Savanna Hoffman
H-4 visas are issued to dependents of certain nonimmigrant workers, including H-1B visa holders. H-4 visa holders are eligible to study in the US, but their status as international or domestic students is unclear and appears to vary between institutions. While some sources suggest that H-4 visa holders are considered international students, others indicate that they can apply as domestic students. H-4 visa holders are not eligible for the same scholarships as US citizens and are subject to different criteria for admission. They may also not be eligible for curricular practical training or pre- or post-completion optional practical training. To qualify for in-state tuition, H-4 visa holders must meet certain requirements, including being married to the H-1B visa holder and having been dependent on them for at least a year.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who is eligible for an H-4 visa? | Spouses and unmarried children (under the age of 21) of H-1B, H-1C, H-2A, H-2B, and H-3 visa holders. |
| Can H-4 visa holders study in the US? | Yes, H-4 visa holders are eligible to enroll in academic courses, including colleges, universities, and vocational schools, on a part-time or full-time basis. |
| Are H-4 visa holders considered international students? | H-4 visa holders are considered international students by some colleges. However, they may be eligible for in-state tuition at public universities and colleges, which is usually reserved for domestic students. |
| Can H-4 visa holders work in the US? | H-4 visa holders are generally not allowed to work in the US. However, they may apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to seek employment authorization. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
H4 visa holders are eligible to study in the US
While H4 visa holders are eligible to study in the US, they are considered international students by American colleges and are subject to the same criteria as other international applicants. This means they do not qualify for federal or state grants or aid. However, some states and colleges offer in-state tuition fees to H4 visa holders, which are substantially cheaper than international student fees. To qualify for in-state tuition, the H4 visa holder must be married to the H1B visa holder and have been dependent on them for at least one year. They must also have lived in the state where the school is located for at least one year and provide proof of residency.
H4 visa holders who wish to take advantage of in-state tuition may need to wait for a year to meet the requirements. Additionally, they are generally not eligible for practical training programs such as CPT, OPT, or the STEM OPT extension, which are available to F1 students.
Some H4 visa holders may choose to adjust their status to an F1 visa to take advantage of these benefits. To do so, they can file Form I-539 while remaining in the US and continuing their studies. There is a $370 filing fee for adjusting status, as well as an $85 fee for biometric services.
International Students in Canada: A Growing Community
You may want to see also
Explore related products
H4 visa holders are considered international students
While H4 visa holders are considered international students, they do not need to be treated the same as other international students when it comes to tuition fees. Many states offer in-state tuition fees to H4 visa holders, which is substantially cheaper than the regular international student rates. To qualify for in-state tuition, the H4 visa holder must be married to the H1B visa holder and have been dependent on them for at least one year. They must also have lived in the state where the school is located for at least one year and provide proof of residency.
H4 visa holders who wish to study in the US have the option to apply as an international student with their H4 visa or change their status to an F1 visa. There are advantages and disadvantages to both options, so it is important to understand the differences before making a decision. For example, F1 visa holders are eligible for curricular practical training and pre- or post-completion optional practical training, while H4 visa holders are not. On the other hand, H4 visa holders can take advantage of in-state tuition fees, while F1 visa holders cannot.
It is worth noting that H4 visa holders are generally not eligible to work in the US and are considered "out of status" if the H1B visa holder loses their status. However, certain H4 visa holders, specifically spouses of H1B scholars, can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to work in the US.
Transfer Student: Understanding Your International Status
You may want to see also
Explore related products
H4 visa holders can apply for in-state tuition
H4 visa holders are classified as dependent visas, which are available to the spouses and unmarried children under 21 of H-1B visa holders. H4 visa holders are considered dependent on their spouses and are not permitted to work.
H4 visa holders can study in the US and are eligible for in-state tuition fees at public universities. Private institutions do not offer in-state tuition fees. To qualify for in-state tuition fees, H4 visa holders must meet the following requirements:
- Be married to the H-1B visa holder and be dependent on them for a minimum of one year.
- Have lived in the same state as the H-1B visa holder for at least one year and have proof of residency.
- The H-1B visa holder must have paid state taxes.
It is important to note that eligibility for in-state tuition may vary depending on the state and the university. Therefore, it is recommended to check with the desired university about their specific policies on tuition allowances.
Some H-4 visa holders may choose to study at US universities and later adjust their status to an F-1 visa. This allows them to take advantage of in-state tuition as an H-4 visa holder and participate in OPT as an F-1 student.
International Students: UK Stock Investment Possibilities
You may want to see also
Explore related products
H4 visa holders can apply for an F1 visa
H4 visa holders are eligible to travel to the US as dependents of H-1B visa holders. This includes spouses and unmarried children under 21. H4 visa holders are allowed to study in the US as part-time students. However, they are not eligible for certain benefits, such as curricular practical training (CPT) and optional practical training (OPT).
If H4 visa holders wish to pursue full-time education in the US, they can apply for an F1 visa. The F1 visa is intended for international students who want to study at an educational institution in the US. It allows students to remain in the US for the duration of their studies and provides better employment opportunities.
To apply for a change of status from an H4 to an F1 visa, applicants must submit the H4 to F1 transition of status petition (Form I-539) online while residing in the US. There is a USD 370 processing fee and an USD 85 biometric fee. The application process can take between 3 to 9 months.
It is important to note that the validity of the H4 visa is tied to the primary H-1B visa holder's status. Therefore, if the primary visa holder loses their job, the H4 visa holder has a 60-day window to secure another nonimmigrant status, such as changing to an F1 visa. Additionally, dependent children on an H4 visa must transition to another non-immigrant visa, such as the F1 visa, once they turn 21 to continue their stay in the US.
H4 visa holders considering a change of status should research the advantages and disadvantages of both visa types and consult with the international students' office at their school to understand the specific process and requirements.
Filling Out FAFSA: A Guide for International Students
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$19.95 $29.95
H4 visa holders can work in the US
H4 visa holders are the spouses or unmarried children under the age of 21 of H-1B, H-1C, H-2A, H-2B, and H-3 visa holders. H4 visa holders are eligible to study in the US and can apply for employment authorisation, allowing them to work for any employer in the country.
H4 visa holders can apply for an Employment Authorisation Document (EAD) by filing Form I-765, the Application for Employment Authorisation. The USCIS must provide an EAD before the applicant may begin working in the US. The current average processing time for an H-4 EAD is 4.25 months (for an EAD filed with an H4 Form I-539 change of status/extension) and 6.25 months for a standalone H-4 EAD.
Certain spouses of H-1B visa holders may be eligible to receive employment authorisation documents to work in the US. To be eligible for the H-4 EAD, the spouse must hold an H-1B visa and have an approved I-140 petition for immigrant status.
H4 visa holders who choose to study in the US can take advantage of in-state tuition at most public universities and colleges. However, they are not eligible for curricular practical training or pre- or post-completion optional practical training.
International Students: Trio Membership Eligibility?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
H4 visa holders are considered international students. However, they are eligible to study in the US and can apply for in-state tuition at public universities and colleges.
An H4 visa is a dependent visa issued by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to spouses and unmarried children (under 21 years of age) of certain nonimmigrant workers, including H1B, H1C, H2A, H2B, and H3 visa holders.
H4 visa holders are generally not allowed to work in the US unless they receive employment authorization from the USCIS. They may apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) by filing Form I-765.
