ECNR stands for Emigration Check Not Required and ECR stands for Emigration Check Required . The idea behind ECR stamp in the passport is to protect Indian citizens from legal conditions of other countries. According to the Emigration Act 1983, ‘Emigration’ means Indian citizen leaving India with the intent to acquire employment in a foreign country. So, Indians that fulfill certain conditions are required to obtain Emigration clearance on their passport from Protector of Emigrants(POE), for going abroad.
H4 visa is issued to the dependent family members (spouse and Children) of H1 visa holders who would like to accompany the H1B visa holder in the U.S. during the period of their stay. the principal applicant is always the H1B visa holder. Immediate family members like spouse and children under 21 yrs can qualify for this visa and can apply at the US Consulate in their home country.As an H4 visa holder, you're not authorized to be employed in the US and are not eligible to get a Social Security Number. You can, however:
get a Drivers license
pursue education
open bank account(s)
are eligible for an ITIN (Tax ID for IRS Tax purposes)
Make no mistake in filling out the visa application and understanding the legalities related to the H4 visa.
The key to getting the H4 visa is doing the right thing at the right time and at the right place. Complete your H4 visa paperwork, understand the process, and be proactive during the application period.
Following is the list of documents required to prepare for H4 visa stamping. Remember that if you have the proper documents in place, the process is very simple.
Completed Non-immigration H4 visa application form DS-160 stamped at the Visa Application Center (VAC). Separate form for each applicant. [Sample Form DS-160]
Application US visa fee receipt.
US Visa Interview Appointment Letter which you get in your email inbox at the time of taking a US visa appointment.
Valid passport of each applicant.
Previous passports held by each applicant
One photograph: 2 and 2 inches square (50 mm square) for each applicant, showing full face, without head covering, against a light background. To be used in the application Form. US consulates are very particular about the Photographs specification. You must follow these guidelines for photographs. Check out the guidelines for photograph required for US visa.
Receipt of US Visa application fee. Read more about the US visa fee here.
If the applicant is below 14 yrs of age, Original Birth Certificate of this applicant (child) is required.
Original marriage certificate.
Entire wedding photo album.
A copy of marriage invitation card of both the families.
Complete copy of all the pages of your principal H1's passport.
Copy of principal H1 holders approved petition I797, form I-129 and LCA.
H1B visa holder's employment verification letter. See a sample employment verification letter.
Pay stubs from principal applicant's current place of work and income tax return (if the H1 holder is already working in U.S.)
When in doubt while collecting papers, always go for collecting more information than less. Once you have collected all the relevant pieces of information, getting the visa is a matter of time.
