F-1 / F-2H-4
Student dependentYour spouse moved from F-1 to H-1B. You need to change from F-2 (or F-1) to H-4 to stay in status.
Change your status to H-4 without leaving the U.S.
Your spouse got the H-1B. Now you need to update your visa status to match. Immiva walks you through Form I-539, handles dependent children, and optionally bundles with I-765 if you're eligible for a work permit. All for $129.
Check My Eligibility – FreeTakes 2 minutes · No signup required
$129Immiva prep fee
$470USCIS filing fee (paper)
3.5–7.5Months processing time
2026USCIS rules current
Common Scenarios
Changing to H-4 from any visa status
Whether you're on a student visa, tourist visa, L-2, or J-2, Immiva adjusts the form to your current status and generates the right supporting document checklist.
B-1 / B-2H-4
VisitorYou entered as a tourist and your spouse already holds H-1B. Change to H-4 before your B status expires.
L-2H-4
L-1 dependentYour spouse switched from L-1 to H-1B. Your L-2 status no longer applies, so you need to change to H-4.
J-2H-4
Exchange visitor dependentYour spouse moved from J-1 to H-1B. Be aware: J-2 dependents may inherit a 212(e) home residency requirement.
H-4H-4
H-4 extensionAlready on H-4 but your status is expiring. File I-539 to extend because it doesn't auto-renew with your spouse's H-1B.
OtherH-4
Other nonimmigrant statusO-2, E-2, TN dependents, and others. If your spouse holds or is transitioning to H-1B, you can change to H-4.
Filing Options
How do you want to file?
Your best option depends on whether you also need work authorization and whether your spouse's H-1B is being filed or renewed at the same time.
What You Get
Everything to file correctly the first time
Answer plain-English questions. Immiva handles the category code, field validation, and document requirements.
Smart Form Logic
Immiva detects whether you're changing status or extending and fills the correct Part 2 fields accordingly.
I-765 Bundling Built In
If your spouse has an approved I-140, we prepare both I-539 and I-765 together so you can work as soon as H-4 is approved.
Dependent Children Included
Filing for kids too? Immiva generates Form I-539A for each dependent child at no extra charge.
Print-Ready Filing Packet
Completed I-539 (+ I-539A, I-765 if applicable), G-1145, payment form, document checklist, and mailing instructions.
H-4 Change of Status Packet
I-539 (+ I-539A for dependents) + optional I-765 bundle + document checklist + filing instructions.
$129 / application
I-765 bundle included at no extra cost
H-4 Guides & Resources
Understand the process before you file
In-depth guides on Form I-539, H-4 status, processing times, and how the transition affects your daily life.
Complete guide
Form I-539 for H-4 Visa: What You Really Need to Know
Who can file, when to file, bundling with H-1B, processing times, and the mistakes that cause delays.
Read guide →How-toFill Out Form I-539 in 2026: Complete Guide
Part-by-part walkthrough. Every field explained, with tips on the questions that trip people up.
Read guide →H-4 overviewH-4 Visa Guide 2026: Status, Rights & Rules
Everything about H-4 life in the US: eligibility, daily life, EAD, driving, school, and common mistakes.
Read guide →ComparisonJ-2 EAD vs H-4 EAD: 2026 Comparison Guide
Transitioning from J-1 to H-1B? Understand the work gap, the 212(e) issue, and what it means for dependents.
Read guide →