I have recently applied to H4 (H1B spouse) visa!
This is for my record how long I had to wait for my H4 visa to arrive.
So how long do you expect to wait for your H4 visa after the interview??
I just received a notice from the US embassy that my passport is now ready to be picked up, a couple of days after my interview for.
Beside the “pick-up at the designated location” option, I also had a choice to get my passport delivered to my home address, but as I am living alone and I did not want to miss the delivery man (usually I work during the day time over the weekedays), I decided to go pick up at the designated location.
I heard that usually the US embassy will give you options how your passport to be delivered to you (whether via delivery to your home, or pick-up at logistics company), but those options may not be available in your country where you apply for visa, so you may want to check on the official website.
The location I applied for my visa was Seoul, South Korea, and there I had choices!
So…. In summary, the steps and timelines for getting my H4 visa
Not so long at all, that I had to wait!!
I was expecting to take a little more time until I receive my passport with my visa on it, but it was actually only a few days after my interview at the US embassy.
To be more specific, (W1 = week 1, W2 = week 2 – the following week of W1) here are the steps of getting my H4 visa in Korea.
- W1 Tuesday – DS-160 submission online
- W1 Thursday – Interview at the US embassy
- W2 Tuesday – Passport pick-up
That’s all!
So, literally, it took me only a week to get my H4 visa after my DS-160 submission.
Of course, I may have been just lucky, but at least, I am just sharing my experiences and I just wanted you to know that you do not need to worry to much if you have the right documents ready and you are a good person.
Basically, H4 will be given to all those applied, whose spouses are legally maintaining H1-B status with his/her employers.
Before going in to the US embassy for my interview, I was so scared and worried …. and got stressed out too much.
But after all, it was not as big deal as I thought – we (as a husband and wife) are just trying to live together in the US where one has his/her job… that’s all!
I wish you all the best for getting your US visa!!