If you are a H1B holder, and you have H4 dependents, everytime when you have your H1B status extended , you have to extend their H4 status.
Don't assume their H4 status will be extended automatically with your H1B extension. They are not. You have to explicitly send I539 applications for all your H4 dependents by yourself.
And don't assume company lawers will include your dependents when they file applications to extend your H1B. Normally they won't (unless you pay them extra fees).
And please pay particular attention when you transfer your H1-B. The new company lawers may file an application to transfer AND EXTEND your H1-B, leaving your dependents H4 in dark.
If you have had your H1B extended (or transferred and extended) recently but didn't extend your dependents' H4 satus, they may have been out of status right now. The scary part is, you don't even know this until some day when you need their status for something, like a visa, or license, or green card ... but it may be too late at that time.
Remember, as a H1-B holder, you are rsponsible for your whole family!
Take care!
Don't assume their H4 status will be extended automatically with your H1B extension. They are not. You have to explicitly send I539 applications for all your H4 dependents by yourself.
And don't assume company lawers will include your dependents when they file applications to extend your H1B. Normally they won't (unless you pay them extra fees).
And please pay particular attention when you transfer your H1-B. The new company lawers may file an application to transfer AND EXTEND your H1-B, leaving your dependents H4 in dark.
If you have had your H1B extended (or transferred and extended) recently but didn't extend your dependents' H4 satus, they may have been out of status right now. The scary part is, you don't even know this until some day when you need their status for something, like a visa, or license, or green card ... but it may be too late at that time.
Remember, as a H1-B holder, you are rsponsible for your whole family!
Take care!