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Home / Come to MU / Visas / H-4

H-4

Type of visa (immigration status)

Spouse or unmarried minor (under age 21) child of H-1B visa holder.

Eligibility criteria

  • Legal spouse or child of H-1B visa holder.
  • H-1B and H-4 applicants must prove that they are not subject to the 212(e) two-year home residence requirement or that they have received a waiver.

Possible income from U.S. sources

May not accept employment.

Maximum length of stay in U.S.

As long as H-1B maintains status (H-1B status is for a maximum of 6 years).

Advantages

  • May have long-term intent to immigrate.
  • Not subject to home-country residence requirement.
  • May study full-time and pay in-state resident tuition rates.

Disadvantages

Dependents may not work.

Supporting documentation needed

  • Proof of exemption to the home-country residence requirement.
  • Proof of relationship to H-1B.
  • Copies of all past immigration and travel documents (i.e. I-20's, DS-2019's, I-797's, I-94's, Passports, Visa Stamps).
  • I-539 and $290 check for USCIS.
  • I-797 Approval Notice (issued by USCIS).