H1 to H4 conversion at the consulate.

[srmp]

Hi,

I am currently on H1 visa and working in US. So is my husband. We will be going to India for stamping in November. I would like to get a H4 visa at the consulate. My questions are...

1. Is it ok if I am leaving the country on a H1 visa and applying for H4 at the consulate in India directly?
2. Can I go with my husband on the day of appointment or we should be taking 2 different appointments?
3. What options should I select in DS-160? should I be picking the visa category as H4? I have never filled a H4 ds-160 I don't know If I should keep any thing else in mind while filling it out, considering my scenario...
Any suggestions will be appreciated.
4. Will there be any additional questions asked if I am converting from H1 to H4?

Thank you so much for the help.
srmp

[kabkaba]

Hi,

I am currently on H1 visa and working in US. So is my husband. We will be going to India for stamping in November. I would like to get a H4 visa at the consulate. My questions are...

1. Is it ok if I am leaving the country on a H1 visa and applying for H4 at the consulate in India directly? -- Yes, both are unrelated.
2. Can I go with my husband on the day of appointment or we should be taking 2 different appointments? -- It makes no difference, together is preferred.
3. What options should I select in DS-160? should I be picking the visa category as H4? I have never filled a H4 ds-160 I don't know If I should keep any thing else in mind while filling it out, considering my scenario... -- Yes, there will be an option to select H4
Any suggestions will be appreciated.
4. Will there be any additional questions asked if I am converting from H1 to H4? -- There is no conversion, once you leave the US the past status makes no difference.

Thank you so much for the help.
srmp

See above.

[srmp]

Thank you so much.That was very helpful.

[indian01]

hi,

I have a same scenario as mentioned below, however while I was on H1B I didn't worked for around 150 - 160 days due to feeding issues for my 1 yr old and his inability to get adjusted to daycare system. So I put sick leave at my employer and after that I have always worked continuously (for over 3 years) while on H1B till I left US and have W2 and salary slips till that time, so now if I go for H4 stamping with my husband then should I be worried about my H4 stamping due to the time I didnt worked while on H1B? Please note I never crossed 180 days limit. Please advise.

[kabkaba]

That will not be a problem. The 180 day limit applies to illegal period not out of status period. Moreover, leave without pay for genuine, documented reasons is allowed.

[indian01]

That will not be a problem. The 180 day limit applies to illegal period not out of status period. Moreover, leave without pay for genuine, documented reasons is allowed.

Ok, thank u so much for responding.