H4 Visa Requirements and Checklist for Spouse

COMMENT

hi!
im getting married Nov 23rd 2009. Want to bring my wife with me to US on H4 visa.
Q1. Is this a good time (i.e. today Sep 30 2009) for me to book a timeslot for the interview for sometime around Nov 25 or Nov 26th?
Q2. Can I accompany my wife in the interview?
Q3. Do I need to mention anywhere that I will be accompanying her during the interview?
Thanks much for your help.
Regards,
Gaurav

hi!
I’m getting married Nov 5th 2009. Want to bring my wife with me to US on H4 visa.
Right now I have my H1-B visa stamped with my previous employer and the documents need for my spouse like H1-B approval letter, Exp. letter and pay-stubs are on my existing employer. My VISA is valid till Sep-2010. My questions are:-
1). Should I get my H1-B stamped with new employer
2) If I dont get stamped will it be an issue for my wife.
Thanks in advance,
Anil

Hi I am getting married in November and I am planning to bring my wife with me. I renewed my H1 visa. I need to go for visa stamping. My questions are…
Should I have seperate appointments for me and my wife for the visa interview?
Or can she accompany me with my H1-visa interview?
Thank you
Revant

Priya and Revant, I answered your questions in the article so scroll all the way to the bottom of the article and little above the comments to see the answers.

Hello sir,
I m in US since last 16 months,I m married but when i came to US i told my visa cosular that i m single.At that time i did mistake but now i got my H1b approved n i want my wife here wid me…is that possible without going back to my country?or i need to go back n show the marriage papers again n come wid her???please help me.

@Kamal, @Radha - It is more important to show the valid proof that you are married than what you or your husband said at the consulate. There should be no problem to get a visa as long as you show them all the documents. Logically this is not correct as a person leaving the country said not married and someone following him is saying married to the same person but i think they will not be hard on that. This is my thought, you need to put this question in front of experts and hopefully there is a chance of 90% that you will get through the interview to get the visa.

Hello sir,
I am getting married on 26th Jan 2010. Planning to apply for USA L2 visa for wife. Where can I register my marriage to get the marriage certificate immediately ?

Hi Sir, I'm getting married in dec 2010 my wouldbe is working at US. he is holding H1b visa. Sir plz let me know if i apply for visa after my marriage within how many days can i get my stamping done so that i can go with my wouldbe to US. Now he is in India he is leaving on 12th march if i can't get visa after my marriage can i apply now my showing my engagement album and get my marriage registration certificate and will apply for visa. plz suggest me which one will be good. i just want to go with my wouldbe after my marriage so plz respond soon.

Dave,
you need an employment verification letter from your current employer. It will be a simple letter saying that you are employed and will keep working with them.

Hi Supreetha,
It is a requirement for them so try to fix a date just after the social marriage. You can print some of your snaps and carry an album if you schedule a date after a day or two of your social marriage. If you are socially getting married and it is more likely your husband will stay there for couple of days after the marriage then why not to take an appointment after the social marriage.

Hi Salve,

I really don’t know how the change of name works in India but i definitely mentioned my name as the husband’s name on my wife’s passport. I never needed my wife’s name on my passport as i am not on a support visa rather she is. So what i did was, paid Rs 300 as the application fees and got it hand-written & stamped by the passport authority about her marital status on the passport. Her name remains the same, i never wanted it to change as she has her original name on all the certificates. What you can do is keep the name same but update her passport about the marital status so that she can show it during the stamping about her marriage to you. You will submit the passport for this to the officer and will get it back in evening. Good luck!!

Hi V,

In almost all the religions practice a social marriage so the officials ask for photos as a proof. It is something to worry about because they have the certificate but still they ask for photos, i think they want to make sure by looking into this pictures as well. If you put me in your shoes then i will make sure to arrnage snaps either by getting married socially or by a mock one. Good Luck!!

Thanks Sachin,

I don’t think adding husbands name in the passport is mandatory, i did it as an additional prove. If I remember it correctly it was not asked by any expert but it is a status change that we all should do as we are international travellers and updates can prove us to be a couple at any hassels. Good Luck!!

Hi Sonia,

I have a friend who has a Canadian PR, I asked him to help us in this situation. I am waiting for his response, please wait for the update. Infact he graduated from University of Windsor and settled in Toronto now. Lets see what he has to say on this.

Thanks a lot for your help San & Rinku.
I agree with the fact that I can get my H4 here in Canada, and that would be a better option. However, I have heard cases from people that cross the border and then if they mention that they are going to meet their spouse, the immigration people at the border object your entry as visitor, when you might just stay in US. That is why they ask you to get the valid H4.
However, it will be my husband who will travel back to Canada most of the time, but my concern was when we are flying back from India. Our marriage would have been legally registered, and it might be hard to hide the fact that I am married considering if there is an India working there who recognises some of our traditional signs of being married. I just wanted to know if it’s safe for me to come back in US on my visitor visa and then go to Windsor. Because, I believe if they find out that I am married but still havent got my H4, they may object me enterin gwith my husband on B2. So I guess a good idea would be to fly back to Canada and then file for H4.

Sonia,

It is always better to enter US from Land Border. The Airports usually have more security and more questions. So If I were in your shoes I would first come back to Canada and then think about H4. Applying from India when u reside and work in Canada is not wise either. they might redirect you to canada either way.

Just one suggestion. Keep an eye on US Visa appointments in Toronto and monitor in regularly. Its not easy to get one. Book one when u get it and then reschedule it later if you need to.

Please leave your comments when you are done with the process.

Best of LUCK.

Hi Sona,

1. There will be a mention of your husband's name on your H4 Visa by the US embassy.
2. It is not necessary for H1-B holder to have his/her spouse's name on the passport as he/she will be not in US on a sponsor visa. It is better for dependents to have that mentioned in the passport. I don't have my spouse's name on my passport.

Good Luck for you Visa!!

Hi Karthik,

I believe your wife and kid will go for stamping in India than US that you have mentioned in the comment.
1. You don't have to be there, they can go directly to the US Consulate for stamping.
2. Send them your extension prove like I797 and I94, that should prove your status but don't forget to add other documents.

Good luck to you and your family for the visa.

Hi Suneetha,

I think no, don't go for visa stamping as they will need a support letter from the employer and recent pay stubs. Even if you get through without it somehow, you will be needing the same stuff during the immigration. You can not get into the country without it. I don't know why you need a H4 but there are other ways to get into the US like visitors, business, etc. Good Luck!!!

Hi, My fiance is in india, i am on H1. We are going to get a court marriage in june 2010. does anybody have any news on how difficult or easy it is to get h4 approval for a guy. i want him to have a visa so he can travel to and fro to see me. he has no intention of staying in the us. do we need any additional papers other than the regular. any help is appreciated. Thanks.

Hi nisha,

I never heard a case anyone going and getting a dependent visa based on the registered marriage only. I really don't know if he will be able to get through that or not but i have a friend who got married socially and her husband had no problem in getting a H4. Good luck for your marriage and fiance's visa, let us know your experience as well.

Hi Srini,

You can book a date for h4 interview any day after May 27th. You are planning for June first week so go ahead and check the website for booking a date around that time. You need some formalities to be done like payment of fees and all. Ask someone back in India to do that and handover the receipt number to you so that you can book a date from now for June first week. Good luck for your marriage and visa.

Hi Vinod,

I am confused, you said you are on F1, planning for a court marriage and the puja. Where will you have this? In india i guess. I think if you do this right now in F1 then still you can get her in F2, your university should support her with a F2 doc, i guess a I20 for her. Sometimes university needs a marriage certificate and sometimes they don't care about it. There can be some ifs and buts by the interviewer but she should convince the interviewer that she is visiting US to spend more time with you and live here until you are done with your term of working in US. Puja is a requirement in Hindu marriages so no matter who all are there but there should be a traditional marriage and some proofs in terms of pictures. Again either she tells the truth about the parents being absent or make a fake one. I prefer being truth.

If you are planning to get her in H4 no matter what your plans are and you can produce the certificate and album then give your current status details to her like new I94, 797 and support letter from the employer. You also should make a photo copy of your passport and send her to have it handy during the interview. Remember nothing is mandatory because i got my visa stamping without having a copy of 797, you just need to convince your situation to the interviewer.

Good luck for the marriage and visa...

Hi Anu,

You can definitely go for a H4 interview in June. There is no such rule that i read that one have to wait for 1 year if he/she is rejected for 2 times. I personally think the reason of rejection is 99% dependent to that application not biased with previous one. This is totally different visa than F1, here the rejection ratio is very less as you are coming to US as dependent. Keep your nerves cool, get ready for the marriage. Enjoy the marriage, collect all docs for the interview and appear it. I bet you will make it this time, comeback and let us know how it went. Good luck for your marriage and visa.

Hi sainithya, If your husband is not working then how come he is on H1B? If a person looses a job in H1B visa then he/she becomes illegal in US, officially there is no grace period to find a new job but if someone can secure another in a month or so then he continues to remain in status. If he has a job then he becomes legal and hence generates some pay stubs. I don't know details about his situation but if you don't have the recent pay stubs, employer letter, work details then don't go for the apply for visa.

Hi Neerja,

No, I don't think there will be any problem in getting a visa if your spouse is yet to receive the first pay stub. They can have a lookup and check that, i know many went with their husband to get the H4 visa stamping at the time of H1B stamping. Don't worry but take all other documents with you to the embassy. Good luck for your visa and let me know how it goes with your interview.

we are going to marry in court we still need marriage invitation card?

Hi San,
I am getting maried in September 2010. My fiance is in US on L1 Visa which is valid till Dec 2010. I need to travel with him for a period of Three months. My concern is, that he will be coming to India for a period of three weeks and we are unsure whether we will be able to finish all the formalities with in three weeks including getting the marriage certificate, booking an interview date and getting the visa stamped in that time frame. Is it a good idea to get a visitor visa instead of dependent one, I am not sure. Please advise. Also he is based in Chandigarh and I am in Delhi, and marriage will be held in Delhi, Can we get the marriage registered in Chandigarh, and get the visa fast, or we need to get it registered in Delhi only.

Hi
My husband is working on H1b from the past 2 years. We got married on 8th Feb 2010. My parents did not agree for the marriage but my husbands parents were ready. We did a marriage on a very small scale without my parents consensus and so we did not call a photographer; and i dont have the photos. But later when my parents got to know about my marriage they agreed and then we got our marriage registered. On the same day we did a small gathering with friends and family. I have the photographs of that function.Will those photos work? Please let me know asap.

Hi Sunanda,
It depends on you what visa you prefer to get into US. You can still keep the visitor visa and keep coming to US. I have less knowledge on visitor visa so if you think you will get better opportunities in H4 then you can apply anytime you feel like and convert it. Getting your husbands name on your passport is not mandatory it is just as an additional support to prove you are wife of H1B visa holder's. If you want you can skip it. Good luck for the marriage..

Hi Sainithya, I don't think so it will be a problem if H1B is expiring in Oct but make sure you have current pay stubs and employer support letter. Good luck for the Visa.

I wanted to know that i have submitted the Visa Fees in Delhi, but i have not yet lined up my Visa Interview. My Husband will be coming to India in October. Can i give the Interview in Mumbai when he comes to India. Basically is there an issue if i have given the Visa fees in Delhi and i want to give the Interview in Mumbai?

Sonam, you can deposit the visa fees in any city and that gets deposited to a central account. It will not matter at all. You should pick an embassy zone either from your residence city/your work city or your husband's city/work city. Suppose you both are not from mumbai and non of your employer is from mumbai then don't apply there, they will ask why you have applied here.

Hi,
My H4 Visa expired on Feb 2010, I will be going to India on 28 May 2010 for my H4 Extention. Do i have to take the same documents you mentioned above or are they any other doc's. And also can you tell me if i need to take form I 129 with me. (The Form I-129 is only for the principal applicant that is my husband i donot have a I 129 is that correct?)

Can any one help me plz. i got married in october 2010. my husband has h1 visa. because of his father death he stayed in India for one year 2 months. In February month he went back to U.S and he got job there. now i have all documents including pay stubs. can i go for h4 stamping. is there any problem due to he stayed here for 1 year.

i have my visa interview lined up on 18th June in Delhi Consulate at 9.00 am. Please tell me by what time shall i reach and is there any line outside the gate?

Hi,
My Husband and myself, we both work in different renowned IT companies. I had been to US on a H1 visa and came back just 4 months before it expired as I wanted to be with my family. My husband was also in US for quite sometime. We met each other in May 2009, when he was here for vacation. Then we decided to marry in December 2009 and so he came back for good. We got married and were in India for 2 months but then he got a offer and went back to US. His project is in Phoenix. When I talked to my managers, they too agreed to send me to US but our project is in Minneapolis. We thought we would try to be in our own companies and see if our companies can try for our relocation. However, during my L1 visa processing we realized that the lamination in my passport had come out. unfortunately I was misguided and ended up reapplying for a new passport with the name change. Its been 4 months now and I was planning to resign from my job and go on H4. But his visa is going to expire in August and he has applied for extension. Can I apply for H4 visa when my husband has just applied for his extension? I'll be joining him after 4 months, will it cause any problems? Is it easy to get my visa converted to H1 or L1 while I am on H4? Is it necessary for him to come back? Is it not sufficient if he sends me the soft copies of all his documents?

Hi, I'm getting married in dec..my fiance is on an H1 right now.. i'm planning to go along with him to the US after our social wedding..while scheduling my appointment what should i fill in my status?? married or single?? because i'll be selecting an interview date after the wedding.

hi. on June 7th 2010 i went for h4 visa interview and i got visa. but my visa validity they gave as till October 2010.because my husbands h1b will expire on October 2010. after expiration of two visas what can we do

Sai, Congratulations... Your case is similar to my wife's case. You need to get into US before your visa expires, that is DEC. I guess your husband applied for an extension so once he gets that approved it is up to you people to get it stamped again or not. Normally you will need the stamp if you go out of the country. However your mission one is accomplished so come to US and wait for the H1B extension approval to think further.

I got engaged with my wife on Jan 11 this year and did a registered marriage with Registrar of Hindu Marriage on 13th Jan. I have the Marriage certificate. We plan to do the social marriage in Nov this year. I want to apply and get her the H4 VISA before marriage which is why we got married in front of the registrar after engagement. My wife has my name as Husband on her Passport as well with my home address in india. We have tons of good engagement photographs(ring ceremony) and albums, but since it was an engagement - there are no photos of rituals, sindur, pheras etc.

Is it okay if my wife goes for the H4 Interview with marriage certificate and engagement albums and photos. What should be the answer if the interviewer points out that where are the rituals photo. Should we say we are married legally and plan to do social marriage in Nov. or do not mention about it?

Thank you so much for posting such good information on H4 stamping. I need your advice for my case of H4 Stamping. I worked in USA on H1 visa for 5 years and I have pay stubs till Feb 2010. I became H4 on march 2010 and planning for India trip in Aug 2010. my wife h1 is valid till July 2012 but is not stamped in her h1b in her pass port. Is it safe for me to go for h4 stamping to india even though my wife does not have h1 stamped in her passport. I do have I-797 of my wife h1 and my h4 approval notice. Kindly let me know so that I can plan a trip to india.

Sorry EJ for late reply. Listen, Visa stamping is a second level of proof to someone's status. I-94 and I-797 are more important than a stamp on passport. Typically passport stamping is done to make a person come-in and go-out with less trouble but over the time this is been shown to consulate authorities as a status proof. I am not an expert and never heard anyone having similar issues but if you at all wants to take a risk then India is the best place, schedule an appointment, consult all the authorities on the subject and hopefully you will have less problems if you can show them your wife's status with I-94, 797 and other docs. On asked about stamping, tell them she is expecting and can't travel right now.

hi san,
please help me urgently. My husband is on H1-B visa and i came to US on H4.Our visa's are valid till sept 30 2010 and applied for extension. i am going to india in August and should i go for stamping if i stay there till sept 30? how many days before i need to come back to USA without getting my stamping done. If i want to get my stamping done is it possible with my husbands extension documents without any stamping on his passport, because he is not going out of USA? can i get my stamping done only by knowing his status or do i require stamping on his passport?

Thanks a lot san... i ll definitely share the information.

HELLO MAM, I GOT MARRIED ON 6 JUNE,10. MY HUSBAND HAS H1B VISA. HE CAME TO INDIA IN OCTOBER,09 AND WENT BACK TO US ON 12 JUNE. HE WAS ON NON PAID LEAVE FOR 8 MONTHS. PLZ GUIDE ME REGARDING THE DOCUMENTS TO BE CARRIED IN RELATION TO HIS GAP OF 8 MONTHS. I HAVE ALREADY GOT GREEN PAGE OF 221(G). THEY TOLD ME TO COME AGAIN IN WORKING DAYS WITHOUT TAKING NEW APPOINTMENT. WHILE INTERVIEWING, I GOT STRUCK UP AT HIS GAP PERIOD. INDEED DEY DIDNT SPECIFIED ANY DOCUMENTS TO BE BROUGHT AGAIN. I'M VERY MUCH CONFUSED ABOUT THE DOCUMENTS TO B BROUGHT. ALSO, TELL ME THE IMPORTANCE OF GAP PERIOD DOCUMENTS.

Hi Reshu, I am not a girl. However that is a genuine question for anyone who goes out of the country for more than 3 months. Your husband remained out of US for 8 months and there should be a valid reason to that. Produce the reason with facts attached and they will let you in as they did to your husband. I think you have already his status proofs in terms of documents. From your explanation here it seems like officers are having less problem with the current status, rather they want to know why someone stayed away with no payment for such a long time. Explain them. Good luck!!!

Hi Monty, Your plan looks fine to me. Good luck for marriage and your visa.

Hi HV, documents should be same as mentioned above. Chances of getting the visa can be easier when you are going certain embassies but document for H4 will be same i believe. It is better to have all the documents handy though. Good luck!!!

Hi HV, probably it will work. It is not needed to take a statement from the bank or get it stamped from the banker. If your husband has a bank account then you can go to the online account and take a print of last 30-60 days transaction with latest balance.

Hi San,
First of all, thank you so much for helping lot of people for their Visa's questions. Your work is appreciable.

My case is similar to geetha. My wife is in India and her visa is expiring on 13 Sept 2010. My question is regarding taking appointment from US embassy. Can she schedule appointment date before Sept 13 i.e before expiring the Visa OR she can take date and interview after visa expiration?

Hi San,
I got tourist visa for Brazil and I am planning to go there and get married in September. Do I need a proof/certificate for my single status? if yes then how can i get it? thanks

Hi, Am Swathi. getting Married in December. my fiancee is on H1-B working in USA. His Visa Expires in Jan 2011. He got his Visa Renewed with current employer. He has not yet gone for visa stamping. After the next day of Marriage, Can we both schedule appointment same time for His H-1b Stamping and My H4 Approval. What are the chances of rejection?

I am now in US and I am married. My wife is in India and has to stamp the H-4 visa. Do i need to send my Original H1 Approval Notice and latest Pay stubs? Each sites has different answer, could you please let me know. waiting to send my documents

Thanks San, Problem is Validity of my Visa in the Passport got expired. If the send the photo copy will there be any issue?

@San, Thanks a lot San. I will let you know once i am done with Visa interview in December.

@Senthil, I would do the same. Just make sure the visa on the passport doesn't say the surname as "NA".

Hi Puja, It is really hard to comment on your situation as i barely know what your fiancee's situation is. I have a friend in Canada who has a PR and had no problem in getting her wife from India. His wife was in Canada in 3-4 months only.

Hi Venu, Seriously you have some serious issues, I can advise you but that will have list of values in my eyes. You definitely need an expert for this, the dates are very close and issues are too many. I recommend you go to MurthyForum.

Is it required to do social marriage in India? We gonna marry in court in Brazil and have party there. Is it gonna effect my H4 if we dont do social marriage?

Hi Manohar, I think it is a mandatory for people who get married in India as a social marriage is the must. You can show your Brazil pictures to the officer on asked. That should be enough. Good Luck....

Hi San
Thanks for your reply. The reason why I planning to Canada first is my assignment in US starts in Jan 2011. Hence planning to take vacation in the month of Nov and Dec and fly to Canada and complete the PR formalities there.

Do you have idea about the procedure of applying H4 in Canada such as how long will it take and other formalities.

I did Registered marriage on March 2010, and we dont have any social marriage and any photographs. We have only marriage certificate. I am going to US on L1 visa. Can i get my wife along with me on dependent visa? Is marriage photographs is a must?

Hi San, I am applying for H4 Visa for UK. Please tell me is it required to change maiden name after marriage as we have already got our marriage certificate on my maiden name and all my certificates including passport with the same maiden name. Is there anything i need to change on passport issued before my marriage.

I am going for H1B stamping on 21st Oct, my wife will accompling me for H4. Due to some circumstaces my marriage was registed on 27th April, 2009 but as per the Hindu tradition we married on 11th Dec, 2009(Have Album and Invitation Card). Which date we tell to Visa Officer? Will it create any problem?

Hi Sanjay, I am extremely sorry as i couldn't answer you on time because of my work load. I know you must be heading now to interview, anyway.. You certificate date is your marriage date so on asked you should say you got married on 27th April 2009. Good luck..

Hi, I came to U.S in the month of september 2010. I got married in 2006. But that time i have taken the marriage certificate from the temple where i got married. Now for applying H4 visa to my wife, they are asking my marriage certificate. In the Registar office they are telling that my presence is also required to register my marriage. Please advice how i can able to solve this problem without going to india. Is there any other solution ..? Thanks in advance

Hi Kumar, there is nothing that i know can fix your problem.

Hi there...
I got married recently and my husband is working in US on H1B visa. Im working for a PSU here in India and have resigned from my job before marriage. My problem is my H4 interview is scheduled in 2 days and i have not got my relieving letter from my company yet and might take atleast a week more. Please suggest what i should do.

Hi San, Thanks for all the help to the forum.

I have a question. I came to USA in july 2010 on H1b visa. i am working for good client now. i am working since last 2 months for that client. I have one pay stub with me now. I am planning to bring my wife here. I have all the documents ready. but does one pay slip is enough for h4 stamping? please suggest. thanks, Ashok

Hi SAN,we've done registered marriage on 7th dec,2010 but we are getting socially married on 12th dec,2010.will that affect my chances of getting my H4 dependent US spouse visa as the dates dont coincide?my visa interview is scheduled for the third week of dec,2010. THANKS.

Hi, Right now i am on H4 visa status and got my I-20 from ITU sunnyvale. Is it possible to get F1 stamping without GRE and Tofel score from India? I am planning to go India in Feb for few days, so will there be any problem if i go for F1 stamping with I-20 approved from that college as it is unaccredited? What if my F1 got rejected? Can i come back on same H4 or Do i need to file for H4 again? what is the exact process i need to follow? Or should i stay on H4 and study for 1st sem and then change my status to F1? could u please help me out. Thanks in advance..

Hi San,
Like everyone else, I am looking for some genuine and valid advice from you. Much appreciated.

I am a canadian PR residing in Canada for last 3 years and my fiancee is in USA on H1b for last 4 years. I have been to usa multiple times on visitor visa which is valid for next 10 years. We are getting married in India this March and I have a few questions.

1. Since we don't have time to get a marriage ctf and H4 in india for me, should we register our marriage in Canada? Can we do it now or after we come back? If we can marry now in Canada, can an H1B holder come to Canada on his visitor visa and marry and go back? Does he need to inform the border people about his intent?

2. Is it ok to apply for H4 visa without getting spouse's names added on respective passports?

3. Can we enter India being married but not showing updates on passports if we do marry now in Canada. the march wedding is for religious and family purpose.

4. I plan to enter USA with him from India directly and that is why I want to have H4. Am concerned if our passports don't show married then will I face problems entering India or entering Canada?

PS: We are looking for all legal steps and don't want to mess up our paper work at all since his company will be filing for his green card when queues clear up.

Thanks in advance. Hetal

Thanks San, I do have a follow up question. Let's say I get a marriage ctf in Canada and I also get an H4 in Canada before I leave for India. Then, when I enter India in March do i need to declare at the POE that I am married . My passport wont hvae updates but legally am married in Canada. Am concerned for that. Similarly, if passports dont have updates but I tell them am married while entering USA, is that a concern too, irrespective of H4? Thanks, Hetal.

Hi San, I am currently in USA on H1-b. I got married in December 2010 in the court and I have marriage certificate but we are planning our marriage in 2011 December according to the Hindu rituals. Is it possible that just based on the marriage certificate, my wife can come on H4 to USA? Thanks.

Hi, My wife works in US. Hardly one month got over for her. Can husband apply for H4 if his wife working in US under H1B visa. Am i eligible to apply for it.

Hi San,
I have filled my DS-160 to apply for dependent visa for USA. I am a Candian PR and my husband is in USA on H1b. I am in Vancouver and would now like to scedule my appointment for the interview.
The question is on the new NVARS website, who needs to schedule the
appointment (the h1b holder) or I myself under my passport? On the Ds-160 i had mentioned myself as not being primary applicant. And this website asks us to register for appointment by logging in with primary applicants information. Please guide if he needs to do it or I have to?

Secondly, there is no option for H4 catoegory in the appointment sceduling webiste. what cateogry do we choose?

PS: The NVARS booking website has been changed for Canadian and US residents as shown below.
http://www.usvisa-info.com/en-CA/selfservice/login
Thanks

Hi San,

Thought would share this with everyone. I called the consulate and they let me know that to schedule the appointment for H4 visa, I (dependent) have to schedule my appointment on the NVARs website myself. The primary doesn't have to. Secondly, there is no option of H4 in the list when we want to schedule and we need to select H1 category. Thus, I did that as a dependent that is I selected H1 and it then prompted me for more details of my husband (primary). Finally I managed to get an appointment. The new website for Canadian/USA/Mexico booking is really messed up but the consulate phone numbers are useful to get info. Hoping things go well on the interview now:). Cheers, Hetal

Hi am getting married by march 6th 2011 and my fiance wil leave india by march 18th is it possible for me to complete the interview and go along with him(if i get the VISA)can you tell me the processing time for the h-4 visa??

Hi San, Thank you so much. hope i accompany him

Hi, My marriage is in May 3rd week and my H1 will be expiring in Aug. I have initiated the H1 extension process. Can I book the appointment for my wife in May 4th week. Will the consulate officer approve H4 of my wife from May till Aug ? Thanks.

Hi VK, Definitely. You can book a date for May 4th week. Ask her to carry all the docs and on asked produce your docs for renewal application. Good Luck...

Hi Sai, interviewer might ask about your work and education. You should be true to them and carry your documents to produce on asked. It is normally noticed, they ask more questions if they find applicant is highly qualified and currently working with good salary. Good luck!!!

Hi Kavi, lets say you schedule 15th Apr as your interview date then your visa will be with you by 25th Apr so it takes about 7-10 days to get your passport back from embassy, you can also handpick the passport next day from the same office. Good Luck..

Hi Hardik, yes your chances of getting rejected increases because of your professional degree, being a male on H4, not having your social marriage according to hindu act, etc. What I would do if put into your shoes, if my chances of getting a student visa is very high then I will prefer to go for a F1 visa and avoid to show my marital status. If it is not coming very soon then go for H4 and let them know everything. You don't have to mention for your preparation on medical degree in US, rather show them that you are working for govt or a private organization and visiting US on a leave for 3 months. Show them that you have a huge responsibility in India and you will come back after 2-3 months of stay.

Congratulations Hardik, I appreciate you came back to inform us. I really don't know, normally they use to scrap the previous visa. One of my friend's H1b visa was cancelled when he applied for visiting visa. I have no clue why they left your B1/B2. Enjoy your trip now, will think about it later.

Hi - My fiance got his H1B in March 2011 and is currently in US. We are planning to get married by July and then I shall apply for my H4 Visa. We can get the marriage certificate next day as you mentioned under marriage registration proecess. My concern is that the wedding album might not be ready while submitting the documents initially - Is it required while submitting the documents or is it required at the time of interview? I can arrange it at the time of Interview. Also How long does it take from the application to the stamping if all documents are in place and can you also tell me the approximate cost if I am applying from Delhi? Thanks in advance.

Hi Harry,
- you need the marriage photographs during the interview but you need one digital passport size photograph upfront for scheduling the interview.
- you don't have to submit any document before the interview date, only you require to fill some online forms.
- normally you schedule a date for interview before 6 weeks as the dates get picked up as soon as they are open for booking so if you plan to get interviewed in 1st week of July then keep checking for dates from May first week and book the date. Once you appear for the interview and get the approval then you will receive your stamped passport in 7-10 days depending your location.
- to book a date it costs roughly around Rs.8000/-, confirm this from the official website.
Good Luck!!!

Hi Kumar, I will say you what I would do in your shoes. I would wait for H1B approval then visit India for stamping. I would take my wife with me for her H4 visa and this has highest chances of getting the visa. At least don't take more chances with F2 and get her on H4. Another 5 months to wait but that will reduce tons of risks. Good luck!!

Hi Amy, do you know on what basis they declined the visa?
1. I don't think there is any issue as she will be applying on a new visa type.
2. One is permitted to live in US on a single visa at a time so while stamping or at the time of immigration clearance her status will be changed to H4.
3. I don't think you can accompany her unless you are also waiting for a stamping. If you need one stamping then probably things will be easier for her as the focus will be on you.
It is always advised not to travel in OPT, if you do then at least you should have upto date stamping. I don't think anyone will advise you for stamping in OPT because it is high likely to get rejected.
Good Luck!!!

Hi amy, If you both go together that will ease the pressure on her individual case. There is no negative side to it. I still doubt if she mentioned about her family living in US looking to the question "When are you coming back?". Anyway, gone is gone. If they ask the same question then she should mention I have no job right now and I have no plans to work as I have kids to take care of. After my husband's H1B duration we are coming back to India as we have old parents, lots of property, if any business to take care. Remember more symptoms you show them as a potential immigrant then your rejection chances are increased.

Hi VH, if you want you can skip this step. If you have time then change your wife's status in her passport and no need to change the surname. It is totally fine if you don't get your passport updated. Good Luck!!!

Hi khushboo, they will ask very simple questions related to your life. You can see the sample questions at the top. Good luck!!!

Hi Rajesh, are you on F1 right now? What is S1 visa? If you applied for H1B recently then it takes 3-4 months for approval. Fast approval can get you the result early but officially you can use the visa from Oct 1st. You can only get your wife after Sept. Good luck!!!

Is it mandatory to show the marriage photographs? I have the marriage certificate. will that suffice? can the H4 visa interview be given in any Indian language other then English? Please advise.

Hi Sunny, marriage pictures are must. 9 out of 10 times people are asked to show their marriage pictures, failing to show that can hinder your approval. You can take the interview in non-english languages, you can pick your local language. Good luck..

Hi Sarita, your questions are very confusing. You can't apply for H4 before Oct as your husband will officially get into H1 status in Oct. The questions will be very simple, see the examples at the top. Ask your husband to contact me as he is advised not to travel in OPT/F1 visa unless it is super important. If he is required a stamping on visiting out of US then he should not go out before having the H1 in hand. Good luck!!!

Hi Sreejita, I have done it in 5 days so if you work accordingly 12 days is more than enough to get it stamped. Problem is getting back the passport, it can take up to 2 weeks. Check with the embassy if they allow to pickup the next day. Good luck!!!

Hi Siril, you will have to take a photocopy of her passport though. If they ask why she isn't having it stamped it yet then come up with a good answer. Normally one should have the updated visa stamped on the passport in a year from the approval date. Good Luck!!!

Hi Sirl, Lets say you will be not given a H4 visa so what will be your loss? You are in India and will remain there so it is better to take a chance than sitting idle. When you will be asked about your job and all say that you will be on leave and will be back to work soon. A good answer for her not stamping the visa will be "she remained too busy with the work and she is also planning to return India permanently in 2 months.". Just advise your wife to get it stamped to soon if she wants to remain in US for a longer time. On emergencies stamp on passport will be really helpful otherwise she will be at mess.

Hi San. I am on h1b visa...i am planning to reach india on 18th nov....my marriage is planned on 25th nov..i would be able to get marriage certificate on 27th nov. now my question is can i book my wife's visa appointment (any date after 27th nov) before reaching to india?I m getting confused because when I would be in US and would try to book visa date, at that time I would still not be married and then also I am taking visa date for dependent visa? How is that possible? I know I will have to take visa date after 27th nov only but question is can I BOOK it before marriage i.e before reaching India? Plz help me..

Hi San, I'm sorry for bothering you again...in case if I will be asked that if i am going for short period and if she is planning to come back permanently in 2 months then Why I am going on H4 visa rather than visitor visa? what are the possibilities of asking this and what could be the right answer as per you to this??

Hi San, I am currently working in USA on H1B visa with a good job, my H1 is going to expire on 09-22-2011. So now can I apply for my wife dependent visa from india. Since i have just 3 more month for h1 expiry will they give H4.Or do i need to extend my H1 first then go for My wife's H4. I am in confusion please suggest me as you are helping so many people.I should appreciate your work.

I just got a job and my company applied for H1B visa which they estimate to be approved by August or September. I am already married but my wife lives in India. I plan to bring her with me when I go for H1B visa stampings in October. I am not sure about the process of going through the H4 visa application in my case. Please suggest the cost and everything you can help me with.

Hi, I have applied for L2 visa in april last week and my interview date is on 8th june 2011. We got married last year. Now my husband is already in US, he entered US in the 1st week of May, his L1B visa expires in july 2011 but while entering US this time he got an I-94 till jun 2013.Now my question is when I will be appearing for interview of L2 visa, the validity of L1B visa will be only around 35 days, so will that affect my visa stamping? Or do I need to show my husband's I-94 form (which is valid till 2013) if the VO asks any question on coming for stamping at this point when L1B is about to expire? Pls help !!!

As my husband entered US just 2 months before the expiry of his L1B visa for a long term project, he had initially planned to apply for another 2 yrs (L1B extension) extension before its expiry. But fortunately at the POE he got the I94 extension till 2013. So will it be okay to show his I94 card copy in case there is any issue with less visa validity period of the principal applicant?

Hi San, I am currently on my Stem OPT and my H1 is approved but it will come into effect from OCT-1'st. Recently i got married and my wife's F2 visa got rejected, I have been advised to send my wife for H4 visa interview rather than for F2 VISA Interview.
1)Since i am not planning to attend my H1 visa stamping anytime soon, can she attend her H4 visa interview without my H1 stamping?
2)how soon she can attend her H4 visa interview, since my H1 will come into effect only from OCT-1'st.
3)If she gets her H4 visa, how soon she can enter the country(can she enter before OCT-1'ST).
Please provide me your valuable inputs in this regard.
Thanks, Kumar.

Hi, My Husband left to the US in the first week of May 2011 on H1. He is yet to receive his SSN. Hence he has not received his first pay stub as SSN is a must as per his company policy. Will this affect my H4 application. Secondly, i hold a H1 too (was in the US earlier for 3 months and now in India), however as i am not getting a project in the same location as his, i am planning to quit and go on a H4. will this affect my H4 application as well. Will my application be considered as a status change? how is this different from a fresh H4 application?

Hi San, I am very glad to inform you that I got my H4 visa. I was so tensed about the interview but it was an easy interview as VO asked just 3 questions to me...the questions were:
1) since when is she working?
2) Company Name
3) Which part of USA she stays at?
the interview only lasted for a minute only and then the golden words that my visa is approved. I am thankful to you for motivating me despite of my agent demotivated me a lot and I took the initiative. Thanks a lot again for motivating me.
Siril

hi San..need urgent help..i am on F1 status and on opt extension to next year aug2012. last month i got H1 approval and will be start from OCt1st 2011.i m working as full time employee and i married in feb 2011.i m planing to go India for 2 weeks(20 June to 5 july2011). few question i have in my mind is that

1. Can i come back usa on F1 status and is it safe to trip india at this time.
2. I apply for my spouse f2 visa on 22june. what type of question VO will be asking coz my h1 is already approved.

i got my updated i20 and her i20 from my school and all bank,and supporting documents.but no idea what type question will be occurred at visa time.
i ll thank-full to u, Raj

My Self Dharti Shah and living in Ahmedabad,India. We Married on 23/Jan 2011.

1) My husband got H1 B visa at April 2011 quota and his status will be under F1 to H1 B by Octomber 2011 onwards. He has received his I 797/A & I 797/C letter. So its advisable to take h4 visa and go US before October 2011 ? Also if not possible to go before Oct'2011 then should i take H4 visa right now (i.e.June/July 2011) & will go to US after Oct'2011.

2) Also at the time of interview , Original copy of I-797 is necessary or it is ok with photocopy...

3) My husband has started his new job on Feb '2011 and now its difficult for him get leave & come india. So its not possible for him to come india for H1 B stamping on passport.,and same way i want to go US to live with my husband. so is it ok to take visa date before h1 stamping on my husband's passport.

Please need urgent reply as i want to book my appointment by 1st week of July

Thanks for your reply. My Husband got his h1 approval May'11 end.So i think his status will be reflect in system upto 3 months.so should i take interview date around August end or wait upto Oct.

Hi, This is priya. My husband is holding H1 B visa and he is in US now. I m currently working in india and have applied for H4 visa. I am planning to resign my job and go to US. Will they approve my visa if i say i m working currently but will resign in a week?? Pls answer thanks

Hi this is SL. My husband is currently on H1B and I am on H4. We are planning on expanding the family, will this affect his green card application?

Hello, I'm a H1B visa holder & my husband from India went to an interview to Chennai Consulate on 06/16/2011,but his visa has refused with the reason of "short of salary" & it was true, I showed low salary. But my employer raised my salary after this happened. Now my question is after how long my husband has should re-apply & how much salary I've to show? one more question, every web site says that applicant has to bring a demand draft with documents at the time of an interview. I don't understand what type of payment that? & for how much amount should be?

Hello San, Thank you for your quick reply. I think that I didn't present my query properly. By word "show" I wanted to ask you that my salary was low(around$22000 for part time job. On base of that my H1b has approved)But my employer rised my salary (around $42000)with rising working hours. does this salary okay for re-apply?

hi San, I find your website very useful.My fiance is working in US since past 5 years and a valid H1B holder.We recently got engaged and will be getting married on october 9,2011.my fiance wil leave india by october 23rd,2011 , is it possible for me to complete the H4 interview and go along with him(if i get the VISA)can you tell me the processing time for the h-4 visa?? Also ,can we book a date(after oct 9,2011) ahead for the interview ?and how many days will it take for me to get the visa after i attend the interview and how long will my H4 it be valid in US?

Hi San, I need one information.I have received L2 visa for 1 month as my husband's visa expires soon. My L2 visa will expire just 15 days after my travel to US. My husband is in US whose visa is also expiring on the same date as of mine but he has a valid I 94 till jun 2013 which he got at POE. Thats the reason he has not filed for any extension. I wish to know that if the spouse travels to US alone after husband, will it be possible to get the same I 94 as of husband if the spouse shows husband's valid I 94 copy? I need to stay with my husband as long as he stays in US. Pls reply. I am travelling after 2 days.

Hii doin g8 job.. well im gettin married on 21st July, n my ques is can i fill d DS-160 form prior 2 marriag coz my fiance will b payin a short visit (10days) for marring, v want 2 leav fr USA 2gether..

Hi Simran, you can fill DS-160 before your marriage. If you will receive your passport via post from the embassy then it is really tough to make it in 1 week. Postal will take about 7-10 business days so you better plan for a date to leave india once you receive your passport.

Hi San, currently my boyfriend is in US working in hospital in H1 visa. Now he is coming to nepal on october for stamping and he want me to apply for H4 visa with him. Actually we wont be able to get ritual marriage coz of family problem and we are planning to get court marriage. So, my question is do i get H4 visa if we provide a court marriage certificate and wedding album just like a simple marriage in temple without our family just with friends. If it creates any problem then what would you suggest me in this case. Please guide me.. Lots of thanks.

Hi, my H3 visa is under process. Should be done in few days, my question was for my spouse and my kid applying H4 visa.My name spelled in my passport and marriage certificate is Jatin, while the name written in my wife and son passport is Jateen. Will this be an issue for her to apply as my H# will be in the name of Jatin. Do i need to make an affidavit or any other documents required. Pls advice.

Hi I got married 2009 and my husband is in india and I am currently working in us. I want him to come here for 6 months. Is it easy to get h4 for my husband? I liked your blog...Thanks,Roopa

Hi, My wife has an H1B Visa valid till 2013. She applied for the H1B Visa in August-2010 & got the Stamping done in February-2011. She is in the USA with her employer (who sponsored her H1B) since 30-May-2011 & will be in the USA till March-2012. I am employed in India & I am now applying for an H4 Visa so that I can visit her on short vacations as well as visit her in case of any emergency to look her up. I did not apply for the H4 at the time of her applying for H1. We are married for 3 years now. What do I say if I am asked as to why I did not apply for H4 when she applied for her H1 or why I am going for an H4 now after she has already left for the US ? And what happens if I am asked as to why I need to have an H4 for short-but frequent visits to the US to meet her ? Regards,

Hi Suvadeep, it is not mandatory that spouse should apply for the support visa at the time of initiation. No one is going to ask you that question, if you at all get such question then say "it wasn't clear if at all my wife is getting a visa and going to US so i didn't apply for it, now that she is there then i need to visit her and have the visa handy to go and see her when she needs me." Good luck!!!!

I came US and have my husband working in Chennai .I have applied for H4 for my husband and child. He will be here with me for few months and please confirm if my husband can travel by applying 2 months leave

Hi, I have been in USA for last 20 days on H1. My Visa is going to expire on 31st October. My wife has already gone for the H4 interview, and she is waiting for her visa. If I apply for my visa extension now, will her visa become invalid? I heard that she will not be able to travel after that. Please advice...

Hi San, I need your advise. I am currently on H1 in US and my wife is a canadian PR right now. We are planning to get married in December. She will most like also get her canadian citizenship in February. Will she still need an H4 visa or can she just walkin in US without any visa as long as she is not studying.

Hi san, I badly need your advice.I was not yet married when I applied for admission in a US university. I got my I20 form and my maiden name is on it.Recently I got married and my husband will aply for F2 visa.Can he apply even if my maiden name is on my I20 form?Is it ok if i have not changed my surname yet?thanks. please help me

Hi Dipu, once they approve it then she will receive the passport in 2 weeks. If they are not convinced then they might ask for additional docs, it seems like they are not going to ask any additional docs and she will get her passport soon.

thanks for the quick reply! More power!

Hi Ash, you can schedule a date anytime but the date of interview should be after your marriage date. Good luck...

Hi Niki, resigning from your job is your personal problem, that has nothing to do with visa interview. No one is going to ask you why you haven't resigned yet or when are you going to resign. If you ask me then resign from your job after the interview and if it is required by your employer. Good luck....

Hi Bhavik, I never heard about it. If she never been to US then she should apply for H4 with your I797. Are you sure you applied for H4. Is there any new rules that I am not awared of? Please follow this matter on the official website and on needed email the consulate explaining your situation.

Hi San, I am working in India and I got my I797 approval notice, so while going for my Visa stampping interview , can i take my Spouse for his H4 Visa stamping or should i wait for my H1 stamped then take another appointment for my husband ? Does the chances of my H1B stammping varies if i take my spouse with me ? We both work in India in different companies and my husband has already resigned to come along with me. Thanks, SAM

Hi, My husband(H1B) and i(H4) are planning to go for the interview together. However, we are confused as to do I need to pay the fees? my husbands DS 160 we have mentioned that I will be going along with him. But no other information was asked in the DS160 form for my H4 visa. Do i need to pay the visa fees for H4? (his fees have been paid). Please reply...thanks..

Hi San, I am getting married on oct 9, 2011. My fiance is in US now on h1 and i will be going on h4 visa, I am trying to book an interview date after my marriage ,may be oct 13th or 17th due to personal reasons. If I book on 13th, I have to leave the same day at 4pm to other place due to personal reasons , will my interview be completed before 4 pm. Till what time the interviews are scheduled? If i book on 17th, I can attend it risk free,since I am in hyderabad I guess I can handpick the passport too from the consulate within a day or two. We are planning to travel to US by oct 28th again. please advise

Hi San, Thank you for all the information provided on this blog.

I kindly request you to help me out with this question regarding my wife H4 visa.

My wife has attended the visa interview 6 months back and got a 221g query for my employer documents. tax papers etc.

My employer took a while to provide those docs and meanwhile i have transferred my H1 to other company (direct vendor). I have sent an email to the Hyd consulate to withdraw the old case so that i can send my wife for H4 visa now with my new H1 papers. I still didn't get any response from Visa officer regarding the withdraw of old query case even after 4 weeks.

Is it mandatory to wait for the confirmation from the VO regarding the withdraw? or can we go ahead by booking a visa date and attend the interview with my New employer papers.

Hi,
--I am on F1 visa(currently working on opt extension) and will be transitioning to H1 visa in the month of October.
--I will be going for my wedding ceremony in decmeber to India and also get my H1 stamped at the same time ( I already have done registered marriage a month back).

Question:
--SO is it fine for my wife to apply for a H4 visa even before my H1 visa is stamped?
--What is the tenure of visa she'll be getting, i assume it'll be same as for my H1 visa's validity, are there cases where the H4 depenedt gets visa of a shorter tenure?
--Also she is a doctor ,so will it be difficult for her to get the H4 visa for the US?

Thanks in advance, Shri

Hi San, currently i am filling my ds-160 form before scheduling the visa interview. Since my marriage is in oct,should I mention my status as single now. Since i would attend interview after marriage ,should I mention in the doc as my status married only? And also there is work/information related column.Now i am working but would resign my company this 30th of this month. By the time I attend interview,I no longer work.So,should I have to enter this work experience as previous employer information in the form now?

by the time I attend the interview,my status would be married and my current employer would be previous employer. should I mention the same in the doc?can you please advise as it is leading to some confusion.

Hi san, I got h1-b approval last week and I am going to apply for spouse visa for my wife. we did register marriage in 2006 and traditional marriage in 2009. I have one question. If consulate will ask my wife, when did you get married? then, what should she need to tell ? in 2006 or in 2009 ?
Second question :
I am working in Employer --vendor--vendor ---end client model and right now I am working in End client premises. if consulate will ask my wife that where is your husband is working then what should she needs to tell ? in end-client's name or my employer name ? I would appreciate if you help me out in this confusion.

Hi Gaurang, your wife should say she is married from 2006 and if he/she questions why your certificate is from 2009 then say it was never a mandatory to grab a certificate so delayed on that. She also should say your employer name and on asked mention about your latest project. Good luck...

Thank you very much for your prompt reply. If you have time then Can you please try to help me in this confusion also ?
let me give you my history before I
2006 - register marriage
2007 - came to USA on F1 visa
2009 - Traditional marriage
2010 - Completed MS
2011 - applied for F2 visa two times but rejected
2011 - H1B approved and going for H4 visa
If consulate will ask the below question then what should be the best answer ?
Why did you not leave with your spouse or why are you coming today for visa when you got married earlier ?
Appreciate for your help

Hi Gaurang, she can always say "she wanted to come and live with you but somehow the visa go rejected and she continued to get some studies done in the meantime.". It is not a requirement to take a visa the date you get married and at the end she also applied for one and got rejected.

hi, i want to ask that my fiance is planning to go to canada for further studies and job after a court marriage with me. is it possible that i can go along with him? please suggest.

Hi, I am getting married next year. My boyfriend doesnot belong to my religion, so there are some obvious issues regarding this in our families. My query is I am planning to move to US for my higher studies next year and may be a job thereafter. Can my husband get a spouse visa during my stay as a student there if we have enough funding for our stay there? Will our different religion cause any problem?

Hi San, Thanks for all the help you were giving. Here is my case, I got married on Dec 30th 2010. My husband went to h1b stamping on 27th dec 2010 for which he was given 221g yellow form. I came back to US in April and after all the waiting, in July 2011 we came to know that his Visa was rejected. So he reapplied h1b with diff employer and went to Visa interview on sep 23rd 2011 for which he got 221g blue. My H1b starts from this October so I want suggestion if it is a good idea to apply for H4 visa now. If so how much gap should be there to apply for H4. Any suggestion is valuable for me. Thanks in advance!!

Hi, I got married in 1999, and we didn't register our marriage till date. now my hubby is in US under H1B visa and wants to take us(having two kids) there. By filing an affidavit, we've entered our names under spouse column. Moreover, my kids Passports shows our names as parents. my query is, inspite of all these details appearing in the passports (also in family ration card & voter's ID), Should i need marriage certificate as mandatory doc? is there any way out to get H4 visa without marriage cert? Note: My husb is not coming to India right now.

Thanku soo much San for the quick reply. He was not asked for any documents, he was given a blue form with a tick mark for admin processing. As it was the same case with yellow form that he got earlier we dont want to wait for that. So, how much approximately does the enough funds mean. Also we heard that for men h4 Visa in India is a difficult thing. Is that true?

San, Thanks for the info you could give. We are finding out talking to attorney too but thought to gather all the info we could. Thanks though.

Hi a, I don't understand you completely and it is confusing as well. If you have all her documents as her first name and your first name as her last name except the marriage certificate then you might getaway with that. She can mention about the name change on asked by the interviewing officer. If you can get a new marriage certificate with her first name and your first name as her last name then get it if not apply with whatever you have, there is little risk but i personally think it is under control. Good luck!!

I am travelling to India in Jan. I have my valid H4 till april 2011. But I will need stamping done on my passport. So I need to follow the same process as a new H4 visa ? Do I need to fill the form DS 160 and pay fees in HDFC. Pls let me know

Hi Ritu, April 2011 is already past. If you have a 797 that is valid but you don't have the stamp on your passport then you will have to follow everything from the top and follow the same rules. It includes fees and DS160.

Hi please reply, my fiancee stays in US and v r planning to get married. Is the mariiage certificate valid if v go for the marriage in Arya samaj as i have to apply for H4 visa. If not tell the process to get the certificate I read it takes about one month to get certificate but he cannot get one month leave to come here. Please advise as our parents are against our marriage.

Hi Paddu, I am not very sure if the Arya Samaj certificates are considered or not. You can go for an Arya Samaj marriage and later get it certified from the municipality office. This means you are married and getting it registered. This certificate is getable in a day and you will have no issues with it. You will have to get the Arya Samajh marriage with social function style so that you can show the pictures to the authority when asked. Best thing to do it in everyone's blessing, try to make the parents clear about your interest and determination. Good Luck!!!

Hi Pandhari, there can be an issue with you missing letter. If you have time then get it corrected from the respective department else try your luck. It is in a range where one can take a risk. Good Luck!!!

Hi, I had a lot of questions before checking out your website..But Thanks to u, u've clarified most of my doubts..The only thing is that how long will it take to get marriage registration certificate after getting the social marriage certificate from church. Plz reply me. i am waiting for ur reply...

Thanks for ur timely help.

Hi thanks alot.. I have received your email.. But as I told you I don't have any documents neither his nor mine other than passport..In that case how is it possible for me to go to US? an u let me know some other authority who can help me on this.Thanks and Regards

Hi San, I am getting married in this December but we are doing court marriage as my and my in-laws family is not interested in traditional marriage. So can I go for H4 visa interview right after that? Is there something, traditional marriage is necessary? Please let me know at the earliest.

Hi San, Thanks for helping all of us. I do have a query. I have got L1B visa and going back in nov 11. My wife got H1B visa . I want to apply for H4 Visa just after reaching India says Nov 30 appointment date so that in case of emergency i could travel to US. I have got all the documents and funds as you mentioned above
I have the below questions
1. Irrespective of My H4 Stamping whether approves/ reject ,Is there any chance that VO would cancel my existing valid L1 B and B1/B2 both visa's. If that is case then i cant travel from my employer on L1 visa later
2. What could be my answer if they ask me why do u need H4 Visa since you already have visitor visa B1/B2 , Emergency answer would that do here as i mentioned before.
Please let me know your thoughts

ME & my husband are working for same company. My husband got his H1B visa on June 2011 & he travelled to US immediately. He raised the H4 visa thru our company & my visa interview is on October 19th wednesday. My question here is. I have mentioned in DS160 that I am currently working for same company .. .. If I got my H4 visa I am planning to go in a vacation... Please advice if I have a question about my employment whether I need to tell that i will go in a vacation or I will resign my job....

Hi Soundarya, you can tell you are working in the same company and would like to go and visit your husband and spend some time by taking a vacation from the employer. No one is going to ask you why you didn't take the visa before or why are you coming now. You have your career and you want to keep working so you decided to take a visa when it is needed. Now you need it as you wish to visit your husband and see the country. Good luck!!

Hi San, Many thanks for your reply.... one final query... My husband company has proccessed my H4 visa..so during the interview if they asked the below questions whether I can reply them as " My husband comapny name "...
Who filed the visa application and where did you file it?
Who made the interview appointment?

Hi San, My passport don't have my wife's name on it. I have taken it before my marriage. My wife's passport was taken after marriage so her passport has my name on it. So while applying for H4 visa will she have any trouble as her name is not on my passport.

Hi Prasad, sorry for the delayed reply as I was on a transit for last 3 days. Anyway, you don't need her name on your passport but it is a plus for her to have your name on her passport though. You are all set to go. Good luck to your wife..

Hi San, I am on H1 and in US right now. I have applied dependent request through my employer. It is under processs. They paid the visa payment and I got the bar code number. But the question is i got only one bar code number for both. While filling D-160 forms we need to fill in two bar code numbers for both of right? Or can i use one for both? Please reply ASAP as it is urgent for me.. Thanks.

Hi San,

1. My wife went to US in Sep 2011 on B1/B2 on visitor visa and later she got good project in USA from an indian company and she picked up the job and got H1B approval letter of H1B,Now in November she is planning to come to India to get the H1B stamping on passport. I want to apply for H4 visa now so is there could be any problem? I myself is a team leader with 6 years of experience in a a good IT company, so can it be a problem? pls guide

2. Do we both go same day for visa stamping or first I need to get her H1B done then I should apply for my H4 visa, kindly suggest

hi, I am planning to go for H4 visa interview During Jan 2012.Regarding my marriage date,there is a confusion kindly guide me.The Details are as follow : I have registered my marriage in court on 15Th Dec 2010.My social marriage date is scheduled on 3rd Jan 2012.Which marriage date i should put in DS-160 Form for spouse visa as well as during Interview? Kindly Reply immediately.

Hi, I am Deepak and my H1B visa is going to be filled by Dec,2011. My parents planning my marriage in 28th jan, 2012. Now I want that me and my wife will go to US togather what will be the better way to achieve this. First I'll go for court marriage asap and get the certificates so that at the time of filling my H1B visa I can also file my wife's H4 visa or second I'll wait for my H1B visa to be filled and I hope till that time I'll be married and get my marriage registered and after that when I get my H1B papers from employer i'll file my and Wife's paper togather for Stamping in US Counslate in New Delhi. Please advise me. My only motive is to go to US togather and to fulfil my parents wish that we can go for traditional marriage with all ceremonies. Thanks in advance.

Hi Meg, I think your US certificate is more valid than indian certificate so go with the US one and you don't have to wait for the indian certificate.

Hi San, I need your quick advice here, i'm on h1 and getting married soon, but i've time crunch and would like to initiate h4 for my would be. Can i fill in DS160 form and get hdfc check before marriage or can that be done only after marriage? Please advise.

Hi San, I would appreciate your advice on my situation. I am currently doing PhD in Switzerland while my husband is working in US with H1B. I have a valid B1/B2 visa and I have visited US previously for a conference using that. Now, I would like to visit my husband during Christmas for 3 weeks. Is it OK to use the valid B1/B2 visa for this vacation? I have a Swiss work permit and do not want to get H4 at the moment until I have finished my PhD. Please advice & thanks in advance.

Hi San, I am Malini and am planning to attend the h4 interview with my son shortly. My husband left to the US only this Oct. I have his pay stubs for oct and nov. Are these 2 pay stubs enough or should i wait for one more as there is a confusion if it the no is 2 or 3? Pls do Advice and thanks in advance. Very Informative site. Helped me a lot.

Hi, I am in Canada on study visa and now I am done with my studies. My husband is in US on H1 visa.Can I apply for H4 visa from Canada or I have to apply from India as I am done with my studies in Canada.

Hi san, I am on H4 visa and will be applying for f1 visa.I have recieved my i-20.I want to know that do i need to apply through some lawyer as i am currently in US or i should directly apply it.Also pls tell me that how long does it to take to change the status?

Hi, I got engaged recently, and my fiance has been living in USA since 10 yrs & has an H1B. I have a 10 yr visitor visa to USA, and I am going to meet him for 10 days (in Dec 11) during which we will register our marriage (in USA court). Can I apply for an H4 on the basis of the marriage in USA? I can produce the engagement pictures if they want (but I dont want to lie and say these are my marriage pics). The problem is that I dont have any time after the social marriage in Feb to do this. Please help, this is urgent. I'll be grateful.

Hi Pooja, sorry I am not very sure if they are going to give you a visa based on your marriage from US. I believe they will trust their certificate more than anything else that we provide them so I think they might grant you. Just make sure from other resources as well. Good Luck!!!

Hi, I am now working in a IT based MNC company in Mumbai.. My company has already processed my H1B visa. And now, in between I got engaged. Due to some reason my plan to go to USA has been little postponed and I can go USA anytime for project work for 1-2 years. In between if I do not get married I have to come back in some time and get married. I want to know;
1) Can I process my spouse's visa if I immediately go back USA from there?
2) Can any other type of visa could be processed for my fiance now?
3) Is 15 days sufficient for processing spouse visa filling form and getting interview scheduled?
4) Does normally companies take care of this kind of visas too for their employees? I will get in touch with my HR too.
Thanks, Bharat, Bhubaneswar

Thanks San.

Hi Asha, you can apply for H4. Nothing to worry about your H1B query, on asked you can say I don't need it for now. Good Luck!!

Hi San, I work on L1B in US and fiancee works on H1B. My L1B has expired now. We are getting married on 18th Apr 2012 and I want to come back with him with H4. In some FAQs have mentioned "The petitioner should list the names of the dependents along with the principal visa application to the USCIS. Once the principal H applicant receives the Form I-797, Notice of Approval from the USCIS, you apply for H-4". I thot I can fill in DS 160 directly . Can you tell me what needs to be done.

Hi San, I am in USA on H1b visa and my wife is in India. She has H4 visa. She is very soon coming to US and she understands very little english. Can this be a problem at port of entry or should I give any invite letter to her. If yes, what is the format of such a letter? Please suggest. Can you please also suggest any checklist of documents which she can carry POE interview. Thanks in advance.

Hi SS, She should have your recent pay stubs, employment offer letter and a recent status letter. You should already have the offer letter but get a status letter from the employer, you can find a standard template from the web. Send her a personal letter stating that you can take care of her all the expenses. You also need to send her your bank account details. Keep at least 8-10K while pulling a bank statement. She should know about your employer and keep a photocopy of your 797 and passport. They will not ask too many questions if one has these docs, at the worst ask her to keep your cell phone handy so that she can ask the officer to call you and verify things on needed.

Hi, I am a Canadian citizen, working in US on H1B visa. I will be getting married to an Indian citizen in India in a few months. I wanted to find out what is the best way to bring her here to US. From my research it seems like the best way to bring her with me would be to apply for H4 and bring her to US. Then apply for her Canadian citizen from here and then we can get the OCI for India as well. Please let me know if that would be the right way, or there is something better. Applying for her Canadian citizen from India seems like will take months. I would like her to accompany me back to US. Thanks.

Thanks a lot for lots of info San!

Hi Jayashri, you should provide a letter from the h1b provider about the job status of the h1b holder's. If the salary is more than 45K then nothing to worry about it. The minimum wage of h1b might vary from state to state but something around 50K is fine. This is not mandatory but makes your case stronger if you provide it. Good Luck!!!

Hi Kunjal, if your interview is on 26th Jun then you should get back your passport in 2 weeks by post.

Hi Raj, nothing to worry on. My wife also went alone for her h4 visa stamping so follow my instruction and things will be really easy. Good Luck!!

Hi Princy, you can stay back in US for a month when your husband is visiting to India.

Hi Ariff, they want to validate the marriage so they prefer to see an album which can rarely be fabricated. These days the process is also stringent so I don't have a better answer for you. All that I can say take pictures of all the functions, lets say some from the registrar's office, from a reception party with near and dears. Pack that to an album if you can't make a social marriage function. Good Luck!!!

Hi Arjun, I don't know about Italy's visa. Probably you can mention that you are single but it's not a good idea.

Arjun, again I don't know about Italy visa regulations but for US it doesn't matter on your marital status. You are just not lying about your marriage verbally but on papers, chances are there it can put you or your wife in problem on emergencies. You seems to know your reason for lying on your marital status and convinced about the future plans so do it what you have planned for. Good Luck!!!

hey san what is h4 visa fee?

Hi Sam, current fee is $150 or Rs8100.

Hi San, I have a doubt applying for H4 visa. My husband is having H1B visa now. But last year when he was on OPT I have applied for F1(Student visa) and have mentioned as single even though i got married to him. I didn't go on F1 dependent as he was having some university problems. Unfortunately my visa got cancelled. Now I am planning to go on H4 visa. Could you please tell me whether is that going to be a problem with my last rejection where i have mentioned single instead of married. I am in trouble. please guide me. Thaks, Pavani

Hi San, I have Emigration check Required(ECR)stamping in my passport. It has been mentioned some countries name also.Will it be a problem for me while applying for visa or travelling? Please let me know what I will do on this case? Do I need to reissue of my passport? If yes then whats the easiest procedure. Please revert back me. Thanks! Snigdha

Hi San, Thanks for taking time to answer so many questions. I have a question which is similar what other people have asked. I am currently on H1b. My marriage is scheduled on aug, 10 and I will be doing registered marriage on aug, 06. I am currently in US and I will be traveling to India for marriage on aug, 04. Before leaving from US, I want to book an interview date for H4 for my fiance for interview on aug,16.. Can I book the date online before marriage? and If I do that, what should I write in terms of my relationship with her? Thanks, Ashish

Hi San, My sis-in-law is in USA on H4 visa and her visa expired in September 2011 and she is on a extension. Her husband's H1 visa is also on extension. He will apply for visa in USA in April 2012. Meanwhile my sister-in-law wants to come to India and go back to US but we are told that there is a high probability that she will not get the stamp on her visa and she will have to stay in India for atleast 6 months?

hi San, I am currently working for a PSU bank and my husband is currently at singapore. He got his L1B visa stamping on 30/sep/2011 at that time i was at my home town as i delivered a baby. now he is procesing L2 for me and my kid. May i know what are all the documents i need to carry for the interview. What should i ans for the question why i was not along with my husband during the interview.and for the date of stamping, should i mention the date on visa or the date on I-129S. Kindly reply its urgent. Company is sponsoring for us (L2)and can i mention dat? the CEAC form has been generated and we are waiting for the date of interview

Thanks San for answering my question, here one more question, please answer me on the below,
1) I am in software profession and soon going to marry and after that have to move US with H4 Visa which is dependancy of H1B Visa 2) Will it permit me to work or search for job in US with H4 Visa?
3) As I heard after 6 months its possible is that true?
4) Or any other Options to work in USA I mean do I need to go for anyother Visa after moving US?
Waiting for your reply soon. Thanks! Snigdha

Hi San, My Husband is filing H1B visa in April 2012 which will be applicable from Oct 2012. As of now he is on OPT. Could you please tell me whether i can apply H4 visa immediately once he gets H1B or do i need to wait till October?

Thanks San. Thanks for the reply.

Hi Kumar, it doesn't depend on your H1B stamping but send her a photocopy of all the pages from your passport. She needs a photocopy of your 797 so no need to send your original. Good Luck!!!

Oops!! that was a typo.. Just a photocopy of 797 will do.

Hi J, don't apply for f2. Chances of getting rejected in f2 is very very high. It also increases when f1 holder is on OPT. It is matter of few more months so go for h4 directly. Good Luck!!!

Hi San, My H1b got approved and I am flying to US on 20th April 2012. I am getting married on 19th March 2012. My spouse wants to join me on the same day. May i know how many days will it take to get h4 dependent visa.

Hi SPV, you have 1 month after your marriage so you can make it if you want. I don't know if you can get your marriage certificate by Mar 25th and schedule a date in the following week. If you do so then you can get the passport back in 2 weeks. Good Luck!!

Hi agl, you will not have to answer anything because you will be carrying photocopy of your husband's passport, 129 & 797. They can see all the dates from there. Good Luck!!

Hi agl, you are all set. Nothing to worry now. Just wait for 10 days to receive the passports through Bluedart, if you don't get it then followup on that. Congrats and have fun in US.

Hi Kumar, nothing to worry for. If you get a marriage certificate in Tamil then they will take care of it as they have their translator to help them. Good Luck!!!!

Hi Gaurav, I don't think you will get a marriage certificate from India if she never lived here for more than 6 months. Some places also hold a rule of 5 yrs. If she has an ancestral home then go to nearest municipality office to get your marriage registration done. Normally you will have to prove she has a residence and both parties parents are needed. They normally wont check the nationality for getting the marriage registration done. If she fails to get the marriage certificate from here then go back to UK and get a marriage certificate then apply for H4 from there. It is going to be super easy from UK I guess. Good Luck!!

Hi Nili, your degree and not mentioning of husband's name on the passport is not going to be a problem. Good Luck!!!

Hi Nili, lets not talk about rejection now. Go well prepared and I bet you will get the visa like others. Your husband can't company you if he isn't going for his stamping. You will have to go alone. Good Luck!!

Hi Shiva, honestly I don't know what is going to happen when you say there is no social marriage. Your sister will have to explain the reason to the interviewer though. She needs to take all the pictures from the marriage that takes place infront of the registrar and hopefully some pictures from a small gathering with 30-40 people. If she isn't having anything from #1 & #2 then it is upto her to explain that to the interviewer for not having it. Good Luck to your sister!!

1. It is a myth that husband should come with wife for the visa interview he will not be allowed to enter the building even if he is there with you. It is your interview and you will have to go alone. This will never be asked, if asked then answer he got his stamping done already. Engagement ring is not required and buy a mangalsutra from a road side stall for Rs.100. Wear it if you are a hindu otherwise doesn't matter.
2. 29th is coming so I guess it is a typo. It is perfectly alright, nothing to worry on that.
3. Doesn't matter, people keep moving so address is not a matter. If asked then you should have an answer for them but stay cool this will never be noticed even.

I hardly asked anyone to comeback and share his/her experience but you need to comeback and let me know if you and your husband got the visa. Good luck and take care..

Hi San, One more question for my H4 visa. Please reply as soon as possible. Currently i'm working, what do i have to tell the US consulate .. That i'm working in so and so company and will leave in one week.? or what should i tell. Will they ask me for some letter or salary slip..?

Hi San, I wasn't able to go to my interview (h4) because I was held up at security for bringing electronic gadget. If I'm asked at my rescheduled appointment interview why I didn't show up, would I tell the true reason or tell some excuse? Thank you.

Hello San, Hope you are doing good. I request your help in clarifying my below questions
a.) My marriage invitation card is only printed in my native language. will that be an issue here?
b.) My fiancee has been called by 2 different names and we have also followed the same while printing invitation card with 2 names. now Out of this one name is official and its same across in all the certificates and government records. but the other name has been printed only in marriage invitation card. so should i declare it to be safe. also please comment if you see any other issue here. thanks alot.
thanks alot.

Hi Allfo, If you tell the truth then you might not get the visa so tell them you got delayed while flying to the city and couldn't reach on time.

Hi vijay, I am doing good, thanks for asking. Your invitation card in non-english is not going to matter a lot. They have people who can read and speak in all the regional languages so on required they can verify it. If they ask about the name you can always mention it is another name of her's which she is commonly known with. Good luck!!!

Hi Radha, it is not a certificate that they trust 100%. If you have time and scope then get a certificate from the municipal office or take your chances by producing that church certificate. good luck!!!

Hi Sohini, I don't know why this happens in India. Some organisation looses its value over the time and we start to involve or introduce another organisation to validate the other's work. Exp, you go to file a FIR and the police will ask you to get your statement notarized. I have no clue who started this practice and how this has become a trend. Anyway, I never heard of getting legalized or anything as such. You take your call. If you ask me what would have I done in your shoes then, simply I would have appeared with marriage certificate given by the registrar. Good Luck!!!

Hi K Kumar, she will not have to hide her qualification. She can say, I am going for 6 months then I will have to comeback for higher studies. My husband is also not planning to live there forever, he has 2-3 yrs left in H1B so he gonna comeback later. Good Luck!!!

Hi mansi, Change of surname is an advantage but not a necessity. If you don't want to change it then no worries. My wife has her surname as Jena and there is no issues at all. Let me know if you have more doubts. Good Luck!!!

Hi, My hubby is in US and i have H4 visa. Due to some medical reason i didn't travel to US. My visa will be expire on sep 30 2012. My husband's H1 visa will also expire on the same. But he applied for extension in US. I would like to travel after November. what can i do for that? please suggest me. thank you.

Hi Padma, if you ever been to US then you should also get a new 797 along your husband, you can also go for stamping based on your husband's 797. Ask him to confirm this from his lawyer who applied for extension.

Hi Akshata, if you can provide them pictures from your social marriage function and invitation card then you can get a visa before your actual marriage. If you are not in hurry then just wait and take a date just after your marriage so that you can provide them the valid documents. Good Luck!!!

Hi Akshata, this is something I never heard of. If you ask me then I will suggest you to carry one if you can other wise you will on a dilemma until the interview is done. Good Luck!!!

Hi Nili, normally they match the date with 797, check your spouse's 797 valid date. You can always renew it when you get a new 797.

Hi Snigdha, sorry for the delay in answering your queries.. Congratulations for your marriage!!!
1. Is the certificate from the BDO looks like any printed paper with a certificate template or just written your details on a blank paper like the notary one? If it looks like a certificate then it will work.
2. His employer should sponsor your visa, 99.9% company will do so. You will not get a visitors visa without the help of your husband, he will have to sponsor you and send all the docs for that visa. Visitors visa has a -ve side to it, you can't live in US for more than 6 months. Your fees and travel expenses to consulate should be Rs.10,000 and trip to US will be another 50K.
3. Is Bangalore your native place? I am not very sure if Bangalore consulate is operational or not, call this no to verify 0120 6611411. Otherwise Chennai should be the one for you. Follow my steps from this blog post to apply but do it if you have all the docs ready.

Snigdha, in sort you shouldn't apply..
1. Have you seen any certificates? Like college passing out certificates or a co-curricular activity certificate. It shouldn't be some text typed on a blank paper or on a BDO letterhead.
2. Only your close relatives should sponsor for a visitor's visa and you need lots of funds to show at the interview. There should be a good reason to apply for visitors visa.
3. It is almost the same process like h4, you need a sponsorer and lots of funds to show.

Hi Sunny, you will have to schedule the appointment separately and try to get it on same day, later you both go on the first appointment time and inform the person there that you are couple. They should let you both in together.

Hi Krish, you need a professional to help you out. I am not an expert but let me just pass on my knowledge to you.
1. Transferring of H1B needs at least 3 pay stubs, doing the transfer while in India is going to be tough. They are very strict about transfer so when they see he has a 221g then probably they will not grant a transfer.
2. This will be my 2nd option after your 3rd point. It is also tough but not that much.
3. Settle this before going for fresh h1b or h4
Good Luck!!!

Krish, you can hold only one type of visa at any point in time. You don't have to cancel your H1B application, they will cancel it after you are granted the H4. Please confirm this from some experts...

Hi i am going to apply for H4 visa with my husband H1B visa, is that important to add my spouse name in my passport for H4 visa? and i took passport before marriage, am i want to change my old passport to my husband address and apply for new passport after marriage for getting H4 visa ?

Hi Riya, it is not mandatory. You don't have to change your passport, if you want it to be added to your passport then just deposit it at your nearest passport office, they will mention it on your passport for Rs.300/-.

Hi San! I'm from brazil and I got married to an indian guy (h1-b holder). On monday i'm going to the embassy to get my h4 visa. I'm so afraid of these questions... we met in may and got married in aug same year. I have all his docs with me and I hope nothing goes wrong!! :). The only thing I dont have are his pay stubs. Do you thing this is mandatory? Thanks!

Hi, I'm Bigyadipta. Is it mandatory to show degree certificate at the time of interview for H4 dependent visa?

Hi Bigyadipta, degree certificate is not mandatory for H4 visa. Good Luck....

I follow you. But the last part seems unclear. Can i apply for H4 for my husband after my approval but before October? Also, What if i go to India after October and get my stamping and then apply for H4, is it more safe? In the second case, what is more advisable, both of us to go together for interview or i should first get my stamping done and then schedule his appointment?

I have two query related to H4, I have H1B
1) If my wife is not familiar in communicating in English. While she will be taking her visa interview, will she be allowed to speak in hindi?
2) My assignment duration in USA is 2 months after that I will come back and then I want to apply for a H4 for my wife. After that I will travel to US for another 1.5 yr.During the rest period I will not be in onsite payroll. Will she be allowed to apply for her H4 visa.

Hi I am on H1. I and my fiancee will be getting married in Jan and will be applying for H1 and H4 together after Marriage. We are getting married in the presence of just very few family members. We will be getting our marriage registered in court. Will this be a concern for getting H4 Visa?

I am Kunal from India. I have valid stamped H1b ( stamped in Jun 2011 ) but have not traveled to US yet on this H1, I am still in india. I might come to US in coming Jan 2013. My visa is valid till Sep 2013. My question is can my wife and kids ( age 3 yrs and 2 months ) apply for H4 visa now while i am in india. Will they ask for pay stubs or client letter ? I would really appreciate your help. Many Thanks,

Thanks San for the prompt reply. Really appreciate it.

Hi steffi, I know they ask for the marriage album and add couple of questions from the album like show me your father-in-law or mother-in-law. They even know social marriage is a must in India. You can print a marriage card and that won't cost a lot. Sometimes they don't ask about it but think again about the marriage album. I would mock in your case. Good luck!!!

Hi Rashmi, I know social marriage snaps are mandatory for people applying from India. You can take your call and decide whether to apply without the social marriage snaps or not. Good Luck!!!

Hi anirudha, I have a friend who lives in US and his x-wife is in India. He wasn't needed in India for his divorce, find a good lawyer.

Hi Supratik, congratulations. You don't have to worry about anything. Your hiring employer will get your visa done through a lawyer, you will receive a 797 confirmation about your employment visa. Based on that you can move to US.

Hi Abhi, you can opt for transcriptor when you fill the application. You can also do the same at the embassy as well. good luck...

Hi Rakesh, you can file as married because you are scheduling an appointment after may 31st. Your status on that day will be married. I also applied as married so go ahead and do that. Good luck!!!

Hi Saranya, normally the authority ask for the marriage snaps so you take your call. Good Luck!!

Hi Nagalakshmi, it is not mandatory. You can carry an approved leave letter, you can also say I will leave the company and join a new one when I get back to India. You can also make a no objection letter yourself. Good Luck!!!

Hi Sana, I think you are doing right but high likely you are not going to get the visa as you don't have the supporting documents that they need from you. They have a protocol and they follow it. End of the day it is upto the person interviewing you, he/she got all the rights to allow or deny the visa. Good Luck!!!

Hi Sneha, nothing to worry about. 2 months of pay stub is fine for you. Good Luck!!

Hi monika, they are not going to ask for the gap, if they ask then you can tell the real story. Nothing to worry about, going to US and living with your husband is an option, not a mandatory thing. Good Luck!!!

Hi Monika, I know it is tough to keep yourself cool when it is a US visa but believe me joining your husband is 100% optional. You can choose to stay back in India if you are working, you can stay back in India thinking that your husband will return after 6 mns/ 1 yr. I have many friends whose wife joined much later after the marriage. Interviewer will be more interested to know whether you are legally married to your husband or not so do carry all your marriage pics, mrg certificate all other things mentioned above. It is better to carry all those docs that you think might come in use during the interview. Let me know when you get your visa. Drop by at my home in Chicago with your husband when you get a chance. Good luck to both of you.

hi, my husband is at U.S...i want to apply for visa bt i dont have marriage certificates is it possble to apply

Hi,
1)If i done court marriage in Delhi and my fiances home town is in different city so at the time of interview can they ask such question like if ur home town is different place then why did u get married from delhi?
2) court marriage certificate is enough as a marriage certificate proof?

Hi, I am going to get married in October 2013. My fiance is working in U.S. He is there since 3 years. He is holding H1b visa. Due to some personal reasons we were not able to arrange for social marriage and we are planning to have it as a simple register marriage. In such a case how can I submit the following documents for H4 visa.
1. A Wedding photo album with clear close-up snaps with all the family members taken separately and some snaps from the marriage puja.
2. Both side marriage invitation cards.
Is it possible to get H4 visa then? Can you suggest/guide me pls.

Hi, We had court marriage in 2011. So i have only the original marriage certificate. My husband doesn't like his photo so we don't have our marriage album or photos. Are these compulsory? there was no ceremony too so no guest photos & no invitation card i hold. Are these very important ?
2) His company asked him to submit visa documents & they may process in April 2014 for processing H1 visa. Are the company people filing my details along with him or do i need to apply along with him, as in your blog there was question asked why you didn't came with your husband for interview? please let me know I have all document other than photo albums & marriage photo.

hello, i am applying for h4 visa. so i have surname mistake on marriage cer like zambare typed on instead of zambre and i have degree certificate which has zambre n post graduate have zambare.and my passport contain name after marriage but it also contain zambre on which father n mother name are. what to do? is it problematic for h4 visa plz reply this urgent.

Hi, I work for a reputed software company in Chennai and I hold a L1 B visa which is valid till December 2014. But I have applied for L2 visa as a dependent to my husband who has valid L1 A visa stamped in Jul 2013 and currently works in USA. What should be my answers to the below questions and your help on this is greatly appreciated.
1. Why did you get your visa along with your husband?
2. Why do you need L2 visa as you have already L1 visa?
3. Why have you not left to US when he left

Hi Devika,
1. You can say anything, I wasn't ready to move at that time, I needed some time to quit my job, family issues, children, etc. Any justified answer will work.
2. I want to go on a support visa and enjoy my time as a house wife for my duration in US. They will ask are you sure you want to cancel your L1 and opt for L2, you should say yes.
3. Same as #1.

Hi San, I got my L2 visa stamped yesterday. There were only 5 questions like where is your husband working, where are you working, what is your educational level, When did you get married and how many kids do you have?. She didn't even verify my wedding photos and any document that I carried. And my L1 visa was also not cancelled.

I was looking at the H4 visa application process and had a few questions regarding certain questions on the DS-160 and the process in general. Since I will be in India for a short period after marriage and would like to travel back to the US with my wife, and given the fact that the appointment dates usually fill up fast I was planning to have her fill out the DS-160 and schedule a visa stamping appointment day after the wedding day. In this regard how should she answer the following questions: 1. Marital Status - technically she would be single at the time of filling out the form but if she picks "single" as the answer how would her H4 application get connected to my H1-B? Since H4 is dependent visa for H1-B holder's family members I am guessing this connection needs to be made?

My Brother is getting married in India and his fiancee is a singapore citizen. Can we use Indian Marriage registration to apply for H4 in Singapore US consulate? The marriage will be registered in singapore but planning to go to visa stamping with Indian Marriage registration certificate. BTW my brother has a valid visa stamping.

Hi, I am going for H4 visa, i am working in private company, NOC letter from the employer is mandatory document? please suggest me

Hi. My q is . My fiance is working in usa his h1 b visa status will be starting after 1 oct . N we r getting married on 28 November 2014 .nearly 15 days he will be here for marriage n during that time he is also going for stamping . So when should I apply for H4 visa . Should I apply with him or after his stamping is done. how many days does it requires for getting visa.and can I go with him. and is it compulsory to change status on passport does it take too much time

Hi bhakti shinde, You should apply with your husband for stamping on same day. You both will be called together to attend the interview. It will take around 7-10 days to receive the passport. It is not compulsory to add your spouse's name in your passport but it is better for future.

Hi babu, I am not very sure about the new set of questions but you should always say the reason of applying for h4 is to live with spouse.

Hi San, I have been in usa almost 6 years doing my Phd in engineering and working in the company as H1b visa. before i came here i had engagement party and pictures. due to my circumstances in my back home Libya, i couldn't go back for the social marriage. last January my parents decided to get marriage certificate. my question that is it possible for my wife to obtain h4 without present myself there? I have all the documents for H4 visa. the only my concern if the US embassy will understand and accept it. thanks San

Hi, My husband has a H1 visa & already went to USA for working. Now we are ready to accompany him after 7 months. I have mentioned myself as housewife. Can i take my original documents of education along with me in my cabin bag during travel. I'm worried about the immigration port entry. Do they question me why i'm bringing the original documents. Please help me urgently how to handle this situation.

hi ! This is one of the best blog i came across. Thanks San. I am currently on h1 located in usa, I need guidance on H4 stamping for my family(wife and kids) who are going next week to chennai but I dont have paystubs though I have bank statement in which it shows that i have received salary. Will there be an issue ? Employer has not provided with them as of now. Working here from march 2014. pl provide guidance. thanks team for your help.

Hi San, I am a Canadian citizen who got an H1B. I am married to an Iraqi citizen and she is in her final stages of getting her sponsorship visa. My questions are:
1. Should I wait until she comes to Canada and then apply for h4?
2. Could I apply for H4 before she gets her PR card?
3. Can I apply for H4 at the border crossing/airport or US consulate? How long does it take?

Hi Ahmad,
1. You don't need to wait until she comes to Canada. H4 will be applied at the residing country so right now it is Iraq. It is better if you wait till she comes to Canada.
2. Yes, you can.
3. If you apply for H4 before she gets the PR then you will have to apply for the H4 visa at the US consulate in Iraq. Normally takes 2 weeks in India.

thanks San, People asking to visit mantralay after I get certificate from court. Don't know what to do. One more thing san can I book a visa date now . date will be after my court marriage date. but will start the process now

Hi, I will be travelling to the US this year on H1B. I am planning to take my spouse and kids later next year. Is it possible for them to take H4 without me (I will be in the US)?

Currently both of us in US. Me on H1B and my spouse on H4. What will happen to our Visa status if our marriage is proved void in Hindu marriage act. We are married from last 2 years Now when we told our parents they have filed a case. Since She is in third generation from my mothers side. Our marriage will be proved void as per Hindu marriage act.
Will it mean for both of us Visa will be canceled?
Would there be any legal action against in US?
Would I be able to stay in US on H1B visa any longer?
What other complication could be there?
Is there any way so that we can stay together in US?
Can she stay on Visitor Visa with me?
Can we remarry in US without Court decision (from india)
I need your help urgently

Hi, My marriage happened 18 year before, I don't have my marriage certificate. My wife is going for visa stamping, Is marriage certificate is required?

Hi Pradeep, you know you are married to your wife but how would an officer know whether you are married to her or not. He will need some kind of official document for that. Good Luck!!

Hello, Recently I got F1 visa n went to USA and within 2 days I came back to India as my health was not supporting. Can I go to USA on same visa and continue my studies

hi san, 1 week back my husband went to USA on h1 visa but i'm still in india so we are planning to apply for h4 dependent visa and i just wanted to know is there any chances of rejecting h4 visa

Hi san, I am on h4 visa and now come to India for stamping. At the same time my spouse in US with h1 is planning to change his employer , so my question is should I wait till he switches to new employer or can I go for stamping with his current employer? TIA.

Hi, I just got married and would be accompanying my husband to US. He is going on a H1 (student) visa and me on a H4 visa which is dependent visa. My question is : Would be called for the interview together at the same time in the same cabin or it would be held out individually.

Hey me and my fiance getting married(registered marriage) in Canada so can he come on h4 to USA, I'm a H1b holder and also after coming to US on his H4 can he go back to canada and continue his job as he has full time job in canada.

Great article. Thanks for the info, it’s easy to understand. BTW, if anyone needs to fill out a DS - 157, I found a blank form here: http://pdf.ac/6LLNo .

Hi Yati, I don't see any issues on your application.

Hi Neha, you are correct your marriage date is 2nd may 2014. Maintain it for consistency. On asked tell the same that you wrote here. It shouldn't be an issue. Good Luck...

Hi Ritika, it is not that important. You should have the marriage registered and you done it already.

Hi Nandini, if your L1 is rejected then you should have a grace period to live here. I am not very sure how much grace time is given but if you have no grace time then you should go out of the country and come in with h4 visa. If you have some grace time then get your h4 done in that time. Thanks

Hi Swetha, i am sorry for the late reply but i don't think your husband will be allowed to join you for the interview. Good Luck!

Hi i need to apply h4 visa for my wife and 1 year kid. i am in US for 2 months. is 6 month us bank statement and paystub is mandatory for applying dependent visa?. is there is any alternative for this?

Hi Kannan, not mandatory. Just helps in building your case strong.

Hi San, I am a marine engineer. My wife is working in India as a software engg. My wife wanted to work in U.S for couple of years & come back to India. We are planning to go to us through a consultancy. Since my profile is different I am just going to accompany my wife as a dependant. Will this idea work out ? My question is since we are going thru a consultancy what we shld answer if the visa officer asks us where will u stay in us & who will sponsor u in us? Any suggestion how to get H1B for my wife

Hi Naresh, primary applicant will be you.

Hi Rimpa, you can always approach without your social marriage and photo album but downside is if they question and you get into complications. Unnecessarily making your case complicated. You can always schedule for an interview date just after 2 days of your social marriage date in advance. After the interview your husband can leave for US and you join him later.

Hi, Just to add to my previous post, During my H1 interview I was confused and I said, I am internal to my firm where as I was actually working for an end client? This might be the possible reason of revocation though i am not 100% sure. Can I expect question about that in my H4 interview? Will this have any affect on my H4 visa.

Hi Anu,
Sorry for the delayed reply.
1. It will affect, chances are you will be scrutinized more. Advantage is that you are not going for same visa type.
2. Say the truth
3. It is extended but not stamped, they can pull the info, you are good to go.
4. Yes
5. Better to carry all.
6. Yes, you should follow one statement always.
7. No, as i will be returning India as I have bigger opportunity and responsibility.

Hi San,
I am currently holding B1/B2 VISA . This VISA was issued by my company to attend a workshop. I visited US for a week in the year 2013.
My interview is scheduled on 15th Nov 2016. I have applied for H4 VISA as my husband is in US on H1B Visa.
What should I reply for below question
What am I doing currently?
Ans:
a) I am currently working, I am going to visit my husband for 3 /4 months and then return to India(my company has declined to issue sabbatical leave letter as well as NOC letter)
Or
b) I am currently working, once I have a VISA, I will resign Since I wasn’t sure that I could use B1/B2 VISA to visit my husband for a 3 to 4 months and use this visa for personal visit, I have applied for H4 visa.
Kindly assist.

I have H4 visa and currently in India and my husband is planning to come for a month vacation in feb 2017. Can I travel back to US while he will be in India for vacation? As we both have valid Visas

Hi, My fiancé is based in the US and is on a H1 b visa. We are planning to get married under the Indian Christian Marriage Act 1872 To speeden up the process of H4. Can you pls suggest if this marriage certificate is valid and since we are planning to a social wedding later what kind of photographs can be produced for the visa process?

Hi Apurba, i have no clue on who provides this certificate. If it is by Indian Government, then that should be accepted by embassy. There is no particular type of picture. They just want to make sure your marriage was real so your photo should reflect that.

Hi Honey, yes you can apply for H4 visa. You don't need to have a degree for applying H4 visa.

Hi Rupali, yes a municipality marriage certificate will be considered. I have the same certificate as well. Good luck!!

Hi...while applying for my h4 the very first time i have errorneously mentioned my occupation as homemaker. In my next ds160 (extention stamping) of h4 can i now correct it and mention that i was employed in india. Will they check the past records. Does it have any effect if i get Ead in near future.

Hi, I am applying for an h4 visa recently. I have got the visa interview date. My question is do I have to carry my bank statement for the last few months? Do I have to maintain a constant specific account balance in my bank. If i have to maintain then what is the amount?