H-4 Visa

H-4 Visa and Status Validity

15 years ago By Rajiv S. Khanna

Here is a question from clients.immigration.com, our clients-only extranet.:

Hi Rajiv
My husband has changed his job and his H1-B is being transferred. I am on H4 visa with valid stamp till 04/30/2012

My questions :
1. Do i have to also apply with him for H4 transfer ? Or should I be able to contd on valid status as my current H4 visa is valid ?
2. If I have to travel out of the country , can I travel with my current H4 visa stamp ? or should I have to re-stamp it with my husband's new I-797 for new company ?

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From H-4 to F-1

17 years ago By Rajiv S. Khanna

Some questions from the community:

I have been on H-4 for almost 3 yrs now, and starting my MS in Spring 09 (on H4 status itself). But now I want to change to F-1 for personal reasons. I have the following doubts. request your clarification:

a. If I want to get my F-1 stamped from India, do I need to submit I-539 form also to the ISO of my school ?

No. An I-539 is used if you want to change status within USA.

b. How long should I be on F-1 before when I will be eligible to apply for OPT and work using the same?

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H Visa Overview

17 years ago By admin

The H visa category for temporary non-immigrant visas includes several categories:

Nonimmigrant Visas

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Rajiv's Comments in NDTV - H-4 Work Permit Ban: What It Means For Indian Spouses In The US

2 weeks ago By Chief Editor

Published by NDTV - 01, September 2026
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n62WVAbgDVI

Quotes and Excerpts from Rajiv in the video:

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Filing H-4 Stamp While H-1B Extension is Looming

3 months ago By Chief Editor

Question details

Can my spouse obtain an H-4 visa stamp if my H-1B extension is currently pending?

FAQ Transcript

Yes. An H-4 visa appointment can be scheduled and processed regardless of the specific expiration date on your current H-1B stamp, provided your underlying H-1B status is maintained.

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90-Day Rule for Changing Status from B-1/B-2 to H-4

3 months ago By Chief Editor

Question details

Does the "90-day rule" allow me to change from B-1/B-2 to H-4 status inside the US?

FAQ Transcript

No. The "90-day rule" is a misconception; USCIS always evaluates the intent behind your entry. Entering with the intention to change status can be viewed as misrepresentation. It is generally safer to process your visa stamp outside the US.

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Rajiv's Comments in The Indian Express - How US’s tighter Green Card rules will affect Indians — and the options before them

3 months ago By Chief Editor

Published by: The Indian Express - May 24, 2026
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/us-green-card-rule-change-indians-10704749/

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Emergency H-4 Visa Appointment in India

4 months ago By Chief Editor

Question details

What is the success rate of emergency appointments for an applicant stuck abroad on an H-4 visa who needs to return to the US to avoid being fired by their employer?

FAQ Transcript

While the success rate isn't very high, he/she has no choice but to try.

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Driver’s License Extension with Pending H-4

4 months ago By Chief Editor

Question details

If an applicant has a pending H-4 application (for 11 months) and their driver's license is about to expire, but the DMV is asking for H-4 approval to extend the license, what are the available options?

FAQ Transcript

Another option may be available in that state for consideration.

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Layoffs and H-1B to H-4 Conversion

4 months ago By Chief Editor

Question details

If an H-1B spouse is laid off, can they convert to H-4 while searching for a job and then switch back to H-1B once they find a new employer?

FAQ Transcript

If the H-1B petition is received by the government within the 60-day grace period, the spouse can not only switch back but can start working immediately upon the receipt of the filing.

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