Can a H1B dependent work ?

[Rr Kumaran]

Can a dependent (H4 B) of H1B after her six months stay in US can start working or she cannot work at all during her stay in US ? Please clarify.

[Lokesh Rai]

Hi Kumaran,

H4B visa holders are not able to work in US. Look here for FAQs:
http://www.kkeane.com

Regards,
Lokesh

[Rr Kumaran]

Hi Lokesh,

Thank you for the response. However a friend of mine who is holding H1B and presently in US is claiming that his wife started working after 6 months. It is possible by some kind of work permit available in U.S for H1B dependents. I am confused.

Thanks.

[Dharam Singh]

If you are in New York,New Jersey,Los Angeles,Houston area where Indians and Pakistanis stay in clusters then it might be possible.Many Indian restaurants,gas stations owned by Indian origin offer the jobs to needy.

[Luke Kolin]

Originally posted by RR Kumaran:
Thank you for the response. However a friend of mine who is holding H1B and presently in US is claiming that his wife started working after 6 months.

If his wife was able to qualify for a work permit on her own (H-1/L-1/TN/EAD/etc) then this is possible, but H-4 holders cannot legally work based on that status alone. If she wishes to work illegally, that is a different situation with its own set of consequences.

Cheers!

Luke

[D Kumar]

Originally posted by Dharam Singh:
If you are in New York,New Jersey,Los Angeles,Houston area where Indians and Pakistanis stay in clusters then it might be possible.Many Indian restaurants,gas stations owned by Indian origin offer the jobs to needy.

You know a lot of things Dharam Singh. Your name looks familiar.

[Rr Kumaran]

Thank you all for the info.

Luke - What are TN or EAD ? Are they given for H1B dependents ?

[Amit Saini]

EAD card is an employment authorization card for a specific period of time. Typically, students get an EAD card for 1 year after completing education.
H4's dont get EAD cards. Your wife must apply for a H1 through a consultant or apply for job to some company to start working. Ofcourse, lot of Asians work at gas stations, 7-11's etc without work permit too and get paid in cash. That is not what you might want to do.
ALl the best,amit

[Dhruv Shah]

Originally posted by RR Kumaran:
Can a dependent (H4 B) of H1B after her six months stay in US can start working or she cannot work at all during her stay in US ? Please clarify.

H4 workers can't work in US (legally). But there are options around like working in indian stores, doing baby sitting, teaching, taking classes etc, check out the article at www.IndianFamilyFriends.com