Glossary · Visa classifications
H-4
Dependent classification for spouse + unmarried children under 21 of an H-1B principal.
H-4 is the dependent status. Children age out at 21 (no Child Status Protection Act protection in most cases — DHS dropped age-out protections for some categories in 2025). H-4 itself does NOT include work authorization unless the principal has an approved I-140 ≥180 days old, in which case the H-4 spouse can file I-765 for H-4 EAD. When the principal H-1B's status ends (e.g., layoff + grace expiry without transfer), all H-4 dependents lose status simultaneously.
Related terms
H-1B
Specialty-occupation work visa. Initial term 3 years, extendable to 6 (and beyond, with mature I-140).
H-4 EAD
Work authorization for H-4 spouses whose H-1B principal has an approved I-140 pending or older.
I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)
Files for an EAD card. Used for H-4 spouses, Compelling Circumstances EAD, and AOS-pending workers.
I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker)
Employer-sponsored green-card petition. Once approved, it locks your priority date and unlocks 3-year H-1B extensions past the 6-year cap.
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