Some more on an H4 visa
July 13th, 2008 | by Ridhima Suri |This post focuses on what you can do and what you should shy of doing on an H4 visa. Remember that it is always hard to convince folks back home that it is not possible to work on a ‘dependent’ visa. This is harder for spouses who have had great careers and are forced to give up the paychecks to fulfill ‘the american dream’. At one end, you have to look for opportunities on your own. At the other end, you have to learn to deal with the views of people who care for you but obviously care more about your ‘dependency’ status. Read about basics of H4 Visa .
Posts on H4 vs. creating a niche for your yourself
No matter what people write on blogs, forums, journals, there is always room to do a lot. Even the content of this article (or the section on H4 visa on this blog) is by no means sufficient to solve all your problems. People only share their own experiences and such articles are by no means conclusive or research-based. These articles are a great source of motivation and some of the articles have actually helped a lot of individuals choose a path of action. Yet, they are not a ‘tell-all’. Analyze your own situation and do what is best for you. At times, it is best to work around your own interests- you may like reading, writing, studying, collecting shells, coins or even learning about plants.
Learn to respect yourself.
For starters, people who have no idea of how it works in the U.S. consider that there is some work which is ‘bad’ and some work which is really ‘good’. Someone I know frequently refers to volunteering and other unpaid activities as ‘odd jobs’ or ‘menial jobs’. They may be right, but it is always better to do what you feel is good for you. If you like to volunteer or write or even play games,it is alright. There is nothing wrong. There is nothing better than helping someone or winning a game! Learn to respect yourself and what you are doing. In U.S. there is a lot of dignity for labour and volunteering.
Do not shy of taking hard steps.
Lastly, if life on an H4 visa is hard for you, look for other options. For instance, get a student visa and find a job for yourself. If getting a job is priority one on your list (P1 as my best friend puts it), then get the help of consultants and recruiters. There are plenty of them and yes, you may have to take your chances with the lottery system (there are only a specific number of H1 visas released each year and for the past many years, the number of applications for this quota has far exceeded the number of visas available. To deal with the problem, the H1 visas are now available on a lottery system. Any one can get that piece of cake!!) If nothing works, think about migrating back. This may be a very hard step to take but then that is the last option. Before that try. try, try again! Look at the ‘whole picture’ and work it our with your spouse.
In a world where every individual looks like a cartoon with a dollar value attached to his or her head, you may look conspicous, but take it as an upside. You are different!
Tags: English, H4, H4 visa, Moving to US, US life
2 Responses to “Some more on an H4 visa”
By Bhavini. Shah on Jun 12, 2009 | Reply
Hey do you have any information on Paper work requirement for H4 extension? I have to apply for my renewal & don’t have much idea about it.
By Ridhima Suri on Jun 12, 2009 | Reply
IANAL
Dear Bhavini,
The H4 renewal is linked with the spouse’s H1 visa renewal. The lawyer in your spouse’s company may help you out on this one. Are you facing any specific issues? Most of the paperwork will be of your spouse’s proof of work, I797, etc.
Thank you.