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ruchi.praveen · Apr 28, 2011, 11:26 PM

My husband is going to US on H1B .Iam also going with him on dependetn pass my question is this ,If I will be eligible to work in US and what visa is being issued for me.

smoothy · Apr 29, 2011, 04:43 AM

You will not be eligible to work based on HIS H1-B. His ability to work at all is restricted to that particular employer exclusively, work eligibility does not extend to his spouse or children. You would have to have a legal status on your own that permits employment for you to be eligible to have any job.

As far as what type of VISA you are going to have... I can't answer that part.

taxesforaliens · Apr 29, 2011, 06:59 AM

The visa for a dependent of an H1B visa holder is an H4. As smoothy noted, this visa status does not allow you to work.

ruchi.praveen · Apr 30, 2011, 02:41 AM

Thanks Smoothy.. it is Ok that I can not work on H4 visa.. but is there any way using that I will be eligible for work in US as I am also an s/w engineer.

smoothy · Apr 30, 2011, 01:59 PM

Originally Posted by ruchi.praveen

Thanks Smoothy..it is Ok that i can not work on H4 visa..but is there any way using that i will be eligible for work in US as I am also an s/w engineer.

The only way you will be able to work is to apply for and be granted a Visa that allows you to work here on your own merits. Meaning when your husband got his... he was specifically sponsored by a specific employer to work for them. If he quits he has to leave, if he's fired he has to leave... he can't go anywhere else to work either. You currently are coming here only as his spouse. I'm going to say it MAY be difficult to find a sponsor for your own H1-B... or other visa that would allow you as a temporary worker. I don't even know if you could even apply from here, But that's the only legal way you will be able to do it. If the H4 makes it more difficult or ineligible? That's beyond my knowledge. But hopefully someone more familiar can say if its possible or not.