Quick answer: For an H-4 visa interview you need your valid passport, DS-160 confirmation page, visa fee receipt (US$205), a photo, proof of relationship (marriage or birth certificate), and a copy of the H-1B holder’s I-797 approval notice, passport, visa and recent pay stubs. Since September 2, 2025, most H-4 applicants must attend an in-person interview, so prepare originals and copies.
Last updated: September 30, 2026. Requirements vary by consulate. Always check the U.S. embassy or consulate website where you will apply.
H-4 Visa at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Who it is for | Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of H-1B, H-2A, H-2B or H-3 workers |
| Application form | DS-160 (online) |
| Visa fee (MRV) | US$205 |
| Interview | Required for most applicants since Sept 2, 2025 |
| Can you work? | Only with an H-4 EAD, if eligible |
| Can you study? | Yes |
| Change of status inside the U.S. | Form I-539 |
H-4 Documents Checklist: Applicant
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay, plus old passports
- DS-160 confirmation page with barcode
- Visa fee payment receipt (US$205)
- Interview appointment letter
- Photo meeting U.S. visa photo rules (2×2 inches, white background, no glasses)
- Marriage certificate (spouses) or birth certificate (children)
- Wedding photos, invitation and joint documents (helpful, especially for recent marriages)
- Previous U.S. visas and I-94 records, if any
H-4 Documents Checklist: From the H-1B Spouse
- Form I-797 approval notice for the H-1B petition
- Copy of H-1B holder’s passport and visa
- Employment verification letter from the U.S. employer (dated recently)
- Last 3 months of pay stubs
- Recent tax returns or W-2s (if already working in the U.S.)
- Copy of the Labor Condition Application (LCA) and petition, if available
- I-94 record showing current H-1B status
Which Form Do You Need? H-4 Visa vs I-539 vs H-4 EAD
| Situation | What you file | Where | Fee (approx.) | Key documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| You are outside the U.S. and want to join your spouse | DS-160 (H-4 visa) | U.S. consulate | US$205 | Checklist above |
| You are in the U.S. and want to change to or extend H-4 status | Form I-539 | USCIS | US$470 paper / US$420 online | I-797, I-94, marriage certificate |
| You hold H-4 and want to work | Form I-765 (category c26) | USCIS | US$520 (filed on paper) | H-4 status proof, spouse’s I-140 approval or AC21 extension |
Can H-4 Visa Holders Work? The H-4 EAD Explained
H-4 spouses can work only with an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). You qualify if your H-1B spouse has:
- An approved I-140 immigrant petition, or
- H-1B status extended beyond 6 years under AC21 sections 106(a) and (b)
2026 change to know: For EAD renewals filed on or after October 30, 2025, DHS ended the automatic extension of employment authorization for many categories. That means if your H-4 EAD expires while your renewal is pending, you may have to stop working. File your renewal as early as allowed (up to 180 days before expiry).
Children on H-4 cannot get an EAD.
H-4 Interview: Common Questions
The officer mainly wants to confirm the relationship is real and your spouse is in valid status. Expect questions like:
- When and where did you get married?
- What does your spouse do, and who is the employer?
- Where does your spouse live in the U.S.?
- How long has your spouse been in the U.S.?
- Do you plan to work or study in the U.S.?
Answer honestly and briefly. Your answers should match the DS-160 and your spouse’s documents.
Common Reasons H-4 Visas Are Delayed or Refused
- Recent marriage with thin evidence. Bring photos, invitations and joint records.
- Mismatched details between your DS-160 and your spouse’s petition.
- H-1B spouse’s status issues, such as a pending petition or unpaid employment.
- Administrative processing (221(g)), especially for certain fields of work.
- Missing I-797 copy or out-of-date employment letter.
Frequently Asked Questions
You need a valid passport, DS-160 confirmation page, US$205 fee receipt, photo, marriage or birth certificate, plus your H-1B spouse’s I-797 approval notice, passport and visa copy, employment letter and recent pay stubs.
The H-4 visa application (MRV) fee is US$205. If you apply inside the U.S. using Form I-539, the USCIS fee is US$470 on paper or US$420 online.
Yes, for most applicants. Since September 2, 2025, the U.S. State Department requires in-person interviews for most nonimmigrant visa applicants, with only limited exceptions.
The main recent change is that EAD renewals filed on or after October 30, 2025 no longer get an automatic extension. H-4 EAD holders should file renewals early to avoid a gap in work authorization.
Not usually, if your H-1B spouse is in valid status and you can prove a genuine relationship. Most delays come from weak marriage evidence, document mismatches or administrative processing.
Yes. Carry your degree certificates and transcripts. They are not required for the H-4 interview, but they are useful if you later apply for an H-4 EAD job, further study, or a change to another visa.
Yes. H-4 children can attend school and university in the U.S. They cannot work, and they lose H-4 eligibility at age 21.
Yes. H-4 spouses and children under 21 are usually included as derivative beneficiaries when the H-1B worker’s employer sponsors them for a green card. They get permanent residence at the same time as the principal applicant.
An H-4 visa is generally tied to the H-1B spouse’s status and petition dates. Your permitted stay usually matches the H-1B holder’s I-94 or approval notice, and ends if their status ends.
Processing is usually quick once you attend the interview, often a few days for passport return. Appointment wait times vary widely by consulate, and administrative processing (221(g)) can add weeks or months.
Canadian citizens are visa-exempt, so they do not need an H-4 visa stamp. They can request H-4 status at a U.S. port of entry or preclearance with the H-1B spouse’s I-797, proof of relationship and the H-1B holder’s status documents. Non-Canadians living in Canada apply at a U.S. consulate in Canada with a DS-160.
As of September 30, 2026, the H-4 EAD program still exists. The main recent change is that EAD renewals filed on or after October 30, 2025 no longer receive an automatic extension, so file renewals early.
Related Guides
- H-1B Visa 2026: The $100K Fee and the New Lottery
- How Indians Can Work in the USA: Visa Pathways
- Green Card Backlog for Indians in the US
- US Visa Interview Questions
Sources
- U.S. Department of State, travel.state.gov: Temporary worker visas and visa fees
- USCIS: Form I-539 and Form I-765 fee schedule
- DHS interim final rule ending automatic EAD extensions (effective October 30, 2025)
This guide is for general information only and is not legal advice. For complex cases, speak to a U.S. immigration attorney. One Visa Center is not a law firm.
Official sources to check before you apply or travel
- GOV.UK foreign travel advice (entry requirements by country)
- Government of Canada travel advice and advisories
Visa rules, fees, processing times and entry requirements change often. Always confirm the current requirements on the official government website, or with the embassy or consulate, before you apply, pay or travel. One Visa Center is an independent information site, not a law firm or government agency, and this article is not legal advice. Read how we research, fact-check and use AI tools in our Editorial Policy.
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