H4 visa, Visa for H1 family members

H4 visa is for the dependent family members of H1 visa holders who would like to join the H1 holder in the United States to stay for the H1 Visa period. Immediate family members like spouse and children under 21 yrs can qualify for this visa and can apply at the homecountry US Consulate.

If you are applying for your visa along with your spouse, who is applying for H1 simultaneously, then you can submit both of your applications together.

As a H-4 visa holder, you're not authorized to be employed in the US and are not eligible to get a Social Security Number. Although, you can get a drivers license, open bank account(s) and are eligible for an ITIN (Tax ID for IRS Tax purposes).

Note: While providing the information to take visa interview and filing online application form visa applicants should indicate clearly in their Last Name and Given Name. Its often seen in the case of South Indian names that passport issuing authorities write the whole name in the Last Name field.
Applicants should check their passport and if the whole name is given in one line, they should get the same changed from passport office before applying for a visa.)
It is advisable to get your spouse's name endorsed on your passport beforehand.
If after marriage your last name has changed, then it's better to endorse the change in your passport beforehand. Otherwise you will have to continue your maiden name here.
Make sure that the wedding album has sufficient marriage photographs. All the snaps must be very clear and easy to identify both the bride, and the bridegroom. Photographs showing some marriage rituals are must.
**Example: Few photographs around the agni ceremony, if your marriage is hindu marriage.
Upon receiving your visa, carefully check for any kind of mistakes like name, date of birth, type of visa, validity date, etc.