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. 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. Yes, it is possible to apply for cap exempt H1B petition even after your H1B visa expiration on passport. Do you know why you were rejected before? Can i comeback without going to dropbox to change it to employer B. I am having an H1-b approved from employer A, valid until Sep 2021 along with the stamping. There after working in offshore till the date. You can check out other Visa Category Stamps by CBP Officer at Port of Entry to understand how they look. (my visa is valid till 2017). Do you have any family members living in the United States? 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. That is the length of time that you can to stay in the US. 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 receives the Form I-539/I-539A late, dependents may accrue unlawful presence. Can I use a copy ? 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. What is the highest degree of your spouse? Mine is similar case. Attach the following documents for each dependent to the Form I-539/I-539A: FSIS will review the Form I-539/I-539A for any obvious errors and mail the application with the H-1B petition. Can you work in the US with an F1 Student Visa? sandy vsandy, Mar 4, 2009. I have lost my I 797 while traveling to india. U.S. Apply for H-4 admission at a U.S. port of entry. If asked about the delay, you can say that project was delayed etc. 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. If they determine that it is safe to let you enter the US, you may do so. Hi Jhansi, When is your travel date and from which company are u travelling. Please help me. 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. Remember to answer each question truthfully and to show your attachment and dependency on your spouse. 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. As long as you have everything in place and all details correct, without fraud, you should be fine. 2. This is the "Admit Until Date" on the electronic Form I-94. My employer on visa and i797 is same. 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 H1B Visa at Consulate does not mean you can enter the US automatically. The interviewers will ask what you will do in the US and see whether you intend to engage in any illegal activities. H1B Port of Entry Documents Checklist 3. Just make sure you have all the documents related to your current job in US. If, for example, your spouse is applying for an H-2A visa and you apply together, your visa will take the same time to process as your spouses. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) of the U.S. must present a Permanent Resident Card ("Green Card", Form I-551), a Reentry Permit (if gone for more than 1 year), or a Returning Resident Visa (if gone for 2 years or more) to reenter the United States.. United States (U.S.) LPRs do not need a passport to enter the U.S. as per 8 CFR 211.1(a), however, they may need a passport to enter another country. See Option B: H-4 in-country application procedures. It is not necessary to have it at the exact City or around where you work. In the end its a copy thats submitted to USCIS and not the original. Pictures of your witnesses and whoever was conducting the ceremony. Now, I do not have onsite opportunities with client A in State A, so my company is planning to file an amendment petition for client B in State B. The petition was filed for NJ and Client A through employer E. I never been in US. Can I stay beyond Sep 2017 (till Sep 2018) or I need to do some formalities once coming? 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. If they pass the necessary drivers tests, they get the right to drive. 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. Once you are settled in the first few weeks, then you can buy domestic insurance from US providers or have your employer cover it. What university/college did your spouse graduate from? So nearest airport is Washington DC. i wana know in specific about POE chicago.is it cool? I am assuming you mean expiring in August MidIt is pretty fine, they will give you I-94 end date until your H1B approval date. please keep us posted. IF you are not sure what your husband works, or who is their employer, obtain more information in this regard. 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. That way, if the officer at the POE asks, you can say that the amendment is already filed. 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. Biometrics? The way in which the Form I-539/I-539A is filed will differ if dependents are filing it concurrently with or after an H-1B petition is filed. Thanks in Advance Eswar. Why are you applying for a visa now when you have married over a year ago/some time ago? 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. Also note that the employer on the visa and the I-797 are different. VISA is valid and stamped on her passport. 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. The spouse may begin working in the U.S. after receiving the EAD. . Can I use my friend address as mine while filling form? Can I use a I-797 COPY at the POE if I do not have the original. If you are employed, though, you will have to get a Social Security Number. I am with the same employer since 2008 and recently moved to US on Oct 2016 for the same company. The following is the list of documents required to prepare for H4 visa stamping. 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 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 H4 visa holder may work either part-time, full-time or not at all. New, Renewal? If only minor children are applying for H-4 status, the eldest childs information is entered on the Form I-539 and each additional child completes a Form I-539A. How to Apply for H4 EAD? Which type of visa do you want approval for? 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. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Otherwise, the H4 visa will be issued in the name that appears in the passport. Rohit has extensive experience in credit risk analytics and data science. An H4 visa gives spouses and children under 21 of H1B visa holders the ability to join the visa holder in the US. Certain H-4 dependent spouses of H-1B nonimmigrants can file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, if the H-1B nonimmigrant:. All pages of the principal applicants passport (if not applying with principal applicant). Did someone else make the appointment for you? Mario, How was you experience in using I797 copy and not original at port of entry? Your email address will not be published. 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. If you are not working as an H4 visa holder, you will not be allowed to get a Social Security Number (SSN). Check out our guide for what to do in case of an H4 visa rejection. 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. Brussels is capital city Belgium and Newark will be the first city where I land in USA, so it would be my POE. Also, many H4 visa holders want to know whether they can apply for a Green Card. If you are within the US, you can submit yourH4 visa application through the USCIS. B1/B2, H1, F1. Each family member must bring the following items to the port of entry: Individuals are not guaranteed entry to the U.S. 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. If you have been granted the H4 visa, you will need to go for the visa stamping procedures. Read US Port of Entry Procedures, Common FAQs to understand the general process at port of entry and what to expect. We have also included information on the current state of the H4 visa and some changes that may be made to the visa in the near future. Will there be any issue at POE ? Before 2015, H4 visa work was prohibited. Received an H-1B extension beyond the usual six-year maximum based on a permanent labor certification application or Form I-140 petition having been filed on their behalf at least 365 days prior to the end of the sixth year in H-1B status. Where to keep your H1B Visa Supporting Documents? My initial h1b visa got approved from May 2022 to Sep 2023 for texas location and I even stamped it and it has the validity till Sep 2023 and I havent travelled to US yet on this visa. 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). 4. Blogitivity Media FZ LLC, Ajman Media City UAE. When can you Apply for H1B Visa Stamping after Petition Approval? 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. Canadian citizens do not need to apply for visas at U.S. embassies or consulates. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS If you have changed your name after marriage, you should get it changed in your passport before applying for an H4 visa. Also my employer in i797 is different from what is on visa. 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. You cannot enter US without As or Bs approval notice and job tied to it. I ll be traveling to Chicago first next I ll head to Pittsburgh. Our original marriage certificate >>Do I need return ticket? https://www.immihelp.com/h4-visa-stamping-documents/. Once I secure a project then theyll initiate my visa transfer. The US authorities in charge of issuing visas are interested to know more about you, the reason for applying for a visa, and more. The duration of their study depends on the H-1B employees period of stay. Information shared on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. 3. What would be the questions asked at the time POE? Visa fees Fees to be paid in advance before taking an appointment. You can face issues at Port of entry, if anything is missing. GUIDE to Travel to US with valid Visa on Expired Passport ? That is why you should prepare the answers in advance. Official websites use .gov These are the documents your H-4 dependent (s) should carry to the visa interview: Copy of the H-1B employee's Form I-797 Approval Notice for the H-1B petition Proof of marriage and/or proof of a birth certificate Form I-797 Approval Notice for the I-539 change of status application, if applicable Valid passport My H1B visa is approved in Feb16. Please reach me out in 1311rahul@gmail.com. Please share your POE experience. 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. Was your marriage, love marriage or arranged? The denial of entry happens in very rare cases, where there is fraud or misrepresentation of documents or anything as such. ( the latter is the plan). The sooner you schedule your interview, the faster will you complete the wholeH4 visa application. Yes, please share your experience at the POE. My POE is NJ. Home Visas H Visa H4 Visa Stamping Documents. This is my new employment, Im travelling to USA on my H1b for the first the time. They may ask the following questions to every H4 visa applicant: The interviewer will ask you several questions about your marriage. A child can no longer stay in the U.S. as an H-4 dependent once they turn 21. Often requested but not always needed: a wedding album, wedding invitations, video of marriage proceedings, etc. Two Passport-size photograph. What is the duration for which you have been married to your current spouse? How to Apply for H4 EAD? Many H1 visa holders want to stay with their children or spouses, and often, these dependent family members (spouses and children under 21 years of age) rely on the H1 visa holder to financially support them. 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: Copy of Form I-94 admission record from CBP 's I-94 website; Copy of admission stamp with notations in passport; This means that you will still have to file taxes just as anyone with an SSN. Thanks, Ricky. Getting health insurance for H4 visa holders will help in managing the costs of health care if someone gets ill or in an accident. Wedding photographs where you and your spouse are clearly seen in the pictures and DVDs. Hi I am planning to travel in mid of next week to Texas from Hyderabad. Option 4: Visit any US Port of Entry CBP office at Airport 6. You will have the same opportunities as a student on an F-1 visa. It has already taken a year but employer B is not able to find a project for me. You can choose an autopay method online to help you pay on time every month. Just wanted to know what where the questions asked at POE? 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. 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? Carry all the documents that your employer gave. After the employees H-1B petition is approved, they need to follow the H-4 entry procedures. 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 ? 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). i traveled with just 1 month left on my visa and petition. Mine is also the same issue, US consulate in hyderbad took my original I-797 document and got misplaced, now they are saying they do not have it. 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. And what are the questions they askedd you in POE? You can then stay and work until 797 and I-94 expiration dates. I am facing the similar situation now, Can you please help me out what did you do in your case? What form are you referring to? RedBus2US.com 2010 - 2023, All Rights Reserved. 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. 12. Currently, the application fee for this visa is $190. 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. Ive nothing to hide I guess a lot of us are like this! Stronger applications get better loan offers. The visa stamping will be the last step for you to complete before you can book your trip to the US. 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. I have booked my tickets to Chicago and will have POD. 1. I would be entering the country on a new I-797. Which city/town are you currently residing in your home country? File H4 EAD yourself with I-765 form, document checklist. You would be asked a set of questions related to your employment, company or anything that is related to your H1B. This time being a re-entry on the same visa, will I need the original or photocopy of I797? 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. 2. Air and sea travelers will be issued I-94s during the admission process at the port of entry. H-4 dependents are not eligible for employment authorization. Option 1: Extend I-94 by Crossing US Border by Land 3. What If Your H4 Visa Application Is Rejected? It could be your manager or one of your companys employees. How Can I Get a Driving License on an H4 Visa? Next, dependents apply for admission in H-4 status at a U.S. port of entry. You may not be asked to show these documents in transit airports, when you are have connecting flights, but it is good to have all the info. H4 visa fees are the same as other H type visas. Will I be eligible to travel to State B with the stamped visa once the amendment petition has been filed? 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. But now, my employer has filed for h1b cap exempt for minneapolis location and it too got approved yesterday till dec 2025. Did they call your employer and checked if employer is expecting you? Saurabh, is it still ok to show copy of I797 at POE? 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 might have to wait for years until your Green Card is approved. 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. Option 3: Extend I-94 by Visiting Nearest SENTRI Enrollment Centre 5. How long have you and your spouse been married? Im planning to go to india in March to bring my wife and kid. Technically, the original copy is advised to be held by USCIS on the approval notice. Generally, all H-4 visa applications must include the following: 2. You can learn more about the H4 visa interview and interview questions in our complete guide. Now my question is Would be there any issue if port of entry is different location to the employer location? Visitors website, Apply for a new I-94 (land border travelers only), See how much longer you can remain in the U.S. based on the terms of your admission, Form I-102, Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Record, Applying for Admission into United States. If your spouse or parent applies for an extension, then you are also eligible to apply for an extension of the H4 visa. Receipts for payments of wedding expenses. If they are not convinced, they can deny your entry to US and send you back to your home country. Check Sample H1B Approval Notice , read the text on it. So, I started seeking out other opportunities. 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). The University of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution. Original, Photocopies of the first page, last page, and remarks pages of your current. Sign and return that note if you wish to accept the loan offer. Copy of the principal applicants work experience letters. Who filed the visa application and where did you file it? 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. A lock ( A locked padlock ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. 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. If yes, how much fund would be enough to keep in bank? What do you plan on doing in the United States? I have booked one-way ticket as no airline issuing ticket beyond 10 months return at time. And might even (in some circumstances) ask for some documents thatll verify your relationship with the visa sponsor. So if your spouse has a visa that is valid for 3 years, your H4 visa will also be valid for 3 years. Do you have any proof of this? I gave I797 to Netherlands embassy for Schengen Visa and never got the original documents back. 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. guys plzzzz do that mistake wat i did . What will you do after your visa is completed/expired? Hi, thanks for your reply. 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. B1/B2, H1, F1? Looking for U.S. government information and services? 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. You will need all your documents related to H1B visa, and supporting documents, when you meet the CBP officer at Port of Entry. akm6270, November 21, 2014 in Travel. The Officer will confirm the petition on his computer and let you in. How to find colleges in the USA for higher studies, Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Complete Guide, Can You Become a US Citizen with a Student Visa. 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. Now you need to set up your repayment method. They do not need to go for renewal or new visa stamping. I m first time traveling on my h1b visa. So, its a good idea to carry all such documents with you, just in case. You will have to show both the visa and the new petition at PoE. Will there be any issue at POE??? Required fields are marked *. Hi, My husband had a similar situation last year. Stilt is committed to helping immigrants build a better financial future. 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. If there are no red flags raised by the system, and CBP officer is convinced, they will let you enter US. Did Imissanything ? In my couple of recent experience, they just asked for passport and took the receipt number from the visa stamp. There are also no restrictions on where an H4 visa holder can work, which means that approved applicants are not limited to a specific employer and can even consider self-employment. You will be asked the reason for being there. Respond truthfully and let them know that employer plan to files for extension soon after. The H4 visa is issued to the dependent family members of an H1B visa holder (spouse and children under 21 years) who want to join the H1B visa holder in the United States. How is port of Entry in DFW. 1.Is there any time limit after VISA expiry to transfer to new company. Use of this information is strictly at your own risk. This is the Admit Until Date on the electronic Form I-94. So you need to show them the petition to make sure that the I-94 is issued based on this 797 and old petition. For information about your privacy, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Option 2: Fly out of the US to Mexico or Canada and return 4. What if H4 is travelling without H1 Primary document, Your email address will not be published. But, it is not a mandatory that you need to have the original. 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. You must provide the following documents to apply for the H4 visa: After youve applied online and submitted your documents, you need to attend the visa interview. Therefore, any additional documents that will help prove the validity of the marriage would be very helpful in getting your H4 visa approved.