For those not familiar with the H4 visa in the US: the spouse and unmarried children under age 21 of an H1B visa holder are eligible for H4 visa. A person on H4 status is not allowed to work unless the person gets a change of status from the US Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) from H4 to H1B status. The H1 visa is a temporary residency and work visa.

Since we do not know your country of residence, we are offering information that is India-specific. Similar rules and facilities exist in other countries. The US embassy and consulates provide special drop boxes where the visa application along with the required documents could be dropped off provided the person satisfies ANY of the following eligibility conditions:

• Has a valid visa of the same category.
• Has made multiple trips to countries outside India in the past 5 years.
• Had a visa and traveled to the US in the past 5 years.
• Is the spouse or child under 16 of one of the above categories.
• Is the parent (over age 50) of adult children in legal status in the US.
• Is a diplomat or officer of the Indian Administrative Services, Indian Foreign Service, Indian Police Officer, or Indian Military (Major or above) with a "no objection letter" showing formal permission to leave.
• Is a seaman with a previous C-1/D visa and a letter from a recognized shipping agency.
• Is a member of an airline crew serving on US bound flights from India.
• Is a first time student and has a full tuition waiver/scholarship or assistantship, or evidence of pre-payment of the first year's tuition, along with other required documentation as applicable (I-20, TOEFL, SAT/GRE/GMAT, original degree certificate, and mark sheets).
• Is a returning student or a returning exchange visitor.
• Is an applicant for a J-1 visa.
• Is an employee of a company approved to participate in the Business Express Program and is going to the US on company business.
• Is an H-1B visa holder applying for or renewing the visa.
• Is the dependent of an F-1, H-1B, J-1, or L-1 visa holder.
• Is mentally or physically handicapped.

Applicants should be aware, however, that after reviewing your case the Consular Section might need to ask you to appear for a personal interview.

We assume that you are happy to learn that you are eligible for the Drop Box system. Here is the process. To apply, enclose the following for each applicant (including children):

• A valid passport (meaning valid for at least the next 6 months) for each person applying for a visa.
• The fully completed and signed visa application form(s) (OF-156).
• One photograph (taken within the past 6 months) for each person applying for a visa.
• Demand drafts for the appropriate fees for each applicant.

Please keep in mind that these are general guidelines. Your personal situation may vary. The US officials may require additional information or documents such as marriage certificate if necessary.

Bon voyage!