so. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. My Question is 1. These officers have the discretion to admit family members in H-4 status and may refer them to a more detailed secondary inspection. If the H4 visa holder's visa stamp on the passport is valid, they can use the same visa stamp and present the New H1B approval notice copy of their spouse after transfer. The visa on your passport does not matter for that. . Receipt of the fee paid details. By If you put any of these documents in luggage check-in you may be in difficult situation not able to show these documents. Can I use my friend address as mine while filling form? 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). If you are outside the US, you will need to submit your application for H4 Visa at the US Embassy where your spouse or parent has applied or in your home country if you and your spouse are of different nationalities. You will have the same opportunities as a student on an F-1 visa. Unmarried children under 21 years of age and spouses of H-1B employees are eligible for H-4 status. I am following your forum from few months. Now my question is Would be there any issue if port of entry is different location to the employer location? >>Can I use my friend address as mine while filling form? However, my most recent entry to US was on the same H1B visa and I had original I797 back then. He spent years building credit risk and fraud models for top U.S. banks. Also, you should know the address of the place you'll be staying when you arrive, and the name of your employer and what kind of work you'll be doing. You can do this by filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. Original Interview appointment letter and one copy. Option 5: Attorney to file Extension with USCIS to extend I-94 7. It is not necessary to have it at the exact City or around where you work. Booking receipts of your honeymoon or other post-marriage trips. i traveled with just 1 month left on my visa and petition. For example, if you get a temporary, non-agricultural job, you can apply for a change of status to an H-2B visa. 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. The Employer mentioned there will be some risk at Port of Entry as i am travelling late . In this article, well talk about what documents are required for a H4 visa holder at the port of entry (airport landing in USA). 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). A lock ( A locked padlock ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. H4 visa fees are the same as other H type visas. 3. (If you have previously been rejected). I really thankful to your valuable suggestions.I also need your help .let me explain my case. It could be your manager or one of your companys employees. Thanks a lot for the Information. 4. Prepare for the interview by clearly defining your reasons for going and be ready to answer questions about your spouse or parent. , No it wont , h1b transfer exempt from cap. 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. How did you obtain all the documents required for the H4 Visa interview? 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. The duration of their study depends on the H-1B employees period of stay. Provide any additional information if required. This post provide us all details which one should keep in their mind while applying for USA Business visa. However, if you apply for a Green Card from an H4 visa, it might take too long for your priority dates to become current. Have you travelled already or not? Looking for U.S. government information and services? Optional documents to carry Proof of residence in USA of primary visa holder (ID copy or address proof). Can you show me some of your wedding pictures? 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, The applicants spouse must be in the U.S. on a valid H1B visa, The applicant must be either the beneficiary of an I-140 OR her spouse must have extended H1B status. . Complete Guide to Working on an H4 Visa in the U.S. DS 160 for H4 Visa: What You Should Know about It, Complete Guide to H4 Visa Interview Questions. Are you planning to get a job in the United States? 3. At times, you may have to. An H4 visa gives spouses and children under 21 of H1B visa holders the ability to join the visa holder in the US. 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: If family members are currently in the U.S. in a qualifying status, they can file Form I-539 and Form I-539A for each additional dependent (see the Form I-539 instructions) to apply for H-4 changes of status or extensions. Carry more recent and up to date documents. A passport - H4 visa applicant and the H1 visa holder. Getting health insurance for H4 visa holders will help in managing the costs of health care if someone gets ill or in an accident. Jhansi, Dont worry too much about POE. 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? Your Green Card might be processed faster and you wont have to wait too long. I hope you reached Boston safely. You can face issues at Port of entry, if anything is missing. Hope it helps.. By default they would assume employer mentioned on the visa stamp is the current employer. 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. Hi Kaushal, The date till you can stay in US is mentioned on your I-94 which will be issued at POE. 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. I am aware of some documents below she will need to carry with her to support her admission at port of entry, Any documents required while traveling to INDIA. You can also open a bank account and apply for loans. Let me know can i travel to USA due to short visa validity issue ( 5 weeks) If I travel , is there any chance to deport at Port of entry due to short visa validity issue ( 5 weeks). The approval is always tied to your employer authenticity and your employment opportunity, if all is good, you should be fine. The processing times for the H4 visa are different from country to country. Were you engaged before getting married to your spouse? Stilt is committed to helping immigrants build a better financial future. 2. all other docs taken to H4 visa stamping interview. Need some information , I got US VISA stamped on Oct 2015 and i got VISA for 3 years till Sept 2018 . The visitor must exit the U.S. on or before the departure date stamped on the Form I-94. Hi, thanks for your reply. https://www.immihelp.com/h4-visa-stamping-documents/. H4 visa holders canapply for a change of status. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 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. Sample H4 Visa US Entry Stamp at Port of Entry by CBP Officer, Travel to USA Processes, Samples, How to Guides, Visa Category Stamps by CBP Officer at Port of Entry, US Visa Interview Waiver Options extended until Dec 31st, 2023. I have a valid visa till 2019. Marriage Cert, I-797 for H-1, your EVL. Copy of passport biodata page (if new/renewed). Yes. check out the. If the child is under 14, the H-1B employee signs the Form I-539/I-539A and provides their own information in Part 5. What university/college did your spouse graduate from? I dnt have Marriage certificate to apply h4 visa to go US. @Pooja - did you get a response to your question above. The general process is same, except that for H1B visa holders, they may ask and review H1B visa related documentation. Can you reach me at nitin(dot)infoscian(@)gmail(dot)com. My family is traveling to Chicago because there is a direct flight from Delhi to Chicago. 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. You can choose an autopay method online to help you pay on time every month. RedBus2US.com 2010 - 2023, All Rights Reserved. Valid I797 of the primary visa holder. He was travelling from India but his visa was about to expire within a month. How Can I Get a Driving License on an H4 Visa? The petition was filed for NJ and Client A through employer E. I never been in US. How to Apply for H4 EAD? Pay stubs from principal applicants current place of work and income tax return. What would be the questions asked at the time POE? 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 You will need all your documents related to H1B visa, and supporting documents, when you meet the CBP officer at Port of Entry. In addition to above, talk to your attorney and carry other documentation that they suggest. Yes, an H4 visa holder can re-enter the U.S. but make sure to carry all the documents that might be required at the Port of Entry (POE). While it would be a letdown, its not the end of the road. And might even (in some circumstances) ask for some documents thatll verify your relationship with the visa sponsor. whether my h1b transfer case will come under current premium processing of the following rule. My wife &a kid are traveling for the first time to US and POE would be Boston. Can I use a I-797 COPY at the POE if I do not have the original. Can I use a copy ? H-4 dependents may study in the U.S. on either a full or part time basis. If, for example, your spouse is applying for an H-2A visa and you apply together, your visa will take the same time to process as your spouses. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Most H type visas are dual intent, which means that you can have a non-immigrant and immigrant status. If only minor children are applying for H-4 status, the eldest childs information is entered on the Form I-539 and each additional child completes a Form I-539A. If you are not working as an H4 visa holder, you will not be allowed to get a Social Security Number (SSN). Your answer will be very helpful. 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. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) of the U.S. must present a Permanent Resident Card ("Green Card", Form I-551), a Reentry Permit (if gone for more than 1 year), or a Returning Resident Visa (if gone for 2 years or more) to reenter the United States.. United States (U.S.) LPRs do not need a passport to enter the U.S. as per 8 CFR 211.1(a), however, they may need a passport to enter another country.