Spouses and unmarried minor children (under 21 years of age) of an H-1B alien are eligible for H-4 status.
Employment
H-4 visa status prohibits employment authorization. If an H-4 dependent qualifies for specialty employment in his or her own right, a change of status to H-1B is necessary before such employment may be undertaken.
Study
H-4 dependents may study in the U.S., full or part-time, but the duration of their stay is dependent on the H-1B’s period of stay. Dependents should weigh the benefits of changing their status to F-1 versus remaining in H-4 status. H-4 dependents are not subject to F-1 requirement to pursue a full course of study, but they are not eligible for F-1 benefits such as on-campus employment and practical training.
H-4 Children
When H-4 dependent children turn 21, they are no longer considered “children” under the I.N.A., and are thus no longer eligible for H-4 status. In order to remain in the U.S., they must change to another nonimmigrant status, such as F-1 for full-time students.
