Documents Required for I-94 Extension. However, if you apply for a Green Card from an H4 visa, it might take too long for your priority dates to become current. Which type of visa do you want approval for? 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. 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. Option 3: Extend I-94 by Visiting Nearest SENTRI Enrollment Centre 5. Below is complete list of documents to carry. 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. USCIS must receive the Form I-539/I-539A application by the business day on or before the current status end date. 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. Also note that the employer on the visa and the I-797 are different. 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. No, it does not. Technically, the original copy is advised to be held by USCIS on the approval notice. Booking receipts of your honeymoon or other post-marriage trips. 12. Could you please suggest on this , As i am very much tensed on this, Want to talk to you urgently. Pictures of you and your spouse signing the marriage certificate. Family members may apply for H-4 admission with or after the H-1B employees arrival in the U.S.; they do not need to file applications with USCIS before applying for their visas and/or entry. Receipt proving payment of $160 for a nonimmigrant US visa application. Were you engaged before getting married to your spouse? Did you have an arranged or love marriage? 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. Most H type visas are dual intent, which means that you can have a non-immigrant and immigrant status. 2. If USCIS receives the Form I-539/I-539A late, dependents may accrue unlawful presence. Make sure you show the new petition to the officer. Hi I came to India In Sep 2016 due to my wife surgery and delayed my travel due to her health condition and planned to travel in Feb 11th via Abu dabhi.Is there any problem in port of entry will they ask this timeline.My Visa is valid till July 2017. You can open your own H4 visa bank account like any other immigrant or citizen of the US with any banking institution. 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. For example, if you get a temporary, non-agricultural job, you can apply for a change of status to an H-2B visa. So you need to show them the petition to make sure that the I-94 is issued based on this 797 and old petition. This will really help. Biometrics? US Port of Entry questions by CBP Officer 5. Under the automatic revalidation provision of immigration law, certain temporary visitors holding expired nonimmigrant visas who seek to return to the U.S. may be admitted at a U.S. port-of-entry by CBP, if they meet certain requirements, including, but not limited to the following: Nonimmigrants who departed the United States for brief travel . It is best for dependents to apply at the U.S. embassy/consulate having jurisdiction over their place of residence, though they may apply at any U.S. embassies/consulates worldwide that permit third country nationals applications. Now I requested my employer to apply extension , but they didnt turned up to renew the VISA due to premium processing stopped and client time lines.Now I approached new employer and I am planning to transfer. Can you share more details on what happened at Port of Entry ? 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. Can I use a copy ? Murali, Yes, you should be fine to use the valid US visa to travel to the new state B. I have h1b stamping valid till Sep 2022 from employer A and currently i am working with employer B with i-797 approved till 2023. How long has your spouse been working for his/her current employer? Currently I am in INDIA. 2. My Employer is given Product Development while going to stamping in 2015 , so there will be any problem ? B1/B2, H1, F1. The reason is, if you end up into any issues, you can reach out to them. My employer on visa and i797 is same. If your spouse or parent applies for an extension, then you are also eligible to apply for an extension of the H4 visa. Letter from employer that describes the relationship with the Principal Applicant and the purpose of travel. Address and Contact information in USA 4. As of April 30, 2013, most Arrival and/or Departure records are created electronically upon arrival. Gathering all of these completed documents will ensure that your H4 visa application process goes smoothly. Can you please tell me if the i94 date is decided based on passport expiration date or i797 expiring date. The interviewers will ask what you will do in the US and see whether you intend to engage in any illegal activities. My wife is coming to US for the first time, can any one pls let me know what are the documents that we require at port of entry for H4? Did the officer ask you why would you want to travel with just 1 month left? So, if you have a copy, that should be good enough..Most employers are open to give the same, but you should be fine. That is the length of time that you can to stay in the US. (Paystubs, Employment letter) That's about it. An H4 visa gives spouses and children under 21 of H1B visa holders the ability to join the visa holder in the US. Original Interview appointment letter and one copy. That way, if the officer at the POE asks, you can say that the amendment is already filed. Who filed the visa application and where did you file it? Home Visas H Visa H4 Visa Stamping Documents. Whom do you plan to reside with, in the United States? Pay stubs from principal applicants current place of work and income tax return. By default they would assume employer mentioned on the visa stamp is the current employer. Valid I797 of the primary visa holder. 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. There after working in offshore till the date. I appreciate if any body has come into the same issue and share your experiences at POE. Sai, As long as you have valid visa document and not part of the banned countries, you should be fine. This is the "Admit Until Date" on the electronic Form I-94. 1.Is there any time limit after VISA expiry to transfer to new company. Carry all the documents that your employer gave. You can choose an autopay method online to help you pay on time every month. Will there be any issue at POE??? Instead, they need to follow the H-4 entry procedures. Also, it is a good idea to memorize the address at which the primary visa holder stays and works (residential and employers address). 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. Moreover, you can study at one of the U.S.s many universities and even apply to transition to an H1B visa. H1B primary I797 receipt required. Do you have any family members living in the United States? You can face issues at Port of entry, if anything is missing. 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. How Long Can I Stay in the US With an H4 Visa? 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. The tickets are booked by my employer, however, is it possible that they want to see my bank balance? Have you travelled already or not? Official websites use .gov You can do this by filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. You will be asked the reason for being there. My Question is 1. Wedding photographs where you and your spouse are clearly seen in the pictures and DVDs. Why are you applying for a visa now when you have married over a year ago/some time ago? If you are not working as an H4 visa holder, you will not be allowed to get a Social Security Number (SSN). Can anyone please share their experience? Which city/town are you currently residing in your home country? Before 2015, H4 visa work was prohibited. Generally, immigration officers at Port of Entry, will ask you questions to verify your intention of travel. , Yes. Carry more recent and up to date documents. We live in Dallas. sandy vsandy, Mar 4, 2009. 2 months back I came back to USA. , No it wont , h1b transfer exempt from cap. Did you make this appointment for the interview? If you put any of these documents in luggage check-in you may be in difficult situation not able to show these documents. Thanks, Ricky. He was travelling from India but his visa was about to expire within a month. Copy of passport biodata page (if new/renewed). Can you show me a document that legally states your marriage to the H-1 Visa holder? Can you work in the US with an F1 Student Visa? However, if the family members are in an independent status (e.g., F-1, O-1), they can remain in that status as long as it is valid. 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. Process at Port of Entry for H1B Visa Holder, Travel to USA Processes, Samples, How to Guides, pre-departure tasks for H1B Visa in your home country, US Port of Entry Questions by CBP Officer, GUIDE to H1B Visa 2023 Lottery, Registration, Predictions, News, FAQs. 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. Completed non-immigration H4 visa application Form DS-160 stamped at the Visa Application Center (VAC). As per my understanding, it is usually 6 years from the time last H1B petition was filed. . As i did not traveled to US till now and thinking to travel in Jan 2018. Under the automatic visa revalidation provision of immigration law, certain temporary visitors holding expired nonimmigrant visas who seek to return to the United States may be admitted at a U.S. port of entry by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), including, but not limited to the following: Hi I am planning to travel in mid of next week to Texas from Hyderabad. Mario, How was you experience in using I797 copy and not original at port of entry? Im travelling to Boston next month. They do not need to go for renewal or new visa stamping. Please suggest me what are the documents needs to carry. What will you do after your visa is completed/expired? You need to carry all supporting documentation related to your H1B visa petition stating that you have a job in US and it is speciality occupation. Need some information , I got US VISA stamped on Oct 2015 and i got VISA for 3 years till Sept 2018 . Can I say its a critical work requirement for a month! For information about your privacy, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Review our. These are little things that arent absolutely necessary to know, but helps if you do. This visa has been criticized a lot and some people call it the slave visa since it restricts the visa holders rights in some ways. If this is not possible -Can I transfer my H1B after my VISA expires also with new employer from India? US Port of entry Process - H1B Visa 2. Was your marriage registered? The H4 visa allows you to go to the US if you are married to a H visa holder. Marriage Cert, I-797 for H-1, your EVL. VISA is valid and stamped on her passport. Or if my employer is planning to file extension once I reach? My employer cannot extend VISA due to current situation. In this article, we cover H1B visa documents checklist that you need to carry and what you need be prepared with. One way ticket is fine. Some people will particulate in a fake marriage to obtain a visa, so your interview should prove that you are your spouse are in fact married and have a close, loving relationship. Passport. I hope you reached Boston safely. 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 Passport valid for at least six months beyond the H-1B authorization end date (if a passport will expire before the H-1B end date, that person will be granted a shorter period of stay); Copy of admission stamp with notations in passport; Copy of H-4 visa in passport (if any); and. My Query is after july I cannot renew(or) extend my Visa? An H4 visa is a dependent visa, where a spouse (husband or wife) can get to stay in the US, for the same time as the sponsor (H1 visa holder). The sooner you schedule your interview, the faster will you complete the wholeH4 visa application. What were the questions asked at POE? Remember to answer each question truthfully and to show your attachment and dependency on your spouse. Dont worry too much. It has already taken a year but employer B is not able to find a project for me. my h1b visa revoked , due to landing in another location , but not in work location. For advice on family- or self-sponsorship options, individuals should contact an external immigration attorney. The consulate will not make this information available to anyone and will destroy the documents after review. However, an H-4 spouse may apply for work authorization with USCIS if the H-1B employee has: To apply for work authorization, the H-4 spouse must file a Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization with USCIS. Air and sea travelers will be issued I-94s during the admission process at the port of entry. Let me know can i travel to USA due to short visa validity issue ( 5 weeks) If I travel , is there any chance to deport at Port of entry due to short visa validity issue ( 5 weeks). H4 visa holders canapply for a change of status. It is acceptable ? Apply online for the loan amount you need. i wana know wat questions will be asked for an h4 holder at the port of entry .my frds r saying tat thy r asking too many questions in recent times due to bad economic conditions in USA. Can you reach me at nitin(dot)infoscian(@)gmail(dot)com. Where to keep your H1B Visa Supporting Documents? 2023 Murthy Law Firm. Option 5: Attorney to file Extension with USCIS to extend I-94 7. Many wives (and husbands) of H1 visa holders travel to the US, to stay with their spouses on this visa. 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. Hi Kaushal, The date till you can stay in US is mentioned on your I-94 which will be issued at POE. How to Apply for H4 EAD? You can also open a bank account and apply for loans. Getting health insurance for H4 visa holders will help in managing the costs of health care if someone gets ill or in an accident. An official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, An official website of the United States government, To protect your privacy, please do not include any personal information in your feedback. A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer attaches Form I-94 to the nonimmigrant visitors passport upon entry to the U.S. Mandatory Documents: H4 visa Valid I797 of the primary visa holder. What do you plan on doing in the United States? Your Green Card might be processed faster and you wont have to wait too long. What is the duration for which you have been married to your current spouse? I also works in TCS. Information shared on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. Employer location is Texas so am worried if there will be any issues due to this. STEM OPT card ( if applicable) that you may have used before H1B. Receipts for payments of wedding expenses. As long as you have everything in place and all details correct, without fraud, you should be fine. Do you have any proof of this? 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. My wife will be travelling on her own for first time to US on H4 visa. You will be interviewed by CBP Officer at the port of entry and they need to let you in after review. Original Form I-129 and one copy of the principal visa applicants. whether my h1b transfer case will come under current premium processing of the following rule. You can check US Port of Entry Experiences Tracker to know more on common questions. There was no issue and he was able to enter . The interviewer will ask you questions about her/him in order to figure out if the spouse already in the US can maintain you financially, is they have a stable job, and if they intend to remain in the US for long. . it would be very helpful. Or , this may create an issue at port of entry ? These officers have the discretion to admit family members in H-4 status and may refer them to a more detailed secondary inspection. Can I stay beyond Sep 2017 (till Sep 2018) or I need to do some formalities once coming? 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. After the employees H-1B petition is approved, they need to follow the H-4 entry procedures. 2. Your H1 petition approval and the H4 visa on her passport. My flight is from Chennai -> Dubai -> Boston-> Philadelphia. H-4 eligibilityObtaining and extending H-4 statusEmployment permitted for certain H-4 dependentsStudy permitted for H-4 dependents. I would be entering the country on a new I-797. Who will financially support you during your period of stay in the United States? Send copies of entry documents to FSIS. Hope it helps.. 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 ? 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 . 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. I gave I797 to Netherlands embassy for Schengen Visa and never got the original documents back. H4 visa holders can apply for a drivers license in the US. If your spouse is currently working in the U.S. on an H1-B visa, please submit the pay slips for the current calendar year and federal tax returns (IRS Form 1040 and W-2s) for all the years in which he/she has been employed in the U.S. on the H-1B visa. Did you stop over at Chicago? Generally, a H4 visa holder is advised to carry the following documents. I always get nervous upon port entry cant wait till the questions are finished! The general process is same, except that for H1B visa holders, they may ask and review H1B visa related documentation. The third part of the questions is about your spouse. It should be fine. At times, you may have to. It should be fine. Where are their headquarters located? 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; Hi Sagar, Am into the same situation, i will be attending POE in chicago and then proceed to Detroit where my sister is staying. H-4 dependents may study in the U.S. on either a full or part time basis. Generally, all H-4 visa applications must include the following: 2. 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. Copyright 1999-2023 immihelp.com. Will there be any issue at POE ? Now its time to travel to Europe and I dont know if I will need the original/photocopy of it while re-entering the US on H1B visa. That is why you should prepare the answers in advance. Any challenges to transfer H1b Visa after visa expires. Also my employer in i797 is different from what is on visa. Article Contents hide 1. Respond truthfully and let them know that employer plan to files for extension soon after. I stayed in USA only 11 months of time. 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.