H4 question - Urgent

[MADHUJASTI]

My husband took an appointment for H4 visa and it is on March 11th. I am working here and i sent him a photocopy of my I-797 form. But it seems, the requested documents list asked for original I-797 of mine. Is this true? I am not going for H1B stamping. Why do they need my original I-797 for my husband's H4 visa?

Can anyone suggest me any thing on this please. If the above statement is true, he needs to reschedule his appointment ASAP.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Madhu

[sk4ih]

H4 is dependent visa and depends on H1, and so you need to send your I-797 to prove you're maintaining legal H1 status.

If you have the I-797 with you, you can scan and send e-mail to him.
Usually original will not be asked.

[abhayg4]

Hi Madu,

Original I-797 is mentioned in the list because - to avoid any if and buts.

Which means -if original I-797 is not there then everything depends on the VO who is taking the interview.
He/she can ask for the Original or He/She will be happy with photocopy also-as they can verify the details using PIMS database.

So , be on the safer side- Original is required.
Now in ur case time is not there to send it now- so let ur husband attend the interview with photocopy (colored if possible) and if by any chance , VO asks for the original -then you have send it later-which means H4 stamping will bedelayed.


Thanks and Regards,
Abhay

[shervin143]

Very much advisable to go with the original I-797 of the principle applicant to avoid 221g.
https://www.immihelp.com/h4-visa-stamping-documents/

[UKannan]

You'll have to send the original I797 for H4 stamping (it's mentioned in the checklist).

If you ask "Why they need...?" I suggest you call them directly and ask and they will answer your question

[MADHUJASTI]

Thank you

Thank you all for the suggestions. I am sending my I-797 form to my husband with some one who is going to India.

Thanks for the help.