U.S. · Immigration · Visa symbols
H4 visa symbol meaning.
Type a visa symbol to read its class and the section of law that 22 CFR 41.12 gives for it.
The H4 visa symbol means Spouse or Child of H1B, H1B1, H1C, H2A, H2B, or H3. Table 1 of 22 CFR 41.12 ties it to INA 101(a)(15)(H)(iv).
Visa symbol
Result
What H4 means in 22 CFR 41.12
Section 41.12 of Title 22 of the Code of Federal Regulations is titled “Classification symbols”. It opens: “A nonimmigrant visa issued to an applicant within one of the classes described in this section shall bear an appropriate visa symbol to show its classification. The symbol shall be inserted in the space provided on the visa.” Table 1 to that section then lists each symbol with its class and the section of law. The row for H4 is:
| Symbol | Class | Section of law |
|---|---|---|
| H4 | Spouse or Child of H1B, H1B1, H1C, H2A, H2B, or H3 | INA 101(a)(15)(H)(iv). |
The statute behind the symbol
The “section of law” column points to the Immigration and Nationality Act as codified at 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15), the definition of “immigrant”, which lists the classes of nonimmigrant aliens by letter. The definition begins: “The term “immigrant” means every alien except an alien who is within one of the following classes of nonimmigrant aliens”. H4 is in the group below.
The closing words of subparagraph (H) cover family members:
“and the alien spouse and minor children of any such alien specified in this paragraph if accompanying him or following to join him”
Source: 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15), INA 101(a)(15)(H)
The quotation is the statute’s own text as shown by Cornell’s Legal Information Institute on November 2, 2026, with cross-references left as printed. The statute is long and has been amended many times, so read the full subparagraph before relying on any part of it.
Reading the H4 row against its neighbours
| Symbol | Class | Section of law |
|---|---|---|
| H1B | Temporary Worker in a Specialty Occupation | INA 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b). |
| H1B1 | Chilean or Singaporean Temporary Worker in a Specialty Occupation | INA 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b1). |
| H1C | Registered Nurse in Health Professional Shortage Area | INA 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(c). |
| H2A | Temporary Worker Performing Agricultural Services | INA 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(a). |
| H2B | Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker | INA 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b). |
| H3 | Trainee or Special Education Exchange Visitor | INA 101(a)(15)(H)(iii). |
| H4 | Spouse or Child of H1B, H1B1, H1C, H2A, H2B, or H3 | INA 101(a)(15)(H)(iv). |
H4 is the last of seven H rows and the only one that names other symbols in its class: “Spouse or Child of H1B, H1B1, H1C, H2A, H2B, or H3”.
Nothing in Table 1 says who may be admitted in this class or what documents are needed for it. The table only names the class.
What this page does not tell you
A visa symbol is a label. Table 1 says what each class is called and where the classification comes from in law. It says nothing about who qualifies, what evidence is needed, how long anyone may stay, whether work is allowed or what an application costs. Those answers sit in other regulations and in agency guidance and they change, so use the lookup above to read the label and then take the question to the State Department’s visa pages (travel.state.gov, which blocked automated reading on November 2, 2026, so we have not cited its contents) or a licensed immigration attorney.
For other codes seen on immigration paperwork, see the H-4 EAD Eligibility Checker, which is a separate tool, and the I-94 number format checker.
Sources
Sources opened and read November 2, 2026.
- eCFR: 22 CFR 41.12 Classification symbols, Table 1 (current text; last amended 2023-09-12 per the eCFR version history) (read November 2, 2026)
- eCFR renderer API, the same section as machine-readable text (read November 2, 2026)
- Cornell Legal Information Institute: 8 U.S.C. 1101, definitions, subsection (a)(15) (read November 2, 2026)
Frequently asked questions
What does the H4 visa symbol mean?
In Table 1 to 22 CFR 41.12 the H4 symbol is the class “Spouse or Child of H1B, H1B1, H1C, H2A, H2B, or H3”, with the section of law INA 101(a)(15)(H)(iv).
Which section of law does H4 cite?
The table cites INA 101(a)(15)(H)(iv).
Where is the symbol printed?
The regulation says a nonimmigrant visa shall bear an appropriate visa symbol to show its classification and that the symbol shall be inserted in the space provided on the visa.
Which symbols does H4 cover?
Table 1 gives the class as “Spouse or Child of H1B, H1B1, H1C, H2A, H2B, or H3”.
Does the H4 symbol say anything about work authorization?
No. Table 1 only names the class. Work authorization for H-4 holders is decided under other rules; see the separate H-4 EAD checker on this site for a tool on that topic.
Does this page tell me whether I qualify for H4?
No. The table only names the class and the section of law. Eligibility and the application process are decided by the government agencies, so check the State Department visa pages or ask a licensed immigration attorney.
Where can I read the official table?
It is Table 1 to 22 CFR 41.12 in the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations at https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/chapter-I/subchapter-E/part-41/subpart-B/section-41.12. We read it on November 2, 2026; the eCFR version history shows the section was last amended on 2023-09-12.
Not legal advice
This page is general information drawn from the sources listed. It is not legal advice, it does not say whether you qualify for any visa class, and it is not run by any government agency. Immigration rules change and the agencies decide each case, so confirm with the State Department or a licensed immigration attorney before you rely on it. Everything runs in your browser; nothing you enter is sent anywhere.