My wife &a kid are traveling for the first time to US and POE would be Boston. The Officer will confirm the petition on his computer and let you in. So, it is important that you do not put in all your documents in the checked-in bags as you will not be able to have them before the Port of Entry interview with CBP officer. A passport - H4 visa applicant and the H1 visa holder. 3. Employer location is Texas so am worried if there will be any issues due to this. my h1b visa revoked , due to landing in another location , but not in work location. Did you stop over at Chicago? 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. >>Do I need return ticket? RedBus2US.com 2010 - 2023, All Rights Reserved. H-4 dependents may study in the U.S. on either a full or part time basis. Copyright 1999-2023 immihelp.com. H1B1 Visa for Professionals from Chile and Singapore, O1 Visa for Persons With Extraordinary Ability, P Visa for Athletes, Artists and Entertainers. 2.Now I stayed more than 10 months India After return from USA. I would be entering the country on a new I-797. Before 2015, H4 visa work was prohibited. 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. If USCIS approves the Form I-765, the H-4 spouse will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Generally, immigration officers at Port of Entry, will ask you questions to verify your intention of travel. 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. 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. You can choose an autopay method online to help you pay on time every month. The interview might be quite stressful for many, despite that the questions are quite basic and simple. 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. Did you carry any other documents ? All Rights Reserved. In this article, well talk about what documents are required for a H4 visa holder at the port of entry (airport landing in USA). Can you share more details on what happened at Port of Entry ? 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. Users of this website assume the risk that information may be outdated or inaccurate. Your answer will be very helpful. As of April 30, 2013, most Arrival and/or Departure records are created electronically upon arrival. Completed non-immigration H4 visa application Form DS-160 stamped at the Visa Application Center (VAC). You will also need to complete an H4 biometrics evaluation as part of the application process. He spent years building credit risk and fraud models for top U.S. banks. It is not necessary to have it at the exact City or around where you work. 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. After the employees H-1B petition is approved, they need to follow the H-4 entry procedures. Proof of my employment in US: company letter and pays slips 3. I am facing the similar situation now, Can you please help me out what did you do in your case? How did you obtain all the documents required for the H4 Visa interview? If yes what kind of answers will be feasible.. Optional documents to carry Proof of residence in USA of primary visa holder (ID copy or address proof). Keep in mind that having an H4 visa or any US visa types does not guarantee entry to the US. VISA is valid and stamped on her passport. Technically, the original copy is advised to be held by USCIS on the approval notice. USCIS must receive the Form I-539/I-539A application by the business day on or before the current status end date. You would be asked a set of questions related to your employment, company or anything that is related to your H1B. It is acceptable ? 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. 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. I am in a similar situation, can you tell me what happened to your case. Now for other opportunity I had filed my amendment in premium mode through Same employer E but Location was Chicago and Client B. , However, after 2015, H4 visa holders are allowed to work based on conditions specified by the H4 EAD program. check out the. If you have any questions, send us an email at [emailprotected]. If yes, where? You can do this by filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. 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 ? The spouse needs to carefully review the Form I-765 instructions or consult with an immigration attorney before completing and submitting the form. Check out our guide for what to do in case of an H4 visa rejection. 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. H1B primary I797 receipt required. ( the latter is the plan). All times are GMT-5. Pay the fee and save the receipt, as you will need it later during your application procedures. Is this possible. Who filed the visa application and where did you file it? 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. What are the documents needed for me to accompany them and is it a good option to travel at this time. Children 14 years of age or older must sign the Form I-539/I-539A. Did the officer ask you why would you want to travel with just 1 month left? 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. GUIDE to Travel to US with valid Visa on Expired Passport ? For information about your privacy, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Why are you applying for a visa now when you have married over a year ago/some time ago? Stilt is committed to helping immigrants build a better financial future. My wife will be travelling on her own for first time to US on H4 visa. Proof of employment in USA. Stronger applications get better loan offers. I have booked my tickets to Chicago and will have POD. 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. It has already taken a year but employer B is not able to find a project for me. US CBP officer may ask to review all the documents as needed. You must provide the following documents to apply for the H4 visa: Filled DS-160 application form. Citizens of all other countries are required to obtain H-4 visas fromU.S. embassies or consulates. Disclosure: Content may contain sponsored links to partner programs and affiliates, which may earn us a commission from sales generated, at no additional cost. If there are any issues, they would take you for secondary inspection and ask more questions and verify more documents and hold you for sometime. My H1B Visa & I797 validity is 30 Sep. 2017. UH units with questions relating to UH sponsorship in employment-based immigration categories should consult with FSIS staff. I have a scanned original copy of my I 797. 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 If they determine that it is safe to let you enter the US, you may do so. 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. Also, it is a good idea to memorize the address at which the primary visa holder stays and works (residential and employers address). The answer, in this case, is yes. 2023 Murthy Law Firm. Is the principal beneficiary of an approved Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker; or; Has been granted H-1B status under sections 106(a) and (b) of the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-first Century Act of 2000 as amended by the 21st . Your passport and visa (and I-94, see below) should, on theory, be sufficient. Did you have any revised client letter mentioning the date when client is expecting you or something like that. If you have changed your name after marriage, you should get it changed in your passport before applying for an H4 visa. Hi, thanks for your reply. I appreciate if any body has come into the same issue and share your experiences at POE. 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. Please let me know. 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). Hello Sagar, I am in the same situation. Hi, Guys i have the same situation regarding different POE from the work location. Unfortunately, H4 visa holders are not supposed to work in the US and pretty much have to stay at home, not doing any work. Now my question is Would be there any issue if port of entry is different location to the employer location? 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. This is the "Admit Until Date" on the electronic Form I-94. 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. These documents include: Most of these documents are required to prove that the marriage to the primary visa holder is valid. All rights reserved. You can face issues at Port of entry, if anything is missing. 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 LCA is Reston (Virginia) on h1b petition . However, if you apply for a Green Card from an H4 visa, it might take too long for your priority dates to become current. What university/college did your spouse graduate from? 4. You can check US Port of Entry Experiences Tracker to know more on common questions. Now my question is, can I travel with my original H1B at NJ and work remotely for my client in Chicago ? It should be fine. But the amendment got rejected after giving RFE. And might even (in some circumstances) ask for some documents thatll verify your relationship with the visa sponsor. Also my employer in i797 is different from what is on visa. You will need all your documents related to H1B visa, and supporting documents, when you meet the CBP officer at Port of Entry. (my visa is valid till 2017). The H-4 nonimmigrant alien continues to remain in valid nonimmigrant status as long as the principal alien remains in a valid nonimmigrant status. Yes. You can open your own H4 visa bank account like any other immigrant or citizen of the US with any banking institution. Sai, As long as you have valid visa document and not part of the banned countries, you should be fine. Give correct information for each question without hesitating. Prepare for the interview by clearly defining your reasons for going and be ready to answer questions about your spouse or parent. This is my new employment, Im travelling to USA on my H1b for the first the time. 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. Two US visa photographs. Do you know why you were rejected before? You need to answer the questions properly and correctly so that CBP officer can allow you to enter US. 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. Will there be any issue at POE??? 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. H4 visa fees are the same as other H type visas. Luckily, with an H4 visa, dependent family members can join the H1 visa holder during their stay in the US. Many H4 visa holders have started their own businesses (with their own H4 loans), and have even hired their own employees as well. At times, you may have to. The processing times for the H4 visa are different from country to country. >>Can I stay beyond Sep 2017 (till Sep 2018) or I need to do some formalities once coming? 3. 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. 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 have any proof of this? i traveled with just 1 month left on my visa and petition. An H4 visa gives spouses and children under 21 of H1B visa holders the ability to join the visa holder in the US. 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 . Carry all the documents that your employer gave. 2. 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). Letter from employer that describes the relationship with the Principal Applicant and the purpose of travel. . Below is the sample stamp that CBP officer places in your passport, if they let you into US and all the details that you need to check and verify. Receipt proving payment of $160 for a nonimmigrant US visa application. Where to keep your H1B Visa Supporting Documents? Marriage Cert, I-797 for H-1, your EVL. 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). Please correct if I am wrong. Yes. IF you are not sure what your husband works, or who is their employer, obtain more information in this regard. STEM OPT card ( if applicable) that you may have used before H1B. Visit CBPs I-94, Travel Records for U.S. Did Imissanything ? After marriage, did you go for your honeymoon? 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. 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. The petition was filed for NJ and Client A through employer E. I never been in US. Who paid for your wedding, and how much did it cost? Prior to applying for anH4 visa, each applicant and this includes children as well must fill out the form DS 160. Option 2: Fly out of the US to Mexico or Canada and return 4. @Pooja - did you get a response to your question above. Hi, I am coming to US on H1B with my wife and kid for the first time. As long as you have everything in place and all details correct, without fraud, you should be fine. If so, I can travel, Can you please provide an official site for it ? Hi Sagar, Am into the same situation, i will be attending POE in chicago and then proceed to Detroit where my sister is staying. New, Renewal? Original Passport with valid H1B Visa stamp issued by Consulate on it. 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. 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. 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 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. no need for photo album and such things. So, its a good idea to carry all such documents with you, just in case. Can anyone please share their experience? I am with the same employer since 2008 and recently moved to US on Oct 2016 for the same company. Home Visas H Visa H4 Visa Stamping Documents. Yes, you can use the copy. 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? Most H type visas are dual intent, which means that you can have a non-immigrant and immigrant status. The Form I-94 number also is known as the Departure Number or . Brussels is capital city Belgium and Newark will be the first city where I land in USA, so it would be my POE. Sai, Assuming you are talking about H1BWithout your employer, you cannot renew your visa. How Long Can I Stay in the US With an H4 Visa? In which month and year did your spouse get approval for the H-1 Visa? Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, Information for Completing USCIS Forms. 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. Can you provide a bank statement of your spouses bank account. Any time limit? By default they would assume employer mentioned on the visa stamp is the current employer. If they pass the necessary drivers tests, they get the right to drive. Valid I797 of the primary visa holder. Copy of the principal applicants work experience letters. She is traveling with two kids so it is more convinient since Chicago is a direct flight from Delhi. You can check your visa status on the website of the US Embassy where you are applying by entering your application number. Yes, it is possible to apply for cap exempt H1B petition even after your H1B visa expiration on passport. Yes, please share your experience at the POE. Can I stay beyond Sep 2017 (till Sep 2018) or I need to do some formalities once coming? What would be the port of entry to usa for me. I will also bhi travelling next week. Article Contents hide 1. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. whether my h1b transfer case will come under current premium processing of the following rule. Otherwise, the H4 visa will be issued in the name that appears in the passport. In addition to this form, you will have to also submit these supporting documents: When you attend the interview for an H4 Visa, the consular officer will ask you several questions. The denial of entry happens in very rare cases, where there is fraud or misrepresentation of documents or anything as such. As per my understanding, it is usually 6 years from the time last H1B petition was filed. Will using an AP document delay my entry into the U.S.? 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. When you schedule your interview, you will get a letter of confirmation, which you need to save for later. 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 check out other Visa Category Stamps by CBP Officer at Port of Entry to understand how they look. Option 4: Visit any US Port of Entry CBP office at Airport 6. The H4 visa holder may start a business of any kind, The H4 visa holder may continue eligibility got EAD even if employment is not sought, H4 Visa Process: How to Apply for an H4 Visa. What if I do not have the original I-797 ? 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). My employer on visa and i797 is same. What is the highest degree of your spouse? Apply for H-4 admission at a U.S. port of entry below. That is why you should prepare the answers in advance. 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. Looking for U.S. government information and services? The visitor must exit the U.S. on or before the departure date stamped on the Form I-94. During the interview, the interviewers will try to determine whether your relationship with the H type visa holder is genuine. Option 5: Attorney to file Extension with USCIS to extend I-94 7. Were you engaged before getting married to your spouse? If you are applying separately though, the time it takes to process the H4 visa will be up to the US Embassy and the workload that they have. Wedding photographs where you and your spouse are clearly seen in the pictures and DVDs. Fees $410. I have booked one-way ticket as no airline issuing ticket beyond 10 months return at time. Best for VisitorsEconomical PlanCOVID19 includedCovers MedicalPre-Existing ConditionsFirst Health Network, Rated A ExcellentCOVID19 includedCovers MedicalCovers DentalTrip CancellationFull Refund on Cancel, Last Updated on January 28, 2023 by Mani Karthik. For example, if you get a temporary, non-agricultural job, you can apply for a change of status to an H-2B visa. Visa fees Fees to be paid in advance before taking an appointment. Copy of my I-797 2. I am following your forum from few months. Have you travelled already or not? Hope it helps.. Are you planning to get a job in the United States? Copy of passport biodata page (if new/renewed). This page was generated at 10:36 PM. 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 interviewers will ask what you will do in the US and see whether you intend to engage in any illegal activities. Photocopy of the primary H visa holder visa. Send copies of entry documents to FSIS. My H1B new cap petition was approved in August 2021 for Client A with LCA based on State A. If asked about the delay, you can say that project was delayed etc. 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. 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. I am also want to know about it. Hi I am planning to travel in mid of next week to Texas from Hyderabad. POE will be on the first City where you Land in USA. 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? A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer attaches Form I-94 to the nonimmigrant visitor's passport upon entry to the U.S. We live in Dallas. Hi, My husband had a similar situation last year. Your H1 petition approval and the H4 visa on her passport. In my couple of recent experience, they just asked for passport and took the receipt number from the visa stamp. My Employer is given Product Development while going to stamping in 2015 , so there will be any problem ? My flight is from Chennai -> Dubai -> Boston-> Philadelphia. My work location is Pittsburgh, I POE will be Boston. Apply for H-4 admission at a U.S. port of entry. Rohit Mittal is the co-founder and CEO of Stilt. Its possible your H4 visa application will be rejected. VISA is valid and stamped on her passport. Unmarried children under 21 years of age and spouses of H-1B employees are eligible for H-4 status. If yes, how much fund would be enough to keep in bank? Is there any issue while port of entry is different than the actual city of stay. May be will go to my employers place after a week. My Query is after july I cannot renew(or) extend my Visa? Thanks in advance (& sorry for many questions), Correction: My petition approve till Sep 2018*. The University of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution. 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. It looks like below and details of each of them. He was travelling from India but his visa was about to expire within a month. 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? (If you have previously been rejected). 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. This form states the dates that the visa of your spouse or parent is valid.