How To Change H4 Visa To H1?

Applying for H1B from H4 Visa Status Any H4 visa holder may convert from H4 to H1B visa status as long as they meet the H1B visa requirements. The H4 visa holders sponsoring H1B employer must file his or her H1B petition. The H1B sponsoring employer will need to submit the following along with Form I-129.

How long does it take to convert H4 to H1?

H4 to H1B Processing Time of 6 months includes H1B approval time and actual H1B Visa start date. If employer applies for H1B Visa with Premium Processing, you can get H1B approved in less than 3 weeks.

Do we need to transfer H4 along with H1?

H4 transfer is not required with H1B transfer It is your choice if you want to do it or not. If you do not apply for H4 and H4 EAD now, then, you will have to apply them separately as and when your H4 expires.

How can I change my H4 status?

You need to file the following documents to change from H1B to H4 visa:

1. Form I-539 – Application to change nonimmigrant status.
2. Copies of passports – Both you and your spouse’s passports.
3. Approval notice – The approval notice of your current H1B visa.
4. Form I-94 – Your latest Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record.

Can I apply for H1B while on H4 EAD?

You can apply for an H1B transfer while on H4 EAD. Since you are on an H4EAD work permit, you can keep working on H4EAD status until your H1B transfer is finally approved and your status is changed to H1B.

Does H4 count toward H1?

USCIS Memo Time in H4 and L2 Status No Longer Counts Towards H1 or L1 Time.

Can I have both H1 and H4 visas?

A H4 visa is issued to dependent family members (spouse and children) of H1 visa holders who would like to accompany the H1B visa holder to the U.S. during their stay. If you are applying for your visa along with your spouse, who is applying for H1 simultaneously, then you can submit both applications together.

Can I apply for H1 while H4 is pending?

Filing H1B while H4 COS is pending This is a complex scenario and you can file H1B and start working immediately as long as your i94 is still valid. After i94 is expired, you status is “period of authorized” stay and your H4 COS application becomes your bridge application.

What happens to H4 when H1B Transfer to new employer?

There is no need to file H4 transfer or extension with your H1B transfer is H4 is still valid. Normally, if H4 is valid for another 14-16 months, you can skip filing H4 extension. You can join the new employer H1B transfer receipt or approval. There is no need to wait for H4 approval.

Can H4 travel while H1B Transfer applied?

Yes, your wife can travel. Make sure she carries both your approval notice and the receipt notice. When she leaves, the H-4 extension application that was filed is considered abandoned.

How can I extend my H4 visa in USA?

If you need additional time, you can apply for an H4 Visa extension by filing out and submitting Form I-539 before your visa expires. To be eligible for an H4 visa renewal, you must resubmit evidence of your relationship with the primary H visa holder.

Can I move from EAD to H1B?

Once on EAD for one employer A, can anyone fall back to H1B for the same employer A? yes you can.

How long does it take for H4 change of status?

H4 change of status is taking 2 to 12 months. California Service Center is processing H4 and L2 Change of status faster than Vermont. Vermont has slowest processing time of 8 months. USCIS Nebraska Center is approving at same speed as California.

What happens to H4 EAD after H1 approval?

Then the EAD will be issued in the H4 visa holder’s name. Since H4 visa holders are dependent on H1 visa holders, they will be asked to leave as well once the validity of the H1 visa holder expires. But an H4 visa holder can extend their EAD if it nears expiration, as long as their spouse still has H1 visa validity.

Can my wife work if I have H1B visa?

“Currently, spouses of L-1 visa holders (on intra-company transfers) are permitted to work. It seems that the same will now apply even to spouses of H-1B workers. They will be given a work permit. This is big news given that Indians constitute a significant number of those allotted H-1B visas each year.”

Can H4 visa holders work in USA?

As an H-4 visa holder, you are required to hold an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to undertake paid work in the US. This includes employment, starting business, self-employment and freelance work. With an EAD, you may work on a part-time, full-time or short-term basis for any US employer.