Pay Stubs for H-4 to F-1: Is It Mandatory to Submit Them?

Submitting pay stubs for H-4 to F-1 transition is one of the best ways to show proof of income and demonstrate independence, maximizing the chances of a successful outcome. While this isn’t the only type of document you can use as financial proof for an F-1 visa, it’s one of the most common and easiest ones to obtain.

In this article, we’ll learn about the basics of transitioning from H-4 to F-1, whether it’s mandatory to use pay stubs to do it, and what other documentation you can use. We’ll talk about the process itself, its time, cost, and more, so let’s get started!

Key Takeaways

• While submitting pay stubs for H-4 to F-1 transition isn’t mandatory, it’s one of the best ways to demonstrate financial capability.
• USCIS needs proof of your financial capability to see that you’re able to support yourself during your studies.
• By obtaining an F-1 visa, you gain increased independence compared to an H-4 visa and additional opportunities, such as the ability to gain practical training through CPT and OPT.
• Processing times for a visa status change typically range from 3 to 8 months but can last up to a year or longer.

Is Submitting Pay Stubs Mandatory for the H-4 to F-1 Visa Process?

Submitting pay stubs for the H-4 to F-1 visa process isn’t mandatory, as there are alternative documents you can use. However, it’s one of the easiest ways to go about it. Let’s find out what USCIS requires for financial proof and what documentation you can use besides real pay stubs.

What USCIS Requires for Financial Proof

The USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) requires financial proof to see whether you can support yourself throughout your studies. In other words, they want to know if you can independently pay for your studies and living expenses until you graduate.

Having legal documentation to show as proof of income demonstrates that you won’t potentially resort to unauthorized employment or illegal activities to obtain funds.

Pay Stubs in H-4 to F-1 Applications

Pay stubs are among the most commonly used documents in H-4 to F-1 applications. This is particularly important if the applicant is the spouse of an H-1B visa holder and dependent on their income.

However, it’s important to note that pay stubs aren’t mandatory on their own. Applicants can use similar money-related documents as proof of their financial capacity. Also, evidence of financial capability is just one of several types of documentation needed to apply for the transition.

If an H-4 holder is the spouse of an H-1B holder, they must also provide the spouse’s last three pay stubs.

Alternative Financial Documentation That Works

In general, applicants for an F-1 visa should provide proof of their primary source of income, which can include several types of documentation. While pay stubs are commonly used to show income from authorized employment, applicants can also use:

• Personal bank statements
• Family bank statements
• A formal letter from a sponsor outlining their desire and ability to provide funds.
• Proof of personal savings
• Financial aid letters
• A letter from an employer showing the annual salary

The goal is to provide robust documentation and solid proof that you have easy access to funds. Moreover, the funds have to be sufficient to cover your tuition and living expenses during your study period.

Understanding H-4 to F-1 Change of Status Basics

The change of status from H-4 to F-1 refers to the process of transitioning from having an H-4 dependent visa to an F-1 student visa. It’s a process that individuals currently living in the U.S. can undergo by applying to USCIS.

Changing from an H-4 visa to a student visa allows individuals to pursue further education (e.g., full-time academic studies) at institutions certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). It enables them to access programs like Curriculum Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT), neither of which is available to H-4 visa holders.

Furthermore, an F-1 visa grants a higher level of independence compared to an H-4 visa. This is great for people who also want to work in their field of study without relying on the primary H-1B visa holder and their employment or income.

Also, young adults approaching the age of 21 can transition to F-1 to secure their nonimmigrant status independently.

Reasons to Change from H-4 to F-1

As we’ve already mentioned, some of the main reasons for changing from H-4 to F-1 include gaining more independence as well as access to academic studies and work authorization programs. Let’s expand on that and show you additional compelling reasons that drive individuals to transition to an F-1 visa:

• Employment opportunities. CPT and OPT are types of practical training that allow F-1 students to gain experience in their field during and after their studies. These types of training aren’t available to holders of an H-4 visa.

• Independence. An individual with an H-4 visa is tied to the holder of an H-1B and their employment. By transitioning to an F-1 visa, they separate themselves and can maintain their status and the right to stay in the U.S. even if an H-1B holder loses their job or changes marital status.

• Higher potential to transition to H-1B. Holders of an F-1 visa have a much more straightforward road to obtaining an H-1B visa in the future. In contrast, getting an H-1B visa with an H-4 is often extremely difficult.

• Age out concerns. An H-4 visa expires when a person turns 21. As a result, it’s imperative to transition to the F-1 visa before that, since it’s impossible to extend the H-4 visa.

Who Should Consider Moving From an H-4 to an F-1 Visa?

Let’s explore the most prominent circumstances and common situations in which you should consider moving from an H-4 to an F-1 visa.

#1. Professionally Ambitious H-4 Visa Holders

If you have strong professional aspirations and long-term career plans in your field, you should transition from an H-4 to an F-1 visa. For starters, the practical training opportunities like CPT and OPT can give you invaluable experience that will enhance your skills and knowledge, as well as provide you with networking benefits.

If you’re in a field that values hands-on experience over academic knowledge, jump-starting your career with an F-1 visa is the way to go. The alternative would be waiting for your H-4 Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card, which can take much longer to obtain.

#2. H-4 Visa Holders Pursuing Academic Goals

If your goals are academically oriented, you can gain access to valuable opportunities by transitioning to an F-1 visa. For instance, many research positions and graduate assistantships aren’t available to H-4 holders, and you can only apply for them once you transition.

An F-1 visa also gives holders the flexibility to transfer between schools and change programs. Even some college and university-level programs require H-4 holders to apply for an F-1 visa first. Plus, an F-1 visa allows you to support your studies and academic goals by enabling you to work both on and off-campus.

#3. H-4 Applications Affected by EAD Processing Delays

If you’re an H-4 holder who wants to work, you can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), but that process can take a lot of time. Also, it’s important to note that not every H-4 holder can apply for EAD, as several criteria need to be met (e.g., you must have an approved or pending Form I-140 and a status approved under AC21 Provisions).

In many cases, it can be quicker and more efficient to obtain an F-1 visa. For instance, if the H-1B spouse’s I-140 isn’t approved, you can wait a long time until your EAD application is processed. In that instance, you’re likely to get an F-1 visa and the CPT so you can start working or even run a business (e.g., as a sole proprietor).

#4. Individuals Affected by H-1B Constraints

The holder of an H-4 visa is tied to the holder of an H-1B visa and most of the constraints that they face. For instance, if an H-1B holder loses their job, the H-4 holder who depends on them only has 60 days to secure another nonimmigrant status to be able to stay in the U.S. Similarly, both H-1B and H-4 visas have a 6-year time duration limit.

An F-1 visa grants protection from these constraints and a much higher level of independence to its holders. Divorcing an H-1B holder terminates the H-4 status, and so does turning 21. In both of these situations, the best solution is to get an F-1 visa.

How to Change Visa Status from H-4 to F-1?

There are two options to change your visa status from H-4 to F-1, and they are:

1. Travel and reentry.
2. Change the status within the U.S.

Traveling back to your country is a straightforward method of getting an F-1 visa as an H-4 holder. You can simply apply from home, obtain your visa, and reenter the United States.

The upside of this method is that it demonstrates your attachment to your home country, which can be beneficial to your application. However, one of the drawbacks is that the H-4 to F-1 visa process can be more time-consuming this way, and you can face multiple delays.

The other option is to apply at the USCIS while within the United States. It’s important to note that you’ll still have to leave the country and reenter upon being approved, as you can’t get the visa while still in the U.S.

The upside to this method is that you can stay in the United States while your application is processed. On the other hand, you have to stay, as your application will be canceled if you leave. Moreover, if your application gets denied anyway, you might have to leave the country quickly.

Change of Status: Step-By-Step Guide

The prerequisite to submitting your application is to be accepted by an SEVP-certified school. You should research certified colleges and universities to find those that best suit your needs. Then, you should complete the application process to receive an I-20 and an application letter.

Once you have your I-20 and application letter, you should proceed with the following steps:

• Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee, which is typically around $350.
• File Form I-539 with USCIS, which is the Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.
• Submit supporting documentation.

The documentation to support your change of status includes:

• Copy of the received Form I-20.
• Receipt of the paid I-901 SEVIS fee.
• A financial statement proving that you have sufficient funds (e.g., pay stubs for an H-4 to F-1 transition).
• Copy of your H-4 visa.
• Copy of your passport.
• Copy of Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Records.
• Copies of the H-1B holder’s last three pay stubs.
• Copy of your marriage certificate.
• A letter explaining your reason for applying.
• A letter demonstrating your intent to return to your home country upon finishing your studies.

Timeline and Cost Considerations

Changing your visa status from H-4 to F-1 takes time and money, so let’s see how much:

Processing Time of the Visa Status Change

The H-4 to F-1 processing time varies based on your situation and circumstances (e.g., whether you’re applying while in the U.S. or from your home country), as well as the current backlog at USCIS.

While some applications can be processed within three months, this can extend to anywhere between six and twelve months, or even longer.

Here’s an estimated timeline:

• Getting an admission letter from your school after submitting application materials: 3–4 weeks.
• Getting an I-20 document: 7 business days.
• Filing Form I-539 and getting an approval: 3–8 months.

Alternatively, you can request premium processing by filing Form I-907 with your Form I-539 and paying a processing fee. This ensures your application gets processed within 30 calendar days.

How Much Does It Cost?

Here are the essential fees associated with applying for a change of status from H-4 to F-1:

• Form I-539 filing and USCIS processing fee: ~$400 (plus $85 biometrics fee)
• SEVIS fee: $350
• University application fee: $50–200
• Premium processing fee (optional): $1,965

Keep in mind that various services and immigration attorneys can help with your application and guide you throughout the process. Their fees and total cost will vary based on how extensive the services are and the complexity of your case.

Paystub.org: Solving Documentation Challenges for Visa Applicants

Having immaculate documentation is critical when applying for a change of status. The H-4 to F-1 rejection rate was 34.93% in 2022, increasing to 36.26% in 2023, and to maximize your chances of success, you want to submit clear and transparent documents, including your proof of income.

Our pay stub builder allows individuals to quickly and easily generate professional and accurate pay stubs for F-1 visa holders. They can be created by leveraging ready-made templates and intuitive controls that allow users to craft these documents in minutes.

If you’re an H-4 visa holder applying for a change of status, and you have a business by leveraging your EAD card, you can use our invoice generator. It works just like the pay stub generator, allowing you to pick an invoice template, input your details, and download a finished product.

Final Thoughts

Having clear and easy-to-read pay stubs for the H-4 to F-1 transition process helps you demonstrate financial capability and maximize the chances of getting the visa you’re after. Keep in mind that this is only a part of the process, and you need to be diligent every step of the way to succeed.

By familiarizing yourself with the process, you’ll know what documentation you need and how much the fees are. This will help you optimally present your case to the USCIS and gain the independence and opportunities associated with the F-1 visa. Good luck!