3. You can do this by filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. Hi, thanks for your reply. Rohit has extensive experience in credit risk analytics and data science. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You can check your visa status on the website of the US Embassy where you are applying by entering your application number. 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. However, my most recent entry to US was on the same H1B visa and I had original I797 back then. 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 Most H type visas are dual intent, which means that you can have a non-immigrant and immigrant status. whether my h1b transfer case will come under current premium processing of the following rule. My employer cannot extend VISA due to current situation. They do not need to go for renewal or new visa stamping. Thanks for you value able advice. it would be very helpful. what are options available. Can you please tell me if the i94 date is decided based on passport expiration date or i797 expiring date. Biometrics? no need for photo album and such things. , No it wont , h1b transfer exempt from cap. Not affiliated with any government agency. This time being a re-entry on the same visa, will I need the original or photocopy of I797? This is my new employment, Im travelling to USA on my H1b for the first the time. The consulate will not make this information available to anyone and will destroy the documents after review. I am planning to travel to India from April 2022-May 2022. H1B Port of Entry Documents Checklist, Process, US Port of Entry questions by CBP Officer, Short Term Travel Insurance for Travel to US on H1B. How long have you and your spouse been married? What would be the questions asked at the time POE? US Port of entry Process - H1B Visa 2. The FY 2018 cap has been set at 65,000 visas. You can open your own H4 visa bank account like any other immigrant or citizen of the US with any banking institution. 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). You can then stay and work until 797 and I-94 expiration dates. Can my old employer revoke or cancel my current H1B Visa Stamp on my passport? I have lost my I 797 while traveling to india. Marriage certificate. How to Apply for H4 EAD? 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. You need to take the following steps when applying for H4 visa: You will need to fill Form DS-160 online. 2. There is always the standard disclaimer, that tells admission is subject to POE and in hands of CBP officer, but nothing to panic, if you have everything correct. Brussels is capital city Belgium and Newark will be the first city where I land in USA, so it would be my POE. This means that you will still have to file taxes just as anyone with an SSN. Saurabh, is it still on to show copy of I797 at POE? I planned in Jan17 for my travel. 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). Can you reach me at nitin(dot)infoscian(@)gmail(dot)com. When you start your H4 visa application, you will get the DS-160 barcode. I have booked my tickets to Chicago and will have POD. 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. 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. Processing time 2-7 month. Hi Kaushal, The date till you can stay in US is mentioned on your I-94 which will be issued at POE. 2. H4 visa holders canapply for a change of status. The tickets are booked by my employer, however, is it possible that they want to see my bank balance? How long has your spouse been working in the US? My family is traveling to Chicago because there is a direct flight from Delhi to Chicago. Additional requirements include: As a result of work authorization, the H4 visa holder reaps a host of new advantages and privileges: If you are considering applying for a personal loan, just follow these 3 simple steps. Make sure you carry all your documents and be prepared to answer questions. Home Visas H Visa H4 Visa Stamping Documents. Two US visa photographs. H4 or L2 and EAD workers: If you are working on EAD while having an H4 or L2 visa, then you should have a recent 3 to 6 pay stubs and your employment letters. 1.Is there any time limit after VISA expiry to transfer to new company. Since your H4 status is dependent on the status of the H type visa holder so your spouse or parent, it might take as long as it takes to process their visa. You will need all your documents related to H1B visa, and supporting documents, when you meet the CBP officer at Port of Entry. The family must file Form I-539 (and Form I-539A for each additional dependent) to apply for H-4 changes of status at the same time UH files the H-1B petition. It could be your manager or one of your companys employees. If yes what kind of answers will be feasible.. Did the officer ask you why would you want to travel with just 1 month left? Therefore, any additional documents that will help prove the validity of the marriage would be very helpful in getting your H4 visa approved. 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. 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? Getting health insurance for H4 visa holders will help in managing the costs of health care if someone gets ill or in an accident. However, definitely bring all key paperwork with you in your carry-on luggage, for two reasons: Option 2: Fly out of the US to Mexico or Canada and return 4. 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. I am really thankful to you. Yes. It has already taken a year but employer B is not able to find a project for me. Did you travel from the same company which got H1B stamped for you? no need for photo album and such things. Thereafter, I transferred it to employer B but do not have the I-797 form with me, it is still with my employer B and I am stuck in India. But at port of entry you may have to go twice for the inspection. Can you please share your experience at POE with I-797 copy and not having the original I-797 document? Please help me. Sign and return that note if you wish to accept the loan offer. Article Contents hide 1. Provide any additional information if required. Letter from employer that describes the relationship with the Principal Applicant and the purpose of travel. If they have doubts they can access USCIS system to confirm that petitions authenticity. Wedding photographs where you and your spouse are clearly seen in the pictures and DVDs. ? My H1b visa has been stamped on my passport by the consulate. In the end its a copy thats submitted to USCIS and not the original. Generally, a H4 visa holder is advised to carry the following documents. For visitors, travel, student and other international travel medical insurance. A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer attaches Form I-94 to the nonimmigrant visitor's passport upon entry to the U.S. Did you make this appointment for the interview? After the employees H-1B petition is approved, they need to follow the H-4 entry procedures. The loan then gets disbursed into your U.S. bank account within a reasonable number of days (some lenders will be as quick as 2-3 business days). Any time limit? 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. She have h1b visa. Which city/town are you currently residing in your home country? Each family member needs to follow these steps to apply for an H-4 visa and admission to the U.S. Canadian citizens can skip this step and proceed to 2. Check Sample H1B Approval Notice , read the text on it. For advice on family- or self-sponsorship options, individuals should contact an external immigration attorney. However, if you apply for a Green Card from an H4 visa, it might take too long for your priority dates to become current. H4 visa itself. I need to travel to usa as soon as possible, Can I still travel using my previously stamped visa and move to minneapolis from there and then when I return to india, I can get it stamped for the H1b cap exempt approved visa. I hope you reached Boston safely. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Apply online for the loan amount you need. Then what are documents required to apply for h4 dependent visa ? So, if you have a copy, that should be good enough..Most employers are open to give the same, but you should be fine. I dnt have Marriage certificate to apply h4 visa to go US. Were you engaged before getting married to your spouse? 21 Cheapest & Affordable Colleges in USA for International Students, How do I get a replacement Social Security Card for my child online, What Is The Visa For Parents To Visit Their Children In USA, Can You get US Citizenship after Student Visa. If they are not convinced, they can deny your entry to US and send you back to your home country. If yes, where? Did someone else make the appointment for you? At POE, he was asked the question about visa expiry and he said the same that his employer will file for extension in a week. I got a company here in India who are willing to transfer my H1-B but asking me to travel to the USA, theyll be providing me a client letter for the same. The following is the list of documents required to prepare for H4 visa stamping. With so much riding on the H4 visa interview, knowing the interview questions beforehand can help you prepare for this very important step. The interview might be quite stressful for many, despite that the questions are quite basic and simple. The visa stamping will be the last step for you to complete before you can book your trip to the US. I am aware of some documents below she will need to carry with her to support her admission at port of entry 1. Visit insubuy.com or call +1 (866) INSUBUY or +1 (972) 985-4400, Visit insubuy.com or call 1 (866) INSUBUY or +1 (972) 985-4400. 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? The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry will review all documents an ask the person about the purpose of the visit. A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer attaches Form I-94 to the nonimmigrant visitors passport upon entry to the U.S. Receipts for payments of wedding expenses. 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. I have a return on 19th march. How did you obtain all the documents required for the H4 Visa interview? What is the duration for which you have been married to your current spouse? Hope it helps.. Make sure you show the new petition to the officer. I am facing the similar situation now, Can you please help me out what did you do in your case? We take a holistic underwriting approach to determine your interest rates and make sure you get the lowest rate possible. 1. How Can I Get a Driving License on an H4 Visa? This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. See Option B: H-4 in-country application procedures. my h1b visa revoked , due to landing in another location , but not in work location. 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. Two Passport-size photograph. You can also open a bank account and apply for loans. In your case POE will be Brussels. You can enroll in academic courses or programs. Receipt of the fee paid details. Review our. 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. Can you work in the US with an F1 Student Visa? I always get nervous upon port entry cant wait till the questions are finished! Who paid for your wedding, and how much did it cost? If this is not possible -Can I transfer my H1B after my VISA expires also with new employer from India? 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 . Did Imissanything ? 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). (my visa is valid till 2017). Use of this information is strictly at your own risk. Each family member must bring the following items to the port of entry: Individuals are not guaranteed entry to the U.S. This form states the dates that the visa of your spouse or parent is valid. Photocopy of the primary H visa holder visa. 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. As of April 30, 2013, most Arrival and/or Departure records are created electronically upon arrival. What do you plan on doing in the United States? 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. I am currently in INDIA and looking for H1b transfer. I have a valid visa till 2019. If a copy of the passport is submitted, it should be a good copy, and the photo must be clearly identifiable. H-4 dependents are not eligible for employment authorization. For any legal help or advice, we recommend hiring a qualified professional immigration attorney. How to Check US Visa Status Online? If USCIS approves the Form I-765, the H-4 spouse will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). The Form I-94 number also is known as the Departure Number or . My employer on visa and i797 is same. This includes questions on how you met with your spouse and about your wedding. However , I want to land and stay in SFO to visit my close relative for 1 week. What would be the best answer that I can give to the officer at POE? . Can I use a I-797 COPY at the POE if I do not have the original. Option 4: Visit any US Port of Entry CBP office at Airport 6. 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 processing times for the H4 visa are different from country to country. Yes, please share your experience at the POE. Are you planning to get a job in the United States? Pictures of you and your spouse signing the marriage certificate. Saurabh, is it still ok to show copy of I797 at POE? However, although not mandatory, most US residents have health insurance anyway, simply becausethe cost of health care in the US is very high, and people with an average income cannot afford it if they have to pay out of pocket. File H4 EAD yourself with I-765 form, document checklist. Thanks, Ricky. If yes, how much fund would be enough to keep in bank? 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. Instead, you will get an ITIN tax number. If you are employed, though, you will have to get a Social Security Number. These are little things that arent absolutely necessary to know, but helps if you do. Can I stay beyond Sep 2017 (till Sep 2018) or I need to do some formalities once coming? Got H4 for spouse and used H1 and H4 to enter not AP When you say "with AP", do you mean that he didn't have H1 visa and he showed AP document at the port of entry? Also, it is a good idea to memorize the address at which the primary visa holder stays and works (residential and employers address). It should be fine. Gathering all of these completed documents will ensure that your H4 visa application process goes smoothly. Hi I am planning to travel in mid of next week to Texas from Hyderabad. So you need to show them the petition to make sure that the I-94 is issued based on this 797 and old petition. Hi I came to India In Sep 2016 due to my family emergency and delayed my travel working in offshore and planned to travel in Apr21st .Is there any problem in port of entry will they ask this timeline.My Visa is valid till July 2017.My employer told me he will file extension once reached to USA. Below is complete list of documents to carry. The H-4 nonimmigrant alien continues to remain in valid nonimmigrant status as long as the principal alien remains in a valid nonimmigrant status. However, you can expect the questions to usually follow this pattern: These are just a few of the questions your interviewer may ask. If you have previously worked on H1B for the sponsor, (Optional) If you worked in past at a Client as third party placement previously on H1B Visa, (Optional) If you are going to work at Client on H1B visa, you can carry copy of Client letter, (Optional) Experience letters related to your previous work, if any. May be will go to my employers place after a week. 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. This page was generated at 10:36 PM. Previous W2 Tax forms, if you have worked on F1 Visa in CPT. There was no issue and he was able to enter . Can you provide a bank statement of your spouses bank account. 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). Generally, immigration officers at Port of Entry, will ask you questions to verify your intention of travel. Srinivas, 1. They did not ask any documents other than my passport. My Employer is given Product Development while going to stamping in 2015 , so there will be any problem ? Stilt provides loans to international students and working professionals in the U.S. (F-1, OPT, H-1B, O-1, L-1, TN visa holders) at rates lower than any other lender. Apply for H-4 admission at a U.S. port of entry below. The interviewers will ask what you will do in the US and see whether you intend to engage in any illegal activities. A lock ( A locked padlock ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Carry all the documents that your employer gave. As there is only 9 months time , Is there any possibility of sending me back to India at Port of Entry interview as i am travelling late ? If asked, you can share the same. Canadian citizens do not need to apply for visas at U.S. embassies or consulates. USCIS must receive the Form I-539/I-539A application by the business day on or before the current status end date. The University of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution. A better way to go about getting a Green Card is to change status to an H-1B visa and then apply for the Green Card. 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. 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. Did you carry any other documents ? Can I use a copy ? POE will be on the first City where you Land in USA. Mario, How was you experience in using I797 copy and not original at port of entry? >>Do I need return ticket? Just make sure you have all the documents related to your current job in US. Should I carry proof of my bank balance that I have enough resources to fly back if at all it is required? Your email address will not be published. Blogitivity Media FZ LLC, Ajman Media City UAE. The visa on your passport does not matter for that. CEAC Website, Errors Info. As long as you have everything in place and all details correct, without fraud, you should be fine. Currently I am in INDIA. VISA is valid and stamped on her passport. 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. If so, I can travel, Can you please provide an official site for it ? Once you are settled in the first few weeks, then you can buy domestic insurance from US providers or have your employer cover it. You need to keep the barcode confirmation page, print it, and bring it with you when you have your interview. Check out our guide for what to do in case of an H4 visa rejection. We live in Dallas. When a parent or spouse obtains their US work visa, many families find themselves dreading the idea of having to live apart from the visa holder. I gave I797 to Netherlands embassy for Schengen Visa and never got the original documents back. 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. You might have to wait for years until your Green Card is approved. I Filed for extension as soon as i reached here and now can stay for 240 or till the time i get an answer on my extension. The Form I-94 number also is known as the Departure Number or Admission Record Number. I really thankful to your valuable suggestions.I also need your help .let me explain my case. In my couple of recent experience, they just asked for passport and took the receipt number from the visa stamp. 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. Can I use my friend address as mine while filling form? H4 Visa Stamping Documents You will need the following documents for getting H-4 visa stamping: Mandatory Documents Current passport as well as old passports One photograph (Only for dropbox appointment) Confirmation page of online submitted Form DS-160 with CEAC bar code. Following you may find the questions that are usually asked during an H4 Visa interview. For information about your privacy, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. The content in this website is intended solely for use by University of Hawaii (UH) personnel. 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. Why are you applying for a visa now when you have married over a year ago/some time ago? My work location is Pittsburgh, I POE will be Boston. Appreciate your help and will help me a lot. Keep in mind that having an H4 visa or any US visa types does not guarantee entry to the US. Marriage Cert, I-797 for H-1, your EVL. Stilt is committed to helping immigrants build a better financial future. 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. 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 (. H1B Port of Entry Documents Checklist 3. Did you have an arranged or love marriage? Copy of my I-797 2. My POE is NJ. Sai, As long as you have valid visa document and not part of the banned countries, you should be fine. However, if you get accepted to an academic program in the US as an F-1 student, then you could get the F-1 visa, instead of the H4. Technically, the original copy is advised to be held by USCIS on the approval notice. You cannot enter US without As or Bs approval notice and job tied to it. Will there be any issue at POE ? Copyright 1999-2023 immihelp.com. Do you have any proof of this? But the amendment got rejected after giving RFE. but i want to take risk. When you are traveling to US for the first time and not sure, what and where to buy, you can take Short Term Travel Insurance from places like Visitors Coverage Health Insurance, where you can search and opt for the short term travel insurance. 2.Now I stayed more than 10 months India After return from USA. 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. Option 5: Attorney to file Extension with USCIS to extend I-94 7. Can you show me a document that legally states your marriage to the H-1 Visa holder?