H-4 Family Members
Spouses and unmarried children under the age 21 of H-1B's are considered dependents and are eligible for H-4 status. H-4's are generally not permitted to work* and are not eligible to obtain Social Security Numbers.
H-4's may study in the United States, full-time or part-time, for the duration of the H-1B's period of stay.
*Certain H-4 Dependent Spouses are eligible to apply to USCIS for work authorization, for details please see the USCIS website. Generally the H-4 spouse is eligible if the following are true regarding the H-1B:
- Has an approved Form I-140; or
- Has been granted H-1B status under AC21 (typically this is people who have been in H-1B status longer than six years).