Spouse and unmarried
children under age of 21 of an H1B visa
holder are eligible for an H4 visa. A person
on an H4 status is not allowed to work unless
and until the person gets a Change of Status
from the INS from H4 to H1B status. Currently
INS is not issuing Social Security Number
(SSN) to H4 visa holders.
H4 holders can get a Driver's license, open
a Bank account, or even go to college. Children
on H4 visas do not need a separate visa
to attend school.
It is possible to convert H4 to "F1"
if one wishes to attend full-time course
work. This means, a minimum of twelve
(12) credits per semester in an educational
institution recognized by the INS.
Another option for those interested in
continuing their education, is to attend
community colleges. This way, one does
not have to change visa status. These
colleges only award the equivalent of
a Diploma, instead of a Degree, but they
often the serve the purpose at a lesser
cost.
It is certainly possible to convert H4
to H1, if one can provide proof, that
he / he is qualified, has had prior experience
in his/her field of expertise, and have
a job offer from a company in the United
States.
