H-4 Family Resources

Dependents in the U.S. needing a change of status or extension of H-4 status can apply for H-4 status the following ways:

1. Request ISEO submit the completed I-539 application (H-4 application) concurrently with H-1B request. 
   • ISEO can concurrently submit H-4 applications with the H-1B petition filing. However, as the H-4 application is a personal application, ISEO cannot review the application or evidence. The H-4 request including I-539 application(s), supporting documents, and USCIS H-4 payment will need to be provided to ISEO to include with the H-1B petition. The H-4 request can be dropped off at ISEO's Front Desk.
     • Note: Premium Processing only applies to the H-1B. The H-4 application processing times can be found on the USCIS case processing times page. 
   • If filing concurrently, the H-4 application will be paper-filed. As such the fee will be $470 that must be submitted as a physical check (cashiers check or personal check, no money order) to ISEO.
2. Submit I-539 application independently with USCIS requesting a change to or extension of H-4 status (filing paper or online).
   • Dependents can also apply for H-4 status at any time on their own, using the principal's H-1B receipt or approval notice that ISEO will provide you via e-mail.
     • Reminder, if the eligible dependent is inside the U.S., the dependent family member(s) would need to file a change of status application (Form I-539) with USCIS prior to the end date of the current immigration status.
   • USCIS Fee:
     • Paper-filed: $470
     • E-filed: $420

Important: implications of international travel while a change of status I-539 petition to H-4 status is pending 
In most cases, a petition that is filed inside the U.S. to change status from one nonimmigrant status to another is canceled if travel takes place after the petition is filed with USCIS and before it is approved.  Dependents who have a change of status petition pending with the USCIS should consult with an international scholar advisor prior to making travel plans.

Tips for Completing H-4 I-539 Application(s)

Form I-539 is a personal application, and you and your dependent(s) are responsible for making sure that the application is completed correctly and all fees and documents are included. 

H-4 Request Documentation (filed concurrently with H-1B)

• Completed Form I-539
• Payment to USCIS for Form I-539: Payment to USCIS for the processing of the Form I-539 must be made using a personal check as USCIS will not allow us to submit an H-4 request credit card payment concurrently with the H-1B USCIS Checks. 
  • Payment via Check: Made payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security" for $470 (four hundred and seventy dollars). In the “Memo” section of check, write the name of each applicant and co-applicant. Please be sure to use a cashiers check or personal check, no money order.
• Completed Form I-539A (if applicable): If there will be more than one dependent changing or extending their status, complete form I-539A for each additional applicant. 
  • There is no additional fee for additional H-4 dependents included. 
• Evidence for each H-4 applicant
  • Passport Page: Most recent passport biographical page with date of expiration at least 6 months in the future
  • Most Recent I-94 Record: I-94 admission record from https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/ 
  • Visa Stamp: Most recent U.S. visa stamp in passport (Except Canadians)
  • Entry Stamp: Most recent U.S. entry stamp, if given one
  • Immigration Documents (as applicable):
    • ALL Employment Authorization Cards (EAD)
    • I-612 Waiver Document
    • ALL DS-2019s 
    • Evidence of maintenance of status from last entry into the U.S.:
      • ALL I-20s
      • ALL DS-2019s 
      • ALL I-797 approval notices (H, L, O, TN)
  • Proof of relationship to principal applicant:
    • Marriage Certificate: for spouse as proof of relationship to the H-1B. Do not submit originals, copies are acceptable. 
      • English translation with certificate of translation, if applicable
    • Birth Certificate: for children under 21 as proof of relationship to the H-1B. Do not submit originals, copies are acceptable. 
      • English translation with certificate of translation, if applicable
  • From H-1B holder (if not filing concurrently with H-1B):
    
    • Copy of Form I-797 Receipt Notice, if H-1B request is already pending with USCIS
    • Copy of Form I-797 Approval Notice, if H-1B request is already approved by USCIS

Submitting H-4 (Form I-539) Application(s) to ISEO

The H-4 request can be submitted to ISEO's Front Desk as a packet. You do not need to staple the documents - using paper clips or binder clips is acceptable. You can put in a folder, manila envelope, or anything similar to safely transport the packet to ISEO's office, but note that we will take the documents out to include with the H-1B petition. Please write the advisor's name on the envelope or packet. 

• Completed Form I-539
• Payment to USCIS for Form I-539: Payment to USCIS for the processing of the Form I-539 can be made using a personal check. 
  • Payment via Check: Made payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security" for $470 (four hundred and seventy dollars). In the “Memo” section of check, write the name of each applicant and co-applicant. Must be a cashiers check or personal check, no money order.
• Completed Form I-539A (if applicable): Only needed for co-applicants, additional H-4 dependents.
  • There is no additional fee for additional H-4 dependents included. 
• Supporting evidence for each H-4 applicant

I-539 (H-4) applications are personal applications, therefore ISEO cannot review the information on the applications, supporting documentation, or USCIS payment provided to ISEO.

ISEO can only review the following sections to ensure they match with the H-1B information:

1. • On Form I-539:  To ensure the information matches with H-1B petition we will review.
     • • • Part 2: 1-6
         • Part 3 : 1-4
         • Part 5: 4
   • On Form I-539 and I539A
     • Form Version
     • Signature and date
   • Correct fee amount is indicated on the USCIS payment 

**The completed H-4 request: I-539 applications, USCIS payment, and supporting documentation will be included with the H-1B request without further review.**

If you provided ISEO with the H-4 request, USCIS will receive the H-4 application along with the H-1B petition as part of a courtesy submission.

Please note that the H-4 change of status or extension request is considered a personal application. While ISEO includes the request with the H-1B petition as a courtesy, we are not able to assist with requesting case updates, expedite requests, or tracking the progress of the H-4 petition. All USCIS communication regarding the H-4—including Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and approval notices—will be sent directly to the U.S. mailing address listed on the I-539 form (not to ISEO). We strongly encourage you to monitor your mail regularly.

To check your case status or processing time:

• If you would like to check the processing time for your case, please visit the USCIS Processing Times Tool: https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times.
• If you believe your case is outside of normal processing times, you may submit a case inquiry directly to USCIS here: https://egov.uscis.gov/e-request.
• ISEO cannot request expedited processing on your behalf as the H-4 is a personal application. However, you are welcome to review the USCIS expedite criteria, and if you believe you meet the requirements, you may follow the instructions to submit a request directly with USCIS: https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-guidance/expedite-requests 

Note: H-4 application(s) are not typically processed or approved at the same time as the H-1B. USCIS usually adjudicates the H-1B first. Once the H-1B is approved, they will begin reviewing the H-4 application. As a result, it is normal for the H-1B approval to arrive well before the H-4 is processed. There is no premium processing for the H-4 request.