U.S. Did they call your employer and checked if employer is expecting you? my h1b visa revoked , due to landing in another location , but not in work location. H-4 dependents are not eligible for employment authorization. It should be fine. 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. Biometrics? (Optional) Copy of your resume that was used in H1B visa filing, You will need the address information of where you will stay in America and what are the arrangements for the initial stay. What is the name of the company where your spouse works? 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. You will also need to complete an H4 biometrics evaluation as part of the application process. Apply online for the loan amount you need. If you put any of these documents in luggage check-in you may be in difficult situation not able to show these documents. H4 and advance parole, can they go together? 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. For visitors, travel, student and other international travel medical insurance. Did you travel from the same company which got H1B stamped for you? Well, you need to work with company A or B and they need to work it out properly. 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. How is port of Entry in DFW. DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application confirmation page; Visa interview appointment confirmation page; Passport valid for at least six months beyond the H-1B employees authorization end date; Evidence of relationship to the H-1B employee: Evidence of H-1B employees status (copies of Form I-94, visa, approval notice, offer/support letter, Any other documents required by the specific. Prior to applying for anH4 visa, each applicant and this includes children as well must fill out the form DS 160. Apply for H-4 admission at a U.S. port of entry below. During the interview, the interviewers will try to determine whether your relationship with the H type visa holder is genuine. You must provide the following documents to apply for the H4 visa: Filled DS-160 application form. Travel in H-1B and H-4 Status - Montclair State University Pictures of you and your spouse signing the marriage certificate. Thanks in Advance Eswar. Is it fine if i land in SFO and after few days travel to Reston(work location). 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? My H1b visa has been stamped on my passport by the consulate. 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. If you have any questions, send us an email at [emailprotected]. With so much riding on the H4 visa interview, knowing the interview questions beforehand can help you prepare for this very important step. So, if you have a copy, that should be good enough..Most employers are open to give the same, but you should be fine. 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. Just wanted to know what where the questions asked at POE? What would be the port of entry to usa for me. You can enroll in academic courses or programs. Im travelling to Boston next month. This is my new employment, Im travelling to USA on my H1b for the first the time. I really thankful to your valuable suggestions.I also need your help .let me explain my case. Worst case, you will need to file a new LCA, get it approved and then file the H1B amendment and travel with a copy of the H1B amendment receipt notice along with the original H1B approval notice. If your application meets the eligibility criteria, the lender will contact you with regard to your application. Did the officer ask you why would you want to travel with just 1 month left? Also my employer in i797 is different from what is on visa. This time being a re-entry on the same visa, will I need the original or photocopy of I797? My wife will be travelling on her own for first time to US on H4 visa. Not affiliated with any government agency. This isnt a necessity, but I know of instances where this question was asked, and just because there was no immediate answer, more questions were asked. 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. The spouse may begin working in the U.S. after receiving the EAD. 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. Do you know why you were rejected before? All times are GMT-5. Though it is not a complicated process and most of the H1B holders are allowed to enter the US, there are few instances, where some were denied entry. But now, my employer has filed for h1b cap exempt for minneapolis location and it too got approved yesterday till dec 2025. 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. The US Port of entry process for H1B Visa holders is no different from other visa types. List of documents required for H4 at port of entry? I have a scanned original copy of my I 797. If you have changed your name after marriage, you should get it changed in your passport before applying for an H4 visa. You can also open a bank account and apply for loans. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); IndiaUSAtravel.com is an online portal dedicated to topics related to travel and immigration to the USA from India. You need to take the following steps when applying for H4 visa: You will need to fill Form DS-160 online. Is there any problem in port of entry as my visa expires in 75days. An H4 visa gives spouses and children under 21 of H1B visa holders the ability to join the visa holder in the US. Can you share more details on what happened at Port of Entry ? Your interview and application will determine whether you will be granted the H4 visa or not. I always get nervous upon port entry cant wait till the questions are finished! Yes. 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. The following is the list of documents required to prepare for H4 visa stamping. The Embassy will notify you once they process your H4 visa. Did you have an arranged or love marriage? Input your search keywords and press Enter. Unmarried children under 21 years of age and spouses of H-1B employees are eligible for H-4 status. Automatic Revalidation - United States Department of State However , I want to land and stay in SFO to visit my close relative for 1 week. Sai, You do not really transfer Visa, your employer would use the previous H1B approval to apply for cap exempt petition. 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? If asked, you can tell the same that employer will file extension. But, it is not a mandatory that you need to have the original. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS I have H1B petition approve till Sep 2017 but visa issue (stamped in Passport) till Sep 2017. You can check your visa status on the website of the US Embassy where you are applying by entering your application number. If your spouse is currently working in the U.S. on an H1-B visa, please submit the pay slips for the current calendar year and federal tax returns (IRS Form 1040 and W-2s) for all the years in which he/she has been employed in the U.S. on the H-1B visa. They did not ask any documents other than my passport. Many H4 visa holders have started their own businesses (with their own H4 loans), and have even hired their own employees as well. Pictures of your witnesses and whoever was conducting the ceremony. Generally, all H-4 visa applications must include the following: 2. Based on this, the US Embassy will also grant you a visa with the same validity of your spouses or parents visa. Travelers using an advance parole document to enter the U.S. may be taken into secondary inspection, where an officer will confirm that s/he has an adjustment of status application pending. Also, it is a good idea to memorize the address at which the primary visa holder stays and works (residential and employers address). 2 months back I came back to USA. 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. Thanks in advance (& sorry for many questions), Correction: My petition approve till Sep 2018*. Hi Kaushal, The date till you can stay in US is mentioned on your I-94 which will be issued at POE. When entering US, they would issue I-94 on the basis of your 797, unless the passport is expiring earlier. This information does not constitute legal advice and should not be used as the sole source for making decisions that may affect an individuals legal status in the U.S. What are any queries at POE for taking 11 months for travel. Mandatory Documents: H4 visa Valid I797 of the primary visa holder. Note:We do not offer visa/legal advice or application services, so we do not respond to such inquiries. H4 visa holders can legally: Unlike most other visas, there is no cap on the number of H4 visas issued, and as of 2015, H4 visa holders can also legally work in the US. Do I need return ticket? Citizens of all other countries are required to obtain H-4 visas fromU.S. embassies or consulates. 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. You can open your own H4 visa bank account like any other immigrant or citizen of the US with any banking institution. H-4 dependents may study in the U.S. on either a full or part time basis. My Question is 1. 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. Original, Photocopies of the first page, last page, and remarks pages of your current. IF you are not sure what your husband works, or who is their employer, obtain more information in this regard. Were you engaged before getting married to your spouse? You are expected to complete and submit the form prior to your scheduled interview at the Consulate or Embassy. My Visa is Going to expire on July . immihelp.com is private non-lawyer web site. CEAC Website, Errors Info. Processing time 2-7 month. However, definitely bring all key paperwork with you in your carry-on luggage, for two reasons: This form states the dates that the visa of your spouse or parent is valid. It should be fine. She is traveling with two kids so it is more convinient since Chicago is a direct flight from Delhi. UH makes no warranties or representations, express or implied, about the content of this website, which includes links to external sites. The approval is always tied to your employer authenticity and your employment opportunity, if all is good, you should be fine. Hi, I am coming to US on H1B with my wife and kid for the first time. For information about your privacy, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. When you schedule your interview, you will get a letter of confirmation, which you need to save for later. Your H1 petition approval and the H4 visa on her passport. What do you plan on doing in the United States? Or if my employer is planning to file extension once I reach? 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. New, Renewal? How Can I Get a Driving License on an H4 Visa? I am with the same employer since 2008 and recently moved to US on Oct 2016 for the same company. This page was generated at 10:36 PM. Marriage Cert, I-797 for H-1, your EVL. 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 1 copy of admission stamp with notations in passport; 1 copy of Form DS-2019, I-20, or I-797A/I-797B (as applicable); 1 copy of passport biodata/expiration page(s); 1 copy of marriage certificate for spouse; 1 copy of birth certificate for each child; and, 1 copy of any other required documents listed on the, An approved Form I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker (. US Port of Entry questions by CBP Officer 5. What would be the questions asked at the time POE? Should I carry proof of my bank balance that I have enough resources to fly back if at all it is required? can any1 suggest , how to prepare for embassy to get stamp again, hi Rama sorry to hear about that..Can you please elaborate more please,because my end client is in Chicago, but due to port of entry issues that i have been hearing..i booked my flight to Dallas,from there will fly to Chicago,if i get through immigration..Please suggest on this, Hi Banu, What did you reach Chicago ? There was no issue and he was able to enter . or you just took little risk and landed in US for a different employer before H1B transfer? Also my employer in i797 is different from what is on visa. Please suggest me what are the documents needs to carry. 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. These officers have the discretion to admit family members in H-4 status and may refer them to a more detailed secondary inspection. Please reach me out in 1311rahul@gmail.com. I didn't need to use AP as I applied for H1 overseas although I had a valid AP doc, never used it to enter US, after I applied for my H1, it had to go through Admin Processing at . You can choose an autopay method online to help you pay on time every month. What is the highest degree of your spouse? A passport - H4 visa applicant and the H1 visa holder. 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. The interview with CBP officer at PoE happens before you collect your checked-in luggage bags. If asked, you can share the same. I have booked one-way ticket as no airline issuing ticket beyond 10 months return at time. While it would be a letdown, its not the end of the road. >>Can I stay beyond Sep 2017 (till Sep 2018) or I need to do some formalities once coming? But at port of entry you may have to go twice for the inspection. Whom do you plan to reside with, in the United States? 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. Did you stop over at Chicago? If you are employed, though, you will have to get a Social Security Number. Hi, My husband had a similar situation last year. Option 1: Extend I-94 by Crossing US Border by Land 3. A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer attaches Form I-94 to the nonimmigrant visitors passport upon entry to the U.S. What If Your H4 Visa Application Is Rejected? . My flight is from Chennai -> Dubai -> Boston-> Philadelphia. 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 . Consider this as another visa interview and be confident. Visit CBPs I-94, Travel Records for U.S. Moreover, you can study at one of the U.S.s many universities and even apply to transition to an H1B visa. There are two ways family members can acquire or extend H-4 status: (A) by applying for H-4 visas at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside the U.S. and then applying for H-4 admission at a U.S. port of entry or (B) by submitting a Form I-539 (and Form I-539A for each additional dependent) application to USCIS while they remain in the U.S. Use this option when the family members are either currently outside the U.S. and will enter as H-4 dependents or when they are in the U.S., but plan to depart before their current statuses expire and then return in H-4 status. I have lost my I 797 while traveling to india. H4 Visa Dependent Family Members FAQ - Immihelp - Immihelp A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. USCIS must receive the Form I-539/I-539A application by the business day on or before the current status end date. 2. But the amendment got rejected after giving RFE. I would be entering the country on a new I-797. guys plzzzz do that mistake wat i did . , Home Visas H Visa H4 Visa Stamping Documents. The general process is same, except that for H1B visa holders, they may ask and review H1B visa related documentation. The third part of the questions is about your spouse. They may file a Form I-539/I-539A to change status to H-4 after the employees H-4 petition is submitted, but before their current status expires. 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. Can I use a copy ? How to Check US Visa Status Online? no need for photo album and such things. I-129 Petition Receipt Number, printed on approved Form I-129 petition and copy of Form I-797 approval. Gathering all of these completed documents will ensure that your H4 visa application process goes smoothly. 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. Biometrics? I am first time traveler. 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. Please let me know. How long has your spouse been working for his/her current employer? Wedding photographs where you and your spouse are clearly seen in the pictures and DVDs. US CBP officer may ask to review all the documents as needed. You need to carry all supporting documentation related to your H1B visa petition stating that you have a job in US and it is speciality occupation. The entire Form I-539/I-539A application packet and filing fee must be submitted by the UH department to FSIS with the H-1B request. 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). Currently I am in INDIA. As i did not traveled to US till now and thinking to travel in Jan 2018. Is the marriage affidavit certificate get by notary advocate is enough for visa stamping interview process ? This website uses cookies, some of which are essential for the functionality of the website while others are for improving user experience and personalization. Thanks, Ricky. Passport. 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). Where to keep your H1B Visa Supporting Documents? Hi Jhansi, When is your travel date and from which company are u travelling. 2. all other docs taken to H4 visa stamping interview. The spouse needs to carefully review the Form I-765 instructions or consult with an immigration attorney before completing and submitting the form. The CBP Officer would verify the identity of the person, would ask the H1B holder to give biometrics and take a picture as well. Employment Authorization for Certain H-4 Dependent Spouses You will be interviewed by CBP Officer at the port of entry and they need to let you in after review. The Form I-94 number also is known as the Departure Number or Admission Record Number. Proof of my employment in US: company letter and pays slips 3. When you apply for the H4 visa, you will have to submit your spouses or parents I-797 form. In this article, we cover H1B visa documents checklist that you need to carry and what you need be prepared with. If so, I can travel, Can you please provide an official site for it ? Are you planning to get a job in the United States? I have booked my tickets to Chicago and will have POD. 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. That way, if the officer at the POE asks, you can say that the amendment is already filed. This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. She have h1b visa. File H4 EAD yourself with I-765 form, document checklist. If yes, how much fund would be enough to keep in bank? They may ask the following questions to every H4 visa applicant: The interviewer will ask you several questions about your marriage. Just make sure you have all the documents related to your current job in US. B1/B2, H1, F1. 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. What university/college did your spouse graduate from? Which city/town are you currently residing in your home country? I am in a similar situation, can you tell me what happened to your case. I stayed in USA only 11 months of time. Why are you applying for a visa now when you have married over a year ago/some time ago? 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. If this is not possible -Can I transfer my H1B after my VISA expires also with new employer from India? We are sorry that this post was not useful for you! Can you show me some of your wedding pictures? Families need to consider the waiting periods for visa interview appointments and visa issuance and plan ahead to allow enough time to obtain the necessary visas to enter the U.S. Use this option when UH is filing an H-1B change of status petition for an employee and their dependent family members (e.g., F-2, O-3) will be in the U.S. at the time the employees change to H-1B status takes place. Option 3: Extend I-94 by Visiting Nearest SENTRI Enrollment Centre 5. Apply for H-4 admission at a U.S. port of entry. 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. All rights reserved. Apply for H-4 admission at a U.S. port of entry below. The H4 visa allows you to go to the US if you are married to a H visa holder. GUIDE to Travel to US with valid Visa on Expired Passport ? It is not necessary to have it at the exact City or around where you work. 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. If the H-1Bs spouse is applying for H-4 status, the spouse completes the Form I-539 with their own information and sign the form in Part 5. Can you reach me at nitin(dot)infoscian(@)gmail(dot)com. The petition was filed for NJ and Client A through employer E. I never been in US. 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. Is H4 port of entry should be same place here husband lives? Once you arrive in the U.S., you can apply for a drivers license. Can anyone please share their experience? I dnt have Marriage certificate to apply h4 visa to go US. My LCA is Reston (Virginia) on h1b petition . My H1B Visa & I797 validity is 30 Sep. 2017. 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. >>Can I use my friend address as mine while filling form? 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. My wife &a kid are traveling for the first time to US and POE would be Boston. Individuals who already have H-4 visas that will be valid on the date they arrive in the U.S. do not need to apply for new ones and may also proceed to 2. Also, many H4 visa holders want to know whether they can apply for a Green Card. A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer attaches Form I-94 to the nonimmigrant visitor's passport upon entry to the U.S. Remember to answer each question truthfully and to show your attachment and dependency on your spouse. You might have to wait for years until your Green Card is approved. Btw I havent worked with employer B yet only my visa has been transferred, the last pay stub I have in the USA is from employer A. Abhi, 1. Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, Information for Completing USCIS Attach the following documents for each dependent to the Form I-539/I-539A: If dependents are in another country and will enter the U.S. in H-4 status, they do not need to file Form I-539/I-539A. Marriage certificate. However, after 2015, H4 visa holders are allowed to work based on conditions specified by the H4 EAD program. Respond truthfully and let them know that employer plan to files for extension soon after. no need for photo album and such things. Appreciate your help and will help me a lot. 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. Documents Required for H4 Visa Application - Path2USA Who will financially support you during your period of stay in the United States? Please make an entry at your Work location(LCA location).Dont get into any sort of trouble with the CBP officers(atlease there will be some additonal questions at POE and be prepared for answering that).If you cannot avoid going to chicago atleast show them the flight ticket you booked for going to your work location.But I would strongly advice you to land at your work location. 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). All Rights Reserved. Getting health insurance for H4 visa holders will help in managing the costs of health care if someone gets ill or in an accident. 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.