H4 Visa Interview questions

April 23rd, 2009 | by Ridhima Suri |

My previous post

In my previous post I had listed some tips on documentation and preliminary paperwork required for the application of an H4 Visa.

The current post

In this post I will discuss some of the commonly asked questions during the H4 Visa interview.  The visa interview process for all the visas can be divided in two segments: One the questions that are asked for any US visa interview and two the questions that are unique for the H4 visa.

Questions regarding general information like name, address, background check, academic background, medical reports, previous work experience and current occupation are likely to be asked in any visa interview.

For the H4 visa the interviewer’s goal is simple: to ensure that the spouse will accompany a legally employed person in the United States and to ascertain if the visa applicant will not try to seek employment in the United States.  They do not want you to come and settle here.  They also do not want you to come and work illegally here.  Hence you must expect questions related to your marriage, your work experience, your spouse’s work experience, his/her salary slips and bank information, home address, information about his employer, etc.

The objective of any visa interview process is to obtain the visa irrespective of all odds.  Remember that a good interview strategy can make the process easy.

List of questions asked during my interview

I am listing the questions that were asked during my visa interview. I did some research and more than often the pattern for the interview is similar.

  • What is your name?
  • Where do you live ? (A little tweet about my hometown)
  • What do you do for a living?
  • Can you show me your salary slips?
  • What are your educational qualifications?
  • Are you studying?
  • When did you get married? (A quick glance at my ‘chooda’ or customary marriage bangles)
  • Can you show me your marriage certificate?
  • Do you have any pictures of the marriage ceremony? (Of course I do!)
  • What is your spouse’s highest degree? (Now it is all about him..:D)
  • Can you show me a copy of his degree?
  • Which company does your spouse work for?
  • Who is sponsoring your husbands H1?
  • Where is his employer located?
  • What is the role of your husband in the US Company?
  • How long has your husband been in the US ?
  • Can you show me his passport? (He wants to verify the US stamping)
  • How long has your spouse been working for the sponsoring company?
  • Can you show me copies of his payslips? (He wants to know how much he is earning or what is the annual income)
  • Can you please show me your tax returns, bank statements, play slips, etc.?
  • Can you show me your passport?
  • Can you show me his I 797 ?
  • Do you intend to work in the United States (The focus is back on me.  Of course the answer is a big fat NOOO!)
  • How long do you intend to stay in the US ?
  • Do you intend to come back to India?
  • Do you have a copy of your itinerary?
  • Congratulations! you are all set! You will receive the stamped passport within a week to ten days.

That sounds simple.  However my visa interview lasted for almost 20 minutes.

  • I was wearing an attire befitting a newly wed-I was a walking model for a jeweller so to speak.  Lets say it does make a difference!
  • My shoes were already hurting me.
  • I was carrying many originals and photo copies with me. At times I was struggling to take out the right paper at the right time.  There were two heavy folders-one for my documents and another for my husband’s documents.  Both these folders were in a big bag..:)
  • I was tutored well to answer all the questions well.
  • The only unexpected element was that ‘I did not know what to expect’.  Obviously my main concerns was ‘What if my visa is denied?’ ‘What if i have to go through this entire process one more time?’ ‘What is something goes wrong’?

Strategies to calm yourself during the visa interview process

The visa interview process can be overwhelming.  Here are a few strategies to calm yourself down.
  • You have to stand outside the US embassy in a long queue**.  The queue may last upto a few hours. This is a bummer but take the bright side.  This gives you time to adjust to the environment inside the consulate, be comfortable, and gather your thoughts.
  • Get hydrated.  Carry a water bottle for as long as they do not instruct you to throw it away.
  • Look at your documents and make sure you are familiar with your folder.
  • Gather your thoughts-think of something positive.
  • Talk to others around you.
  • Say a little prayer in your heart.
  • Be vigilant on how the interview of others is being conducted.  Keep an eye on the token monitor right over your head.  You will be given a token/queue number.

The H4 visa interview process is relatively simpler than other visas such ( business visas, work visas or student visas)  Be focused and just answer the question.  Nobody is interested to know anything beyond that.  Be polite and firm–fumbling and poor eye contact can invite suspicion and rigorous questioning by the interviewing officer.   Just follow one golden rule: ‘preparation helps! It is better to be prepared than sorry!’

Good Luck and I hope your H4 visa interview goes well.

**I cannot say a ‘long queue’ these days as the US Economy is not in a very great shape-loss of jobs, massive layoffs have reversed the immigration process.  In fact the H1 quota is still not filled this year.  Obviously if there are no H1s being filed there will be lesser H4 visa applications as well.

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  1. 72 Responses to “H4 Visa Interview questions”

  2. By Prutha on Jun 1, 2009 | Reply

    Hi,
    It’s a very elaborative information you have given us in this area….I have few questions…can you please anwer them…it will be a gr8 help for me…

    For H4 visa,
    1) If you dont answer or answer incorrectly any question asked..how much tat can be risky?

    2) If you forget to bring your own experience certificates (not ur husband’s), then if they ask for the same in interview, then wt would happen?

  3. By Ridhima Suri on Jun 1, 2009 | Reply

    Hi Prutha,

    1) If you dont answer or answer incorrectly any question asked..how much tat can be risky?
    Re: It is better to be honest in the interview process. Try to prepare before the interview. The visa can be denied/canceled if the information you provide is found to be incorrect or not verifiable.

    2) If you forget to bring your own experience certificates (not ur husband’s), then if they ask for the same in interview, then wt would happen?

    Re: An inability to produce a document asked by the interviewer does not reflect well. If the document is very important you may be denied the visa. In other cases you may be given a pink slip to go back to the consulate with the document at a later point of time.

    Please note that the interview is a very subjective process. The interviewer is simply trying to assess if it is safe to grant you the visa or not. Please be as accurate as possible in giving information and carry all the documents with you.

    Good Luck!

  4. By Prutha on Jun 1, 2009 | Reply

    thank you so much ridhima :) …your quick response really helped me…

  5. By Akki on Aug 10, 2009 | Reply

    Hi Ridhima,

    i gone through your blogs which are very helpful..Thanks a lots for such information.

    i want to ask you few questions.

    i am engaged and my fiancee is in usa on h1b visa since dec 2005 and we are getting married in dec 2009. as i will be a husband and i am working in india. so i just want to know what are questions visa officer will ask me in H4 interview

    kindly suggest me best as i am currently working and if i will go in US i wont have work visa …….

  6. By Ridhima on Aug 10, 2009 | Reply

    Hi Akki,

    Thank you for the good words.

    Congratulations!

    So the probable line of questioning would be pretty much the same as listed in this post above. However, the visa officer will certainly be interested to know YOUR INTENT of working in the U.S. after you get here, especially since you are currently employed. Be sure to answer that you do not intend to work in the US and would simply like to accompany your spouse on the dependent visa (H4).

    Please let me know if you have any other specific question. You can read about the paperwork requirements for the H4 visa in the post titled ‘Documents needed for the H4 Visa’.

    Thank you,
    Ridhima

  7. By Akki on Aug 11, 2009 | Reply

    Thank you very much,

    i have gone through your ‘Documents needed for the H4 Visa’ blog and i will follow the same for my H4 visa.

    is there any chance for rejection ?

  8. By Ridhima Suri on Aug 11, 2009 | Reply

    IANAL

    Hi Akki,

    Currently, the H1 B visa quota has not been filled. Immigration is not as hard as it used to be.

    However, in your case, the interviewer’s goal is simple:

    1. to ensure that you will accompany a legally employed person in the United States and,

    2. to ascertain if you will not try to seek employment in the United States.

    Remember that they do not want you to settle in the U.S.here. They also do not want you to come and work illegally here.

    Hence you must expect questions related to your marriage, your work experience, your spouse’s work experience, his/her salary slips and bank information, home address, information about his employer, etc and your own work background. You can also find more information on my post titled “Can my h4 visa be denied” Link: http://blog.dslamba.net/2009/04/08/can-my-h4-visa-be-denied/

    Like I said before, you have to convince them that you do not have an intention to seek employment in the U.S.

    Complete all the paperwork and the fee requirements and hopefully you should get the visa. If you find time, let us know how it goes. Good Luck!

    -Ridhima

  9. By sav on Aug 12, 2009 | Reply

    Thanks for the blog.

    I have an interesting situation in the sense that I am from India and been in US fro sometime. My girl friend is from Mexico and lives in Mexico.

    I was planning to get her here on H4. I was wondering what your thougts are in this situation? I mean there bouend to be few questions regarding like:
    - How did you meet her? and more

    I guess as long as we have all the papers, we should befine right? Also, she does not work, just lives with her parents. What one does personally should not affect her chances of getting a visa.

    Thanks,

  10. By Ridhima on Aug 12, 2009 | Reply

    IANAL

    Hi Sav,

    Even though I’d advice you talk to a lawyer, I do not think there is anything particularly off about the case you have presented.

    I am confident about the process when both the spouses are originating from one country, lets say, India and how the process works in the US Consulate in India. Not too sure about a case such as yours. Like I have mentioned earlier on this forum, you simply have to stick to the 2 golden rules of H4 visa (see the comment above).

    Unfortunately, there is no definite answer to what line of questioning will be adopted for your girlfriend. Yes, she will be asked how you guys met. Yes, her current employment status and background will also be quizzed. To what extent, it is hard to suggest.

    If I find out anything useful, I will post here.

    Thank you,
    Ridhima

  11. By aman783 on Aug 27, 2009 | Reply

    hi,

    Interview is scheduled Now. my visa catg. is immigrant visa IR 1 Spouse visa.

    My wife is a US citizen. so it is permanent immigrant visa.

    Do i will have to awnser “NO” for the question of “do you intented to work in US”.

    psl clerify, i would be grate ful to you.

    Thanks
    Aman kapila

  12. By Ridhima on Aug 27, 2009 | Reply

    IANAL

    Hi Aman,

    The IR1 visa is a PERMANENT RESIDENT VISA ALLOWING THE SPOUSE ENTRY TO THE US AS AN UNCONDITIONAL PERMANENT RESIDENT. If there are no conditions attached to your visa (I am assuming not), you can work and live indefinitely in the US from the moment you are allowed into the United States by an Immigration Official at a port of entry.

    That said, I am not sure if you will have to face such a question in the first place. I also do not know what your intentions are (do you want to work/not work). You may suggest that you have no intention to work immediately but may change your mind later. You can add that you will be a law-abiding resident and will follow the rules of the country.

    Let us know how it goes! Good Luck!

  13. By Tanvi Srivastava on Aug 29, 2009 | Reply

    Hi Riddhima,
    I am planning to take the H4 Inteview in Sept 2009.My husband has received his H1 approval notice but his passport is not stamped?Will it be risky for me to take the interview without H1 stamp?

  14. By Ridhima Suri on Sep 9, 2009 | Reply

    Hi Tanvi,

    Sorry for the delayed response. To the best of my knowledge there should not be a problem since the H1 approval notice has been received. Depends what the officer is looking for. However, my husband’s passport was asked for during my interview since he had traveled on multiple visas to the U.S. I think you should be fine.

    Good Luck!
    Ridhima

  15. By Perumal on Sep 12, 2009 | Reply

    Hi,

    you have done a great job of presenting useful information.

    i have a question – wonder if you could help me…

    my wife attended interview for H4 visa on aug 21, 2009 and hasnt yet received her passport. VFS site says passport hasnt yet been handed over to them. i am on a h1 and am currently at USA. i was in a different city from the one that i was when my wife attended the interview.

    how long would it take to know the decision on the case ?

  16. By Ridhima on Sep 12, 2009 | Reply

    IANAL

    Hi Perumal,

    Thank you for the question. I advice you to get in touch with the Embassy/Consulate asap. The decision is generally taken faster than the time frame you have suggested. Following up seems to be the best recourse right now. Let me know if you have any other questions.

    Thanks!
    Ridhima

  17. By Perumal on Sep 15, 2009 | Reply

    Thanks Ridhima. I checked with them and they told me that PIMS is not yet updated. that’s why it is delayed. any idea if I can do something about it ?

  18. By Ridhima Suri on Sep 15, 2009 | Reply

    Perumal, visa applicants whose visa processing is delayed since their information is not entered into PIMS have to wait longer. One of the loopholes in the PIMS is that individuals, such as you, have had to change plans to account for delays in the visa processing systems.

    My concern is that this is much longer than the usual two days specified for visa issuance. While there is nothing you can do at this point, just be in touch with the concerned officials and see whats going on. This is almost a 20 day lag. Good Luck!

  19. By Anonymous on Sep 15, 2009 | Reply

    whoever had that girl friend question :)

    any girlfriend whether in Mexico or India cannot get H4… ;)

    you have to marry her before she gets H4!

  20. By Sheenu on Sep 17, 2009 | Reply

    hello there..what they mean by bring your entire wedding album. I need to go for visa renewal for H-4. should i take few wedding pictures or big album along.

  21. By Ridhima Suri on Sep 17, 2009 | Reply

    Sheenu, For the H4 visa interview, I carried the big album and another small packet of important photos. My album was not examined but the single photos were looked at. For H4 renewal I think you should be fine if you take a few wedding pictures and the marriage certificate. Where are you located? While the procedures are uniform, a lot depends on where you are going for the renewal process. Thanks!

  22. By Sheenu on Sep 17, 2009 | Reply

    Hello Ridhima

    Thanks for the reply. I will be going to the Delhi consulate for my H-4 renewal. what you suggest?

    Sheenu

  23. By Ridhima on Sep 20, 2009 | Reply

    Hi Sheenu, you should be ok with a smaller album. Compile a relevant album with pictures of the ceremonies, rituals, parents, and priests. Good Luck!
    IANAL

  24. By Sima on Sep 23, 2009 | Reply

    My husband has been approved for H1 visa which will be activated from 1st Oct.Now my question
    1.is can i be scheduled for H4 visa before 1st oct?
    2.Another query is in my marriage certificate my father’s name spelling has only one alphabet deficiency from my passport.just a printing mistake.Should i get another new marriage certificate by correcting the spelling?
    3.Should I endorse my hubby’s name in the place of my fathers name as my passport has been issued before my wedding?

  25. By Ridhima on Sep 23, 2009 | Reply

    IANAL
    Dear Sima,
    Thanks for the questions. I will try my best to answer all your queries to the best of my ability.

    1.Is can i be scheduled for H4 visa before 1st oct?

    You may apply for the H4 visa interview after you have received a letter of H1 approval. If you have already got it, apply for the visa interview asap.

    2.Another query is in my marriage certificate my father’s name spelling has only one alphabet deficiency from my passport.just a printing mistake.Should i get another new marriage certificate by correcting the spelling?

    3.Should I endorse my hubby’s name in the place of my fathers name as my passport has been issued before my wedding?

    In my opinion, a small printing error can cause a lot of problems in the long run. You may choose to get this corrected in the Marriage Certificate or get your husband’s name endorsed in the Passport. It is your choice. Try to see a trade off for the time involved in both the processes. If it takes less time to get your father’s name corrected in the Marriage Certificate please get that done.

    I did not change my maiden name in the passport as it was taking way too long. My passport was also issued before my marriage (like your case). But please be sure to get the marriage certificate corrected. You never know what may catch the Visa Officer’s eye.

    Let me know if you have any other questions.

    Good luck folks!

    -Ridhima

  26. By Sima on Sep 25, 2009 | Reply

    Thank u Ridhima for your cordial reply.It really helps.I will definitely correct spelling mistake done in the marriage certificate.
    Now i have another query..

    1.If VO wants to see I797 form,Should i handover the original I797 to VO to check or only copy of it may be done?

    2. what is w2?is it taxt papers for 2008?

  27. By Ridhima Suri on Sep 25, 2009 | Reply

    Hi Sima,

    Thanks for the note.

    1. You need to hand over the original I787. Copies would not do. Carry copies for your reference. It is always good to have a set of photocopies of ALL the documents.

    2. Yes. W2 is the Wage and Tax Statement. Yes in your case the one of 2008 is relevant.

    Good Luck!
    Ridhima
    IANAL

  28. By lavanya on Sep 28, 2009 | Reply

    Hai

    u site is really help full for all those wo want to apply for h4,

    Would u please tell me, whether i have to submit all the originals, and will those be returned by the enbassy again

  29. By Sima on Sep 29, 2009 | Reply

    Ridhima another query ….what is form I-129? does it have so many papers?

  30. By Ridhima on Oct 2, 2009 | Reply

    Technical lag here. Sorry for delayed response.

    Lavanya- Follow the instructions to the dot. If an original is asked for submission please do the same. Also keep copies of every document. I am not sure if you are talking about a specific document or the entire application. Let me know and thanks for the comments.

    Sima- Yes I-129 must be filled out. The form is used for 2 purposes:
    1. The form is for employers to petition for an alien (such as you/your husband) to come to the United States temporarily to work.

    2. Employers may also use this form to request for an extension of stay/change of status of visa.

    So yes this form is important. Thank you.

  31. By Lavanya on Oct 21, 2009 | Reply

    Hi Ridhima

    Thanks a lot for the post and your answers, go a lot of info.
    Im currently living in the United Kingdom ( since October 2004). My husband lives and works in Boston, we got married in June 2009. I have now booked an H4 interview with the embassy office in London.Could you please let me know if there are any specific papers ( other than the ones detailed above) that I should carry.
    How should I answer a ny question on why I did not apply for the visa earlier or if Im planning to work ( I guess this should be a no)
    Your reply would be much appreciated

    Lavanya

  32. By Ridhima on Oct 21, 2009 | Reply

    Hi Lavanya,
    I think I have covered the list. Thats pretty much it. Go over the prescribed list by the Consulate again to fill in gaps.

    Planning to work. That is a no on the H4 visa..:)

    Applying earlier. Just be candid about your situation. There could be several reasons & commitments and there is really no harm in applying for the visa bit later than the marriage date.

    Good Luck! Tell us how it goes..welcome to the U.S…:)

  33. By Sanjeev on Dec 18, 2009 | Reply

    Hi, I have applied for B1/B2 visa but the same was refused about 5 months back(214b). The question asked were very simple and i have given the correct answer of all the questions. Now i have re-applied.
    Please suggest the tips to get through this time.

    best regards,
    Sanjeev

  34. By Suman on Dec 28, 2009 | Reply

    Hi,

    Thank you for providing the blog on the H4 Visa, which is helping many people who are applying it.
    I have a question for you regarding the SSN.
    I had travelled to US 2 years back with L1 B individual Visa i.e. before the marriage.
    Now I am going to US on H4 dependent visa.
    My question is, as I am already holding a vaild US SSN, Do I need apply for it once again after reaching US?

  35. By isha on Jan 6, 2010 | Reply

    hi Ridhima

    i am appreciating ur blog.

    1.My question is i hv received H4 visa. around a yr or 2 i will be in US what all activities i can do as i could not work thr, i am master in HR.
    2. if my in-laws are willing to come to US can they get H4 on my husbands H1
    thanks
    regards
    Isha

  36. By Ridhima Suri on Jan 7, 2010 | Reply

    Happy New Year to everyone! I am on vacation and hence, the delay in replying to your questions..:) Thanks for the good words Suman & Isha.

    Sanjeev-Please try to find out why the visa was refused in the first place. Please focus on getting the paperwork related to your company right this time. If you can get back to me with the reason for refusal, I will write more tips on this board. Thanks and good luck!

    Suman- That’s a good question. Technically the H4 visa holder does not have the SSN. I will do some research and get back to you on this. Thanks for the kind words and welcome back to the U.S…:)

    Isha-You cannot be employed on the H4 visa. Alternatively you can consider applying for other non-immigrant visas like F1 (Student) visa.

    The H1 visa holder can be accompanied my immediate family members (spouse and children) on the H4 visa. Your parents can be allowed to visit you in the United States as tourists. Later when (if) you apply for U.S. citizenship you can sponsor green cards for your parents.

  37. By rekha on Jan 8, 2010 | Reply

    hi ridhima
    happy new year u site is very helpful for all
    those who want to apply h4
    my husband was in america and he was forcing me to come to america but i was so tensed to face all the intervies frankly speaking i dont no english properly so iwas tensed to face this h4 intervies there english will be in very high flow language and i was doing mca 2year pls help me for giving suggestion

  38. By Poonam on Jan 19, 2010 | Reply

    Hi Ridhima,
    Appreciate your blog.

    In Feb 2007 I got H4 visa stamping in the first attempt. In Nov2007,my hubby changed his job and worked in that company for 1.5 yrs before he was laid off(Feb 2009). He managed to get a another job in March, on H1. So from Feb-Mar there was delay of 1 month while he was on H1. [As per rules and as far as I know, while a person is on H1 and loses his job he has to leave the country within 10 days or so. But we stayed].The present company has given the H1 packet to my hubby.

    I have a couple of questions.
    1. Will this gap be evident when i go for the visa interview and will it affect in getting me the visa?

    2. In this condition, is it advisable to go for the interview at Mexico than India?

    Thanks very much
    Please reply ASAP

  39. By Desperate on Jan 21, 2010 | Reply

    Hi – My wife is pestering me to go onsite but no one is wiling to file H1 for me since I am in IT but in support function…..

    If my wife applies for H1(she is a s/w programmer)can I apply for H4 based on it? will there be any issues??

    pls let me know…thanks….

    -Desperate Hubby

  40. By Anonymous on Jan 23, 2010 | Reply

    Hi Rekha,

    In my opinion it should not be a problem. However, if you are not comfortable in talking in English you can choose the translation options. I recently saw translation services for people who were not fluent in English in the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi.

    Let me know if you have any other questions. Thanks for the kind remarks!

    Hi Poonam,

    I strongly recommend that you should not go to Mexico for the visa stamping unless you have got your visa stamped earlier. Visa stamping should ideally take place in the country of original stamping (I am assuming India in your case).

    Is it possible to show that your husband was on the payroll (or notice period) from Feb-March in the previous company? If not, this could be a problem. Alternatively, check the expiration date on the earlier H1 and the date on the passport. If the earlier H1 also expired in Feb, it could be a glitch. If it did not, I think you should be ok. Please let us know how it goes. Good Luck!

    Hi Desperate Hubby,
    Yes, if your wife gets the H1visa, you can apply for the H4 visa. There should be no issues per se. You must be prepared to prove that you have no intentions to work in the U.S. (while on the H4 visa).

    Good Luck!

    -Ridhima

  41. By Desperate on Jan 25, 2010 | Reply

    Hi Ridhima – thanks for your response. Really appreciate your excellent guidance…

  42. By MJ on Jan 26, 2010 | Reply

    I have F2 visa stamped on my passport,
    my husband’s employer filed for his H1
    and change of status for both of us.
    and which got approved. now I want to
    visit india. my question is, can I get
    my H4 stamped, as my husband won’t be
    coming with me to India. or should I wait
    to go along with him? and also how much time will it take? Can I take appointment from here or I can only book it once I am there….I am asking because of HDFC thing.

  43. By Ridhima Suri on Jan 26, 2010 | Reply

    Hi MJ,

    Yes, you can get an appointment before hand. Ask someone in India to pay the fee at HDFC bank first. You can go for the H4 visa stamping on your own. There is no need for your husband to go with you. Just carry the relevant documents.

    Good Luck!
    -Ridhima

  44. By mj on Jan 28, 2010 | Reply

    Hi Ridhima,

    I have received different information from VFS – Delhi. I asked them about the H4 stamping with out H1 stamp they wrote me back –

    Quote:
    This is to inform you that an applicant can apply for a dependent visa only if —–

    1) The principal applicant already has a valid visa stamp with current petition.
    2) Applying along with the principal applicant.
    :Unquote

    Thanks

  45. By mj on Jan 28, 2010 | Reply

    Where is my previous message?
    That was important message regarding the topic.

  46. By Ridhima on Jan 28, 2010 | Reply

    MJ,

    As per your first message, I understood that your husband already has a valid visa stamp with current petition in which case you can go on your own. If your husband has not got his H1 stamped then both of you should go together. Please plan your travel together if possible.

    Thank you.

  47. By mj on Jan 29, 2010 | Reply

    Both of us have F1/F2 visa stamped, student visas
    we have approved H1/H4 petition and now I want to travel alone but in that case while coming back I would need to have my H4 stamped. That’s is where confusion is,
    I should be able to get it stamped as Change of Status has already been approved for me, from F2 to H4 but VFS Delhi doesn’t agree.
    Many people from forum says I can get, some says I cannot…I was trying to find out what is the fact. If you know anyone in similar situation , in the year of 2010.

    Thanks

  48. By Priya on Feb 1, 2010 | Reply

    Hi Ridhima,

    I am planning to get my H4 visa stamping in a week or two. I am currently employed in a software firm. I am planning to take leave /resign before I go to US. Should I take a No Objection Letter from my current employer when I go for the interview? Or will they ask for a approved leave application form?

    Thanks in advance,

    Priya

  49. By Ridhima on Feb 2, 2010 | Reply

    MJ,

    Please follow the guidelines of VFS, New Delhi. I know a friend who changed from F1-H1 recently but your case is different. It is a good idea to go with the principal applicant (your husband).

    Thank you!

    Priya,

    Like I always suggest, the goal of the interviewing officer/consular is to ascertain that you are not planning to 1. work in the U.S.
    2. immigrate permanently to the U.S.

    All you need to do in the H4 visa interview is prove that you will not do either. As such please carry all necessary documents to make your case. They will question you about your work history and ask why you are leaving the job and going to the U.S.

    Good Luck!

  50. By saket on Feb 4, 2010 | Reply

    Hi,
    I am on H1 Visa and the Visa is valid till 31st July 2010. My wife is on H4 Visa and she is coming to U.S in March 1st week, her Visa also expires on 31st July 2010.. Can you please guide us in terms of documents she need to carry at the port of entry and will it be an issue since both of our visa’s are valid only for couple of months.. Thanks fr doing a great job..

    Saket

  51. By Ridhima on Feb 8, 2010 | Reply

    Hello Saket,

    Thank you.

    It won’t be an issue in my opinion. At the port of entry your wife can mention that she is gong for 3 months to be with her husband (you).
    She should carry copy of husbands I797 and address proof. Thats it.

    Hope this helps. Good luck folks!
    Ridhima

  52. By Priyadarshini on Feb 11, 2010 | Reply

    Hi,

    I am applying for h4 visa and the form is ds 160 and i have a quesry in that form.

    I have a sister who is married and working in USA and i have a question in the form asking that do i have any relatives in USA.

    kindly adivce me should i keep the answer as “yes” or “no”.I am really confused.

    And my sisters residence address in passport is same as mine and her surname is also same as mine will that make any problem if i say “no”?

    please help me.

  53. By Ridhima on Feb 12, 2010 | Reply

    Priyadarshini,

    Please write ‘yes’ as a reply to this question.

    Thanks!

  54. By purvi on Feb 13, 2010 | Reply

    Hi
    This is purvi.
    I completed my graduation 4yrs back and did computer courses,now i got married n i applied 4 visa at the time of interview if thy ask me what u did these 4 yrs if i tell tht i did courses will thy be pleased with this ans or should i say somthing else

  55. By Ridhima on Feb 18, 2010 | Reply

    Purvi,
    There is no harm is clearly stating the above. However, the consular may ask you what you intend to do in the U.S. Please refer to the discussion on this message board for more tips on preparing for the visa interview. Good Luck!

    -Ridhima

  56. By vinit on Feb 18, 2010 | Reply

    hi, me and my wife are applying for J1 and J2 visa next month. the problem is that we have done registered marriage and we dont have any photographs of our wedding. her passport mentions my name in spouse section. should i still worry coz i dont have the album? thanks for suggestions.

  57. By Ridhima on Feb 23, 2010 | Reply

    Hi Vinit,

    I am not sure if you need the wedding album for the J1/J2 visa. I would suggest that you go through the requirements section again. Album is a must for the H4 visa.

    Thank you,
    Ridhima

  58. By Mon on Feb 28, 2010 | Reply

    Hi Ridhima,

    This is a great blog for H4 aspirants. My case is a little different – I am in the US on H1 and have started my job last week (healthcare). My husband is a pediatrician and he would like to visit in mid June for about 2 months. I would like to know if it is better to apply for a H4 or simply a visitors Visa. He has to definitely go back to India to appear for an exam.

    The other question is if he does want to come after the exam and frankly not do any work over here for say the next 6 months, after which we would move to another country what makes sense to you an H4 or a visitors.

    My concern for not applying for a visitors being that they say it would be rejected and that it would be easier to attain a H4 instead.

    Thanks fro reading through and your time.

    (P.S. – How does a guy prove that he does not intend to work – just thinking out loud??? )

  59. By Ridhima Suri on Feb 28, 2010 | Reply

    Hi Mon,
    I am not a lawyer, but based on what I have read elsewhere.

    If he wants to get a visitor visa, he has to show proof of job and/or property in India.

    In my opinion he will be able to get the H4 visa easily. He just needs to make a case in the H4 visa interview that he has no intention of working in the U.S. They will question him about his work. As long as he has not left his job in India he should be okay.

  60. By Mon on Feb 28, 2010 | Reply

    Hi Ridhima,

    Thank you. I am at ease now. Another question though, if he does get an H1 and comes to the US and returns back in 2 months what happens of the H4 status would continue to be eligible, does he have to go through the interview process again and what about the I94?
    Thank you in advance.

  61. By Ridhima on Feb 28, 2010 | Reply

    Mon,

    Yes. He will have to go through the interview process if he applies for the H1 visa. His H4 will no longer be valid once he gets the H1 visa.

    Hope this helps.
    Good luck folks!

    Ridhima

  62. By Mon on Mar 1, 2010 | Reply

    Thank you Ridhima.

  63. By setu on Mar 2, 2010 | Reply

    Hello Ridhima,

    You have been a great help to many confused souls.I am joining the clan and need your assistance too:) regarding my H4 Visa Issuance.Posting my queries below.
    1.I am a domicile resident of Assam but stayed in NCR for eleven years for higher education and then work.I got engaged in Nov 2009 and resigned and came back home last Dec.Will my Consulate for Visa interview be Kolkata or Delhi since my Fiancé’s Consulate is Delhi since he belongs to Dehradun and works on H1 B in the US?
    2.I have my graduation marksheet but not the degree(never needed it) and now since I am in Assam, I cant at the moment get it nor do I plan to study or work in future.Will my graduation marksheet be enough as an evidence along with my other educational certificates?
    3.Since I am no longer employed,is it mandatory to carry my past experience certificates in case I am asked to present them?
    Would really appreciate your help in answering my queries.

    Regards,
    Setu.

  64. By setu on Mar 2, 2010 | Reply

    Hello Ridhima,

    Continuing to write further to my earlier post…I am getting married on the 15th May this year and want to leave for the US with my husband then and wan to make sure I am well prepared.

  65. By Ridhima on Mar 2, 2010 | Reply

    IANAL

    Hello Setu,

    Thank you for the kind words.

    1. You will need to give the interview in New Delhi. The place of interview depends on the the current address of applicant. After marriage you can use your husband’s address (Dehradun/Delhi)

    2. Please get a provisional degree. Otherwise explain to the consular why you do not have the degree. Degrees are usually not issued for many years after graduation. As such a provisional certificate is good enough, unless otherwise specified.

    3.It is better to carry the experience certificates. Make a case that you do not intend to work on the H4 visa in United States.

    4. Pay the application fee & service charge at the designated HDFC bank,schedule an appointment on the VFS website, fill out the DS-160 form, print your appointment letter & DS 160 barcode, and bring important documents for the interview. I think you should be all set!

    Good luck folks!
    Ridhima

    IANAL

  66. By sammy on Mar 2, 2010 | Reply

    hi ridhima,

    i am in australia,and i am a citizen now. i got married recently, and my wife is working in US, and i am currently working as a part time, and i cannot produce any payslips for at my work . will that be a problem for getting h4 visa in the interview.

  67. By Ridhima Suri on Mar 2, 2010 | Reply

    Sammy,

    I am not a lawyer but from what I have learnt elsewhere, it should not be a problem for the H4 visa. Make your case to the consular and try to get an experience letter if possible.

    Good luck!
    -Ridhima

  68. By sammy on Mar 2, 2010 | Reply

    hi Ridhima

    Really appreciate your quick response.

    But one more query, will they ask about any tax returns,bcoz i cannot provide them as well.I am bit worried about if they ask . where as i have all the other documents required from my wife.

    need help on this.

    thanks a lot

  69. By Ridhima Suri on Mar 3, 2010 | Reply

    Hi Sammy,

    IANAL. I am not worried about the payslips. However, you may be questioned about your citizenship.

    If you have all the documents required of your spouse (on the H1 visa) you should be fine. As it is, you have to make a case that you have no intention of working in the U.S. on the dependent visa (H4).
    Hope this helps. Good Luck folks!

  70. By setu on Mar 3, 2010 | Reply

    Thanks Ridhima for the response.Much appreciated at the quick response and the patience with which you handle things.I do have my marksheet which I have been using for facing all the job interviews.Will that be sufficient enough?I am also not working since Dec 2009 as mentioned earlier.Can that be used to say that I am not interested to work further.

    Thanks

  71. By Ridhima on Mar 3, 2010 | Reply

    Hi Setu
    provisional degrees suffice in absence of original degrees. However, you canjust carry your marksheets. There is a chance noone will even ask you for any of these.

    Tell the officer that you understand that you cannot work on the h4 visa and you have no intention of doing so.

    Good luck!

  72. By Irina on Mar 10, 2010 | Reply

    Hi,

    My to be husband is in USA and hasnt got the address on his passport changed to the current new address where his parents live in Mumbai. His Ration card of mumbai has the current new address.. If our wedding certificate has his new address and when i take his passport for my visa stamping it has his old address on it will it be a problem?

    What should I do ? please guide me!

    Thanks

  73. By Ridhima Suri on Mar 10, 2010 | Reply

    Hi there,

    No it should not be a problem. I was in a similar situation. I had no problem at all. People move to different houses all the time.

    I think you should be fine.

    Ridhima

    IANAL

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