The information on this page is intended for individuals who are presently in or will be sponsored for H-1B status by Johns Hopkins University (JHU) and who have a dependent family member who requires H-4 status.
Eligibility for H-4 Status
Legally married spouses and unmarried children (under the age of 21) may be eligible for H-4 status. As H-4 status is dependent on the H-1B principal’s status, should the H-1B principal’s status end, H-4 dependent status also ends.
Obtaining and Extending H-4 Status
Eligible dependents may obtain or extend H-4 status from within the U.S. or through travel. The information on this page may be helpful to individuals who require H-4 status, but it is not intended to provide step-by-step guidance.
If an H-1B applicant’s family members hold dependent status (such as H-4, J-2, F-2), they must carefully time their change to or extension of H-4 status to avoid gaps in their legal non-immigrant status in the US. This can be done either through travel or through application from within the US.
OIS Role and Responsibility
As a personal application between the applicant and the United States Citizenship & Immigration Service (USCIS) and/or Department of State (DOS), OIS cannot prepare or submit H-4 applications. As such, the information on this page is provided as a courtesy. Individuals seeking a change of status to H-4 or an extension of H-4 status may wish to consult an immigration attorney for legal advice. In addition to providing general information on this page, OIS will provide the H-1B employee with the USCIS Receipt Number to assist in the H-4 applicant in the completion of an application for H-4 status.
Obtaining H-4 Status
Eligible dependents may obtain or extend H-4 status from within the U.S. or by seeking admission to the U.S. in H-4 status.
H-4 Application Through Travel
If your dependent(s) are currently outside of the U.S. or your dependents are currently inside the U.S. and plan to travel to change to H-4 status or extend their current H-4 status, the following guidance may be helpful.
Review the website for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where your dependents will apply for H-4 visa stamps because documentation for visa stamp applications may vary from consulate to consulate. Most individuals are required to schedule their visa appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence as announced by DOS in September 2025. It is the visa applicant’s responsibility to prepare the necessary documents for their visa interview appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Citizens of Canada do not require visa stamps. However, Canadian citizens changing to or extending H-4 status through travel should review document requirements for the pre-flight inspection location or port of entry where they will seek admission in H-4 status.
H-4 Application from within the U.S.
Dependent family members in the U.S. who hold a legal nonimmigrant status may choose to file Form I-539 with USCIS to change to H-4 status or extend their current H-4 status. Where there is more than one H-4 applicant, each co-applicant included on Form I-539 must complete a separate Form I-539A.
Applicants should review the information on the USCIS website to determine if they are eligible to file the H-4 application online or if they must file the H-4 application by mail.
The H-4 application is not sponsored by JHU; it is personal application between the H-4 applicant and USCIS. The H-4 dependent and the H-1B employee are solely responsible for the preparation and filing of the H-4 application. OIS is unable to advise on, or review Form I-539 or any part of a H-4 application.
Upon electronically filing Form I-129 with USCIS, OIS will provide the H-1B principal applicant with the USCIS Receipt Number. The H-4 applicant should provide USCIS with the USCIS Receipt Number for Form I-129 where required on Form I-539.
Filing for H-4 Status Online through USCIS
USCIS permits online filing of Form I-539 for some applicants. Currently, USCIS does not permit online filing when multiple dependents require H-4 status or if the H-4 spouse is concurrently applying for H-4 work authorization. Visit the USCIS website for the most up-to-date information to determine if your dependent family member is eligible to file Form I-539 online.
Filing for H-4 Status by Mail
Form I-539 and I-539A are available for download from the USCIS website. Information on where to file, filing fee(s) and helpful checklists are also available on the USCIS website. H-4 applicants should refer to the Form I-539 Instructions for guidance on form completion and supporting documentation requirements.
H-4 Processing
USCIS publishes estimated processing times on the USCIS website. Select “Form I-539 | Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status” from the drop down menu.
Upon submission of Form I-539, the H-4 applicant should receive a USCIS Receipt Notice. H-4 applicants can check the status of their H-4 application by visiting USCIS “Case Status Online” website and entering the USCIS Receipt Number.
Work and Study for H-4 Dependents
Some H-4 dependent spouses may be eligible to apply for employment authorization as a benefit of their H-4 status. Unless specifically authorized by USCIS in the form of a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD), H-4 dependents cannot work in the U.S. Working without permission is a violation of status and can have severe consequences.
Information on eligibility criteria for H-4 employment authorization is available on the USCIS website. An application for an H-4 EAD is a personal application. OIS cannot advise applicants on any part of the H-4 EAD application process.
USCIS does not prohibit H-4 dependents from enrolling in a full or part-time course of study while in the U.S.
Individuals who have been granted H-4 status are responsible for maintaining their H-4 status. As H-4 status is dependent on the H-1B principal’s status, should the H-1B status end, the H-4 status also ends.
Maintain a Valid Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months into the future unless exempt by country-specific agreements. Contact your country’s embassy in the U.S. for information about renewing or extending your passport.
Carry Documentation Verifying H-4 status
Federal regulations require that you carry your I-94 record at all times.
Review your I-94 record each time you enter the U.S., ensuring it reflects the correct class of admission (“H-4”) and admit-until date (“the correct amount of time”). Retrieve your electronic I-94 here, print a copy, and carry it with your immigration documents, as required by immigration law. If your I-94 contains incorrect information, you may email [email protected] for information on ways that you may request a correction.
It may be advisable to carry a valid government-issued ID to further establish your identity.
If your H-4 status was granted or extended based on an approved I-539, you should possess a Form I-797/H-4 Approval Notice. If you were granted H-4 status through travel you will not have a Form I-797. A Form I-797 / H-4 Approval Notice shows that you are the beneficiary of an approved Form I-539. Keep the original Form I-797 in a safe location. If you were issued a Form I-797 / H-4 Approval Notice, it may be advisable to carry a copy.
Report Address Changes to USCIS
USCIS requires that you report an address change within 10 days of the move. To report an address change you must submit Form AR-11 to USCIS or submit your change of address through a USCIS online account.
