H-4 filing for employers — spouses & children of H-1B workers
When you sponsor an H-1B employee, their spouse and children may need H-4 extensions or change-of-status filings too. We prepare Form I-539 with lawyer review — $2,299 per dependent · +$1,299 for H-4 EAD.
When employers file H-4
H-4 is not a separate employer sponsorship like H-1B — it derives from the principal H-1B worker's status. Employers support H-4 filings when hiring or relocating H-1B talent whose families need to stay in valid status in the U.S.
H-1B transfer
New hire's spouse and children extend H-4 with the change-of-employer petition.
H-1B extension
Renew H-4 for dependents when the principal H-1B is extended.
Family relocation
Help valued hires move with their families — fewer surprises at offer stage.
How H-4 filing works
- 1
Confirm dependent eligibility
Verify the spouse or child is eligible for H-4 — relationship to the H-1B worker, current status, and passport validity.
- 2
Collect dependent documents
Passport, prior I-797 notices, I-94, marriage or birth certificates, and copies of the principal H-1B approval.
- 3
Prepare Form I-539
Our immigration lawyers prepare the I-539 application, dependent support letter, and evidence packet.
- 4
File with USCIS
Submit to USCIS with the principal H-1B case when possible. Track receipt and approval in your employer dashboard.
Documents checklist
From H-4 dependent
- Passport biographic page and U.S. visa stamps
- Prior I-797 approval notices (H-4 or other status)
- Current I-94 arrival record
- Marriage certificate (spouse) or birth certificate (child)
- Principal H-1B employee's I-797 and passport copy
From employer
- Principal H-1B case details (job title, worksite, receipt or approval)
- Employer signatory for attestations when required
- Timeline aligned with H-1B transfer or extension filing
What's included — $2,299 per dependent
Need work authorization? Add H-4 EAD (Form I-765) for $1,299 per eligible spouse.
- Lawyer review of dependent eligibility and timing
- Form I-539 assembly for H-4 extension or change of status
- Dependent document checklist and secure upload portal
- Coordination with the principal H-1B case when filed together
- USCIS filing support and receipt tracking
- H-4 EAD (Form I-765) add-on: $1,299 when eligible
Principal H-1B filing is $2,999 separately. H-1B employer guide →
FAQ
- What is H-4 status?
- H-4 is a dependent visa classification for the spouse and unmarried children under 21 of an H-1B worker. H-4 dependents can live in the U.S. while the principal H-1B employee maintains valid status.
- When does an employer need H-4 filing?
- Employers often support H-4 filings when sponsoring an H-1B transfer or extension and the candidate's family needs to extend or change status alongside the principal. h1bfiling.com prepares Form I-539 for H-4 dependents at a flat fee.
- What form is used for H-4 filing?
- Most H-4 cases use Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status). H-4 spouses eligible for work authorization may also need Form I-765 (EAD). Our team prepares the I-539 packet with lawyer review.
- How much does H-4 filing cost?
- h1bfiling.com charges $2,299 per H-4 dependent for Form I-539 preparation and lawyer review. H-4 EAD (Form I-765) is an additional $1,299 when the spouse is eligible. USCIS government fees are separate.
- How much does H-4 EAD cost?
- H-4 work authorization (Form I-765) is $1,299 in addition to the $2,299 H-4 I-539 filing per dependent. Eligibility typically requires the principal H-1B worker to have an approved I-140 or certain AC21 extensions.
- Can H-4 be filed with an H-1B change of employer?
- Yes. When your new hire's spouse or children are in H-4 status, dependent I-539 filings are often filed concurrently with the H-1B I-129 petition. We coordinate timing and documents across both cases.
$2,299 per dependent · +$1,299 H-4 EAD
Lawyer on every H-4 case — I-539 prep, optional I-765 EAD add-on, document intake, and USCIS tracking alongside your H-1B transfer or extension.