An H-4B visa is a non-immigrant visa issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to the immediate family members"spouses and children under 21"of H visa holders, such as H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, and H-3 visa holders. This visa allows eligible family members to legally reside in the United States while their primary visa holder works or studies in the country.
The H-4B visa is primarily used in immigration law. It serves as a means for family members to accompany or join H visa holders in the U.S. Users can manage the application process through forms like Form I-539 for a change of status if they are already in the U.S. Legal assistance may be beneficial to navigate the complexities of immigration regulations and to ensure compliance with all requirements.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A person holding an H-1B visa comes to the U.S. for work. Their spouse and child apply for H-4B visas to join them. Upon approval, they can live in the U.S. while the primary visa holder works.
Example 2: A family already residing in the U.S. on H-4B visas applies for a change of status to extend their stay while the primary visa holder's employment continues. (hypothetical example)
| Term | Definition | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| H-1B Visa | A visa for skilled workers in specialty occupations. | H-1B holders can work; H-4B holders cannot without authorization. |
| H-2A Visa | A visa for temporary agricultural workers. | H-4B is for family members, while H-2A is for workers. |
| H-2B Visa | A visa for temporary non-agricultural workers. | Similar to H-2A but for non-agricultural jobs; H-4B is for dependents. |
If you are an H visa holder and wish to bring your family members to the U.S., you should apply for H-4B visas for them. If you are already in the U.S. on an H-4B visa and need to change your status, complete Form I-539. For assistance, consider using US Legal Forms' templates to simplify the process, or consult an immigration attorney for complex situations.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | Non-immigrant |
| Eligible Family Members | Spouse and children under 21 |
| Work Authorization | Not allowed without separate authorization |
| Social Security Number | Not eligible |
