What is the H-4 visa?

The H-4 visa is a type of visa issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that allows immigrants to work in the state of Washington. It is specifically designed for the spouse and children of H-1B visa holders. The H-1B visa is a temporary, non-immigrant visa granted to foreign professionals who possess specific qualifications and skills in certain fields, such as engineering, architecture, computer programming, mathematics, and other occupations requiring a higher degree of specialization. When a foreign specialist meets the criteria for an H-1B visa and is put in a position of employment in the state of Washington, their legal spouse and any of their unmarried children under 21 years of age may accompany them and be granted an H-4 visa. This visa allows spouses and children of the main visa holder to enter the United States and live with their family members, but it does not allow them to take any kind of employment in the country. However, the USCIS has recently announced the introduction of the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) for eligible H-4 visa holders. This document grants certain individuals the right to work in the United States if their spouse is employed under an H-1B visa. These individuals must apply for the EAD and be approved by the USCIS in order to be legally employed.

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El H-4 es un visado específico para aquellos que acompañan a un solicitante de la tarjeta verde de Estados Unidos, también conocida como una tarjeta de residencia permanente. Esta visa es para cónyuges, hijos e hijastros menores de 21 años de edad solteros e hijastros mayores de 21 años de edad. La H-4 no permite a los titulares del visado el derecho a trabajar en Estados Unidos, pero sí les permite vivir y estudiar aquí. Los titulares de la visa pueden recibir un permiso de trabajo autorizado por el Servicio de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de los Estados Unidos (USCIS) si reúnen los requisitos necesarios. El permiso de trabajo debe ser solicitado antes de que la persona pueda solicitar un empleo en el país. Para solicitar una visa H-4, el solicitante de tarjeta verde debe presentar la solicitud I-485, junto con los documentos necesarios. Además, el cónyuge o hijo del solicitante deben presentar la solicitud I-539, junto con los documentos de respaldo. Esta visa es valida por tiempo limitado, y el titular debe solicitar una prórroga antes de que expire.

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