H-4 Dependent Information for Current H-1B Employees

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) strives to serve our H1-B scholars/employees at the University of Colorado Denver with the highest service. The H-4 dependents of these H-1B Employees at the University of Colorado Denver are considered purely dependent upon their spouse or parent's H-1B.

An H-4 has specific restrictions and allowances during their time in the U.S. It is the responsibility of the H-4 or the guardian of the H-4 to understand these rules and responsibilities.

• Spouses and unmarried minor children (under 21 years of age) of an H-1B principal are eligible for H-4 status to accompany or follow to join the H-1B principal.
• Although the spouse and children of H-1B employees usually enter the U.S. as H-4s, they may enter in other visa classifications for which they qualify, such as F-1, J-1, B-2, or H-1B. Domestic partners are ineligible for H-4 status but may apply for B-2 visas. B-2 visitors are not eligible to work or study in the U.S.
• There is no restriction on study for persons in H-4 status.
• See the link below about H-4 employment authorization.

Please see below the specific resources and processes for the H-4 Dependents:

• Change of Non-Immigrant Status to H-4 and Extension of Stay
• USCIS I-539 Application
• USCIS Processing Times
• H-4 Employment Authorization for Certain Spouses
• H Travel
• CU Denver International Admissions (for study in H-4 Status)
• Other Scholar Resources