Immigration

Srinivasa Reddy Kandi: Can I Bring My Family When Applying for a U.S. Work Visa?

February, 26, 2025-05:14

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Can I Bring My Family When Applying for a U.S. Work Visa?

Pursuing career opportunities abroad can be a challenging endeavour, particularly when it involves leaving loved ones behind. If you are a foreign national seeking employment in the United States, you may be curious about the possibility of bringing your family with you. Our immigration attorneys in Dallas can clarify whether you can secure visas for your spouse or children upon receiving an employment visa in the United States.

Given the constantly evolving nature of immigration laws, we encourage you to reach out to our Dallas immigration attorneys at (844) 299-5003 to explore your options further.

Working in the United States with Family
Generally, individuals holding employment visas are permitted to bring their spouses and dependent children to the United States. However, while your children will have the opportunity to attend school, your spouse will only be allowed to accompany you and will not have the right to seek employment.

For instance, if you obtain an H-1B visa, your spouse and children can join you in the U.S. by applying for H-4 visas. To be eligible, your children must be under 21 years of age and must secure their individual H-4 visas. The specific type of visa your family receives will be contingent upon the employment visa you are applying for.

How to Apply for an H-4 Visa
If you are granted an H-1B visa, your family will need to apply for H-4 visas to accompany you to the United States. If they are currently outside the U.S., they can submit their H-4 visa application at the U.S. consulate in your home country. This application can be made once the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has approved your H-1B visa petition. Your family cannot obtain their H-4 visas until you have received your H-1B visa.

When applying for an H-4 visa, the consulate will require your family to present the following documents:

A copy of your H-1B Approval Notice (Form I-797) from USCIS

A marriage certificate or birth certificate that verifies the family relationship between you and the H-4 applicants

A passport that remains valid for at least six months beyond the application date

A completed and signed Form DS-160.

Srinivasa Reddy Kandi is an Immigration policies researcher and immigration laws analyst.
Kandi Srinivasa Reddy, Srinivasa Reddy Kandi, #KandiSrinivasaReddy, #SrinivasaReddyKandi
Disclaimer: The information presented here is general in nature and might not be applicable in any given situation. It should not be interpreted as legal advice or taken for granted that it is always current.