What is H-4 Visa?
The H-4 visa is the US status for the spouse and unmarried children under 21 of an H-1B worker. H-4 holders may live and study in the US. Spouses of some H-1B workers, such as those with an approved I-140, can apply for an H-4 EAD to work. H-4 status itself does not allow work.
Example
An H-1B employee's spouse arrives on H-4. If the H-1B worker has an approved I-140 petition, the spouse may qualify to file Form I-765 for a work permit.
Related
See H-4 EAD for Indian spouses, EAD and H-1B.
Related terms and guides
Sources
- USCIS, H-1B specialty occupations, https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/h-1b-specialty-occupations, live official page, linked for readers; link checked 2026-10-31
- USCIS, https://www.uscis.gov, live official page, linked for readers; link checked 2026-10-31
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.