H1B to H4 Visa Transfer your Status with Ease

When an H1B visa holder decides to step back from the workforce for any reason, they would need to change their status to H4 visa. The process of transferring from H1B to H4 visa is not a complicated one, but it needs to be done with due diligence. In this article, we will guide you through the steps involved in H1B to H4 visa transfer process.

Step 1: Understand the H4 Category

Before transferring from H1B to H4 visa status, make sure that you understand what the H4 category entails. H4 is a dependent visa that is issued to the spouses and unmarried children under 21 of H1B visa holders. Moreover, the visa holder may not be allowed to generate income in the Unites States under an H4 visa.

Step 2: File an Application

After understanding the H4 visa status, you should file an application for a change of status. This application is filed with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You can do this by downloading the form I-539 that is provided by the USCIS on their website and submitting the same to the designated address. Additionally, you would need to provide evidence of your H1B status, which includes a copy of your H1B visa, I-129 petition, and recent pay stubs.

Step 3: Provide Supporting Documents

In addition to form I-539, you would need to provide several supporting documents that will substantiate your eligibility to switch from H1B to H4 visa. This includes proof of your relationship with the H1B visa holder, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate, in case you’re a child. You would also need to provide details of the H1B visa holder’s current employment or status in the United States.

Step 4: Pay the Required Fees

After completing the application form and collecting the necessary documents, the final step is to pay the required fees. The current filing fee for changing H1B to H4 visa status is $370. You can make the payment either through a check or by using a credit card.

Step 5: Wait for Approval

After submitting your application, the USCIS will verify all the documents and information provided. Afterward, the USCIS will either approve or deny your application, and they will notify you of their decision. The processing time ranges between two weeks to three months, depending on the number of applications the USCIS is handling.

In conclusion, transferring from an H1B to H4 visa status is a relatively simple process. The most critical step is to ensure that all the supporting documents are in order. Nonetheless, if you do not want to handle the application process yourself, it is advisable to consult an immigration attorney who can help you through this process.