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).