Living in the United States provides many opportunities to experience life in a new country, meet a variety of people, and develop a new worldview. As an H4 visa holder, there are many benefits to moving to the United States as the dependent spouse of an H1B visa holder, but there are also limitations to the visa. One of the most significant barriers is the inability to work in the United States legally.
H4 visa holders are prohibited from working in the United States, and because of that, they are not issued a social security number, which is often required when applying for jobs. However, there are still some legitimate ways to make money in the United States, feel fulfilled, and make quality use of your time.
Nine ways to earn money legally
Earning money on an H4 visa can be a bit tricky. While you’re not allowed to pursue employment actively, you also cannot work remotely for a foreign company or freelance. If you do make money through a passive income source, it cannot be intentional. For example, if you start writing a blog for the intent of eventually gaining paid sponsorship, that may be considered an illegal work activity. Unfortunately, there are no quick ways to make money legally on an H4 visa. But if you’re willing to put in the time and research, here are some options for you to make money while still abiding by the rules of your visa requirements.
1. Get paid for your opinion
Many companies will pay you to take surveys for market research. The amount paid for each survey can be in the form of gift cards, credit points, or some monetary value and may take a while to gain a significant amount. However, the effort is minimal and does not affect your visa status. Before you start taking surveys and providing personal information, make sure you do some research on the website or survey company. Some may not be legit and never payout.
A good tip is to sign up for surveys daily through a variety of survey companies to receive the best payout, but don’t expect to make large amounts of money. Compensation for taking one survey may be less than a dollar, and you may find out you’re not qualified after you’ve completed the survey. Qualifications are often based on demographics, and other criteria, so make sure you’re honest when responding. Create a new email address just for your survey profiles – this helps you to quickly filter new survey opportunities as soon as they become available. And the best tip-never enter your bank account information or pay to join a survey site.
Here are some popular survey sites to help get you started:
2. Try your luck at contests and sweepstakes
Online contests and sweepstakes are an easy way to win money and other prizes. Check out online contest and sweepstakes directories, like The Balance is Everyday website, to track current giveaways, eligibility details, and how to enter.
Check out social media and join any groups that share contest information. You can increase your chances to win by finding contests that award multiple winners or local businesses who are more likely to award prizes to people in their community. Every contest has different rules and requirements, so be sure to read the details before you fill out any forms.
3. Write a book or music
Tap into your creative side to compose music or write a book. If published, you can legally collect royalties. But only if you work with a studio or publisher based outside of the U.S. While not a quick way to earn extra cash, but it’s worth the time and investment if you have a compelling story to tell or music to share. Be sure to claim any income you receive as passive income on your tax forms.
4. Invest in a startup company
Even if you’re not able to work for a company, nothing is stopping you from investing in a business and earning money through the profits. While you may not be able to take part in the running of the company, you get all of the benefits of being a silent partner.
Many peer-to-peer lending websites will allow you to loan money and earn interest from American businesses legally. You can diversify your investment through many small loans or provide large lump sums payments. Prosper or The Lending Club can help to get you started. But before you begin, make sure you understand the market you are investing in and spend the time to research how the startup will use your money. Consult a legal advisor before signing any documents and know the risks before you part with any money.
5. Invest in stocks
When you purchase a stock, you are investing in a small part of a public company. The key is to invest in companies that will grow in value over time so you can sell your stock for a profit. As an H4 visa holder, you can trade no more than four stocks per week to not affect your visa status. Keep in mind that there are fees involved in trading some stocks, which may affect your profit line.
You don’t need a large amount of money to start investing, but you will need to research the most cost-effective way to get involved. Before you dive in, check out stock trading practice sites that will allow you to trade fake money and invest in a virtual stock market.
6. Start a YouTube channel
Like writing a blog, starting a YouTube channel is a bit of a gray area when earning passive income on an H4 visa. If you intend to create a channel to make money, it violates your visa contingencies. However, you can create a channel for fun, and if advertisers find value in your channel, they can pay to place ads and other promotions through your videos.
Making money through this avenue takes time and is not guaranteed. You need first to create a substantial volume of followers and views which doesn’t happen overnight. If you are successful, YouTube will pay you a certain amount of money to keep producing videos and retain your followers. Eventually, you could gain paid sponsorships from advertisers.
7. Become a student
While you may be prohibited from working in the U.S., you do have the opportunity to expand your education. Under H4 status, you are eligible for in-state tuition, and continuing your education can provide you with the skills needed to find an employer to sponsor an H-1B visa. But keep in mind, as an H4 visa holder, you are not eligible for OPT (Optional Practical Training) like F1 visa holders.
8. Change your status
Changing your visa status can provide you with more working opportunities, and an H4 is one of the only visas that will allow for dual intent. Meaning, you can pursue permanent residence without affecting your current visa status. With permanent residence status or a green card, you have the freedom to work wherever you choose. Here are some options to file for permanent residency while on an H4 visa:
Another option is to change your status to an F1 student visa. This could open the door for training opportunities that lead to an employment-based visa. To be eligible to change your status, you must meet the following requirements:
- Your spouse has to have a valid H-1B
- You need a valid approved I-20 from a University and an I-901 SEVIS receipt.
If you can meet those requirements, you will need to return to your home country and apply for an F1 visa at a U.S. consulate. Another option is to change your status while in the U.S. The downfall to this option is that the process is long and you will not be issued a new visa, only your status changes.
9. Apply for an EAD
Applying for an I-765 or an Employment Authorization Document can be your best chance to earn an income on an H4 visa, but not all may be eligible to apply. In May of 2015, USCIS director, Leon Rodriquez announced that H4 visa holders would be permitted to work in the U.S. if certain conditions were met.
- Is the principal beneficiary of an approved Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker; or
- Has been granted H-1B status under sections 106(a) and (b) of the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-first Century Act of 2000 as amended by the 21st Century Department of Justice Appropriations Authorization Act (AC21).
In other words, the H-1B worker of which your H4 visa status relies on must be in the process of obtaining a green card, filed a PERM labor certification and has an approved I-140. Or, your H-1B holder spouse has already applied for permanent residence and is currently on a visa extension that has surpassed the first six years. In either qualification, the H-1B visa must be valid for the H4 holder to apply.
According to USCIS, this rule “seeks to support the goals of attracting and retaining highly skilled foreign workers and minimizing the disruption to U.S. businesses resulting from H-1B nonimmigrants who choose not to remain in the United States and pursue LPR status.”
The current status of the EAD option for H4 visa holders
In 2015, an organization called Save Jobs USA filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claiming that DHS has no authority to grant EADs to H4 visa holders, and the new rule does not protect U.S. workers. The Trump administration has also made steps to reverse the H4 EOD program.
However, the option to apply for an EAD is still available for H4 visa holders at the time of this article posting. The future is unclear for the H4 EOD program and the current H4 EOD holders if the rule is revoked. If you are considering applying for an EOD, be sure to contact a reputable immigration attorney to understand your best options.
FAQs
Can I open a business/company with my H4 & H4 EAD? Yes, you can open a business/company while on H-4 visa or with an H-4 EAD. However, opening a company does not change your immigration status from H-4 to an entrepreneur or business owner.
Can I start a business on H4 visa? ›
Can I open a business/company with my H4 & H4 EAD? Yes, you can open a business/company while on H-4 visa or with an H-4 EAD. However, opening a company does not change your immigration status from H-4 to an entrepreneur or business owner.
What kind of jobs can H4 visa holders get? ›
However, if an H4 visa holder obtains an H4 Employment Authorization Document (EAD), they can work as freelancers or in any industry. To freelance on an H4 EAD, the visa holder needs to apply for an EAD using Form I-765, provide necessary documents, and wait for approval.
Can I do freelance work on H4 visa? ›
A H4 visa holder cannot do freelancing work in the US. This type of visa is only meant for spouses of H1B Visa holders who are waiting on their green card, which can take a very long time.
Can H4 visa holders do volunteer work? ›
H4 visa holders can only volunteer with nonprofit organizations that do not offer monetary benefits. These positions must be unpaid. If you accept a paid opportunity, it will be considered illegal. Typically, H4 visa holders volunteer with religious and social organizations.
Can H-4 visa holders earn money? ›
Earning money on an H4 visa can be a bit tricky. While you're not allowed to pursue employment actively, you also cannot work remotely for a foreign company or freelance. If you do make money through a passive income source, it cannot be intentional.
Can H-4 work for multiple employers? ›
Can H4 Visa holder under new EAD work for multiple employers? A: Yes, the EAD for H4 visa holders is not restricted to any particular type of employment.
Can I get a job in USA on H-4 visa? ›
The H4 visa is issued to the spouse and children below 21 years of the H1 visa holders. The H4 visa holders can study, live, and work in the US with this visa status.
Can I apply for green card on H-4? ›
Under H-4 status, you will be able to live and study in the U.S. Those that are the spouses of H-1B holders can also work, provided that they obtain valid Employment Authorization Documents (EAD). Additionally, as of 2015, H-4 visa holders can apply for lawful permanent residence (green cards).
Can I get a green card with H-4 visa? ›
Also, many H4 visa holders want to know whether they can apply for a Green Card. The answer, in this case, is yes. Most H type visas are dual intent, which means that you can have a non-immigrant and immigrant status.
Can I drive Uber on H4-EAD or L2 EAD? You can drive an Uber taxi using H4 EAD. The same applies to L2 EAD. An employment authorization document allows you to work in any industry and in any job including working in Walmart as a sales agent or cashier to driving Uber or working in McDonald's.
Can H-4 holder get SSN? ›
Most H-4 visa holders are not permitted to work in the United States and cannot obtain Social Security Numbers. However, a special provision allows certain H-4 spouse visa holders to apply for work authorization.
What are the benefits of H4 visa? ›
They can live in the United States on a continuous basis. They can also travel to and from the country as needed. H-4 visa holders can either join their spouse immediately or choose to move to America at a later date. They also have the right to attend college in the United States and may even enjoy discounted tuition.
Can I do Masters on H4 visa? ›
Regardless of your reasons to study in the US, you may wonder if you are allowed to study masters on H4 or L2 visa. The good news is that you can study on H4 visa or L2 visa either as a part-time or full-time student. Read along to find out the steps involved and the different options you have.
Can my husband work on H4 visa? ›
The H4 EAD holder's ability to work is dependent on the status of their spouse who holds an H-1B visa. If the H-1B holder loses their status, the H-4 EAD holder will also lose their right to work.
Can I volunteer on H-4 without EAD? ›
The USCIS views such volunteering as “work” and requires proper employment authorization issued by that agency. This specifically includes volunteering by a foreign national for a trial period leading up to compensated employment.
Can H-4 become H-1B? ›
Steps to Change H4 Visa to H1B Visa
If you are currently on an H-4 visa and meet the necessary requirements, it is possible to change your status to an H-1B visa within the United States. To do so, your H-4 I-94 must still be valid, and your spouse must have maintained a valid H-1B status with a valid I-94.
Who pays for H-4 visa? ›
No. Unfortunately, you will be responsible for all H-4 fees. Neither your employer nor your spouse's employer is obligated to pay them. However, they may do so if they choose EAD.
Do H1B visa holders pay more taxes than US citizens? ›
If you are a nonresident and working in the US on an H1B visa, you will be taxed on money that you make in the US, at the same rate as US citizens. You are obliged to file a US tax return (Form 1040NR), but you can not claim the same deductions as US citizens.
Is it illegal to work 2 jobs on H-1B? ›
Yes. An H-1B visa holder can work for two or more employers. Of course, this is only possible through the second concurrent H-1B application. The H-1B visa holder will have to file an H-1B petition to the USCIS via their new employer to work both jobs.
An H-4 EAD holder can work 3 hours in one job, 5 hours in another job location or 10 hours and then keep switching from job to job if they want. There is no limit on how they work. They can even start their own business. So those are some of the big advantages of H-4 EAD.
What are the job restrictions for H-4 EAD? ›
Unrestricted and flexible employment – the H-4 EAD allows unrestricted employment – there are no requirements for specific positions, hours worked and minimum salary (as long as it complies with federal and state minimum wage laws).
What is the new rule of H-4? ›
According to the new law H4, visa holders will be able to work again in the US if their spouses on H1b visa have applied for permanent residency or green card. Obtaining an H4 visa is not as complicated as you think. We are here to help you as much as we can.
Can I sponsor myself to work in USA? ›
Some of these visas, such as the EB-1 visa allow self-petitioning. This means that in some cases, if you have such extraordinary abilities you can sponsor your own visa. You must submit all the documents and pay the fees yourself. Other visas, such as the EB-5 visa only work through self-petitioning.
Can I get a green card if I get a job in USA? ›
To get an EB-3 Green Card as a skilled worker, your job in the USA has to require a minimum of two years of training, experience, or relevant post-secondary education. Also, no US citizen may be able to do your job as well as you can.
What is the age limit for H-4 dependent? ›
H-4 eligibility
Spouses of H-1B employees and unmarried children under 21 years of age are eligible for H-4 status. A child can no longer stay in the U.S. as an H-4 dependent once they turn 21.
Does H-4 need to file taxes? ›
The IRS requires H4 visa holders to file an annual tax return. In fact, most individuals in the United States, including green card holders, must pay taxes on their worldwide income to the IRS.
What is the difference between H-4 and H-4 EAD? ›
An H4 Visa is a Visa issued to dependants (spouses or children under 21 years of age) of H1B visa holders. Spouses of H1B visa holders are not allowed to work with just an H4 Visa. There is, however, an option to obtain an EAD which allows you to work with an H4 visa.
Can you skip H-1B and get green card? ›
It is also possible to apply for your Green Card without an H-1B visa, but getting a Green Card is a long process and having an H-1B visa makes the process a lot easier.
What is the premium processing for H-4? ›
Premium processing for H-4 EADs will allow people to pay an additional fee to file expedited requests and have documents or paperwork processed by USCIS in a much shorter time frame. Premium processing allows people to jump the queue and get approvals or authorization without facing processing delays.
With an EAD you do not need to have a Labor Condition Application (LCA), petition or sponsorship (Form I-129) from US government agencies. The EAD allows you to work in any sector of the economy in any type of legal job, so you are not only constrained to jobs which require extraordinary ability.
Can I drive LYFT without SSN? ›
Lyft conducts a criminal background check as a part of the application process, with your consent. Background checks can take several weeks to process and may be delayed due to court and DMV closures caused by COVID-19. For the background check, U.S. drivers must provide a valid social security number.
Can I drive for Uber without a green card? ›
If you're an undocumented immigrant, you will not be allowed to work for Uber. You have no legal status that allows you to do so, and you lack an SSN too.
Can I drive Uber without EAD? ›
If you have an SSN and there are no restrictions on your ability to work in the US, you can drive for Uber. Nonresidents that typically don't have work restrictions include: Permanent residents (green card holders) Refugees and those granted political asylum.
Can I start a business on H-4 visa without EAD? ›
Yes, you can. The H-4 visa is considered a “dual-intent” visa, which means you can pursue a green card without compromising your nonimmigrant status.
Can I open bank account on H-4? ›
H-4 visa holders are not eligible to get a Social Security Number and cannot be employed, but can hold a driver's license, open bank account(s) and get ITIN for IRS Tax purpose.
Can I go from H-4 to non profit H-1B? ›
Steps to Change H4 Visa to H1B Visa
If you are currently on an H-4 visa and meet the necessary requirements, it is possible to change your status to an H-1B visa within the United States. To do so, your H-4 I-94 must still be valid, and your spouse must have maintained a valid H-1B status with a valid I-94.
Can a H1B visa holder start a LLC? ›
It does not matter whether you are starting an LLC on an H-1B visa or without being on H-1B status. In both cases, you have the ability to incorporate an LLC. You should be aware that if you are on H-1B, the scope of you having control over your company becomes limited.
What are the benefits of H-4 visa? ›
They can live in the United States on a continuous basis. They can also travel to and from the country as needed. H-4 visa holders can either join their spouse immediately or choose to move to America at a later date. They also have the right to attend college in the United States and may even enjoy discounted tuition.
Do all H-4 visa holders get EAD? ›
Do I qualify for the H4 EAD Program? Not all those who have an H-4 visa and are dependents of H-1B visa holders are eligible to apply for an EAD. There are two requirements, and H-4 dependents need to satisfy at least one of them to qualify for an H-4 EAD application.
Taking contract-based, temporary or independent contractor employment opportunities is also allowed with the H-4 Spouse EAD work permit. The H-4 Spouse EAD work permit would also permit self-employment which would include being engaged as an independent contractor (1099) or running own business as a sole proprietor.
When can H-4 get SSN? ›
You should receive your SSN card no later than 7 business days after you receive your EAD from USCIS. Please call or visit an SSA office if you do not receive your SSN card within 7 business days after receiving your EAD.
How to build credit for H-4? ›
Never keep outstanding balances. After 6 months, you can ask for increase in credit limit. If you have paid your balances on time fully and maintained well, you should get an increase in credit limit. Slowly, after that you use your card and start building credit history.
How can H-4 work in USA? ›
Dependents in H-4 status are permitted to study while in the US, on either a part-time or full-time basis. H-4 dependents are not allowed to work while in the US. However, certain H-4 spouses may be eligible to apply to the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) for H-4 employment authorization.
Has anyone converted H4 visa to H-1B visa? ›
Any H4 visa holder may convert from H4 to H1B visa status as long as they meet the H1B visa requirements. The H4 visa holders sponsoring H1B employer must file his or her H1B petition. The H1B sponsoring employer will need to submit the following along with Form I-129.
Can I apply for H-1B lottery while on H-4? ›
You can apply for an H1B transfer while on H4 EAD. Since you are on an H4EAD work permit, you can keep working on H4EAD status until your H1B transfer is finally approved and your status is changed to H1B.
Can H-1B rent on Airbnb? ›
Yes, H1B visa holders can legally do Airbnb while on an H1b visa. The same regulations that apply to vacation rental properties also apply to Airbnb rentals. However, it is important to make sure you are in compliance with local laws and regulations regarding short-term rentals.
Can I drive Uber on H-1B? ›
No, H1B visa holders cannot drive for Uber due to H1B visa job restrictions. Even if H1B visa holders can fulfil all of Uber's requirements (such as owning a specific kind of car, holding a licence, and having an SSN), driving for Uber would go against the rules of their H1B visa.
Which visa is required to start a business in USA? ›
A foreign national traveling to the United States to conduct temporary business needs a visitor visa (B-1) unless qualifying for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.
