H-4 family visas

H-4 visas for H-2A and H-2B families

Spouses and unmarried children under 21 may apply to accompany or join an H-2A or H-2B worker in the United States.

Who it fits

A dependent visa, not a worker visa

H-4 is the dependent classification for eligible family members of H visa holders. In the H-2A and H-2B programs, it allows a worker's spouse and unmarried children under 21 to apply to accompany or join the worker. Parents, siblings, and unmarried partners do not qualify through this relationship.

The principal worker holds H-2A or H-2B status.
The applicant is the worker's spouse or unmarried child under 21.
Each family member must establish their own eligibility.
H-4 status depends on the principal worker's status. The authorized stay is recorded on Form I-94, not determined by the visa's expiration date.

An approved H-2A or H-2B petition does not automatically approve a family member's H-4 application.

What H-4 means

Understand the limits before you apply

Family accompaniment

H-4 is for eligible dependents. It is separate from the principal worker's H-2A or H-2B employment authorization.

No H-4 work authorization

H-4 dependents of H-2A and H-2B workers are not authorized to work based on H-4 status. The work permit provisions for certain H-4 spouses of H-1B workers do not apply to H-2A or H-2B families.

Study is permitted

H-4 dependents may study in the United States while maintaining valid H-4 status. Studying does not give permission to work.

Application pathways

The process depends on where you are

Outside the United States

Applicants generally complete Form DS-160 and follow the H-4 visa application instructions of the U.S. embassy or consulate where they will apply. Interview requirements and supporting documents depend on the applicant and the consular post.

A visa allows you to request entry. U.S. Customs and Border Protection decides admission and the authorized period of stay.

Already in the United States

Eligible applicants may request a change to H-4 status or an extension of H-4 stay using Form I-539. Eligibility depends on the applicant's current status and circumstances. This is a request for status in the United States, not a visa issued by a consulate.

Seek advice from an immigration attorney about status deadlines, travel during a pending application, or any previous status violation.

Prepare for your inquiry

Information and documents to have ready

Requirements vary by application pathway. Follow the current instructions from USCIS or the relevant U.S. embassy or consulate.

A valid passport for each applicant.
Proof of the relationship, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate, with translations when required.
Details of the principal worker's H-2A or H-2B petition and status, such as an approval notice and applicable visa or Form I-94.
Your current country and, if you are in the United States, your current immigration status and authorized stay.

Do not send passports or other identity documents through the inquiry form below. Fees, processing times, and document requirements can change. Approval is not guaranteed.

Official sources

Check the current requirements

U.S. Department of State: temporary worker visas and family members USCIS: Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status USCIS: employment authorization for certain H-4 dependent spouses

For the principal worker's program, see our H-2A and H-2B pages.

Apply for assistance

Request H-4 application assistance

Tell our team about your family visa question. This form sends an inquiry to Labor Inbound, not an application to USCIS or a U.S. embassy or consulate.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Program rules and application requirements change. Contact us to confirm what applies to your situation.