My H1B and my wife’s H-4 are both valid for another year. I am in the process of changing employers, and my new employer will be filing an H1B change-of-employer petition for me soon. Does my spouse need to file an I-539 to extend her H-4 status together with my H1B?

Answer

Your spouse does not need to extend her H-4 status, given that her current I-94 is valid for another year. However, we usually recommend that the H-4 spouses file a new I-539 in these circumstances so that their H-4 end date matches the expiration of the new H1B approval. This makes it easier to keep track of both H1B and H-4 expiration dates and helps to avoid the H-4 spouse inadvertently falling out of status. (19.Nov.2024)

Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here. Access more FAQs here.

 

 

Copyright © 2024, MURTHY LAW FIRM. All Rights Reserved



Disclaimer: The information provided here is of a general nature and may not apply to any specific or particular circumstance. It is not to be construed as legal advice nor presumed indefinitely up to date.