Immigration USA

Missed to file H4 extension, Spent 180+ days in US after i94 expiry [What to do?]

File H4 NPT application with USCIS to request i94 from back date. Or leave US and Get H4 visa stamp with entry ban waiver from US embassy

Written by Anil Gupta
  Anil Gupta  
Updated 13 Sep, 24
Missed H4 extension - How to write NPT request
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It happens and is pretty common to forget to renew H4 status within the US. The immigration system here is so complex that unless you are half attorney, you will make mistakes on the way.

It is not a mistake but a design.

  1. Your physical entry into the US is governed by a visa stamp in your Passport or Advance Parole document.
  2. Your stay length in the US is governed by i94.
  3. The i94 validity is governed by your passport expiry.
  4. Your passport expiry is governed by your country’s passport validity rules!

Coming to the topic and giving you options if you forgot to file an H4 extension with USCIS before the H4 i94 expired.

There are a couple of them.

Option 1: File H4 Extension with NPT with USCIS

The quickest option without leaving the USA physically is to file a Nunc Pro Tunc (NPT) application with USCIS.

This is nothing but filing the regular H4 extension using form i539 and requesting the extension from the past date. This past date is the date of the i94 expiry.

In most cases of H4, if the primary H1B has maintained the H4 status and the H4 extension was missed unintentionally, USCIS regularly approves the H4 extension with NPT.

Once approved, they issue an I94 from the past date to make the gap period legal.

How to make an NPT filing decision?

We are sharing this as a suggestion based on real-life instances that our users on the forum have shared and had success with NPT.

H4 I94 expiredFile NPT?Chance of Approval
1-90 days agoYes90%
90-180 days agoYes50%
180+ days agoNo20%

In all cases, we suggest to leave the US and apply H4 visa stamp in your passport if your stay has exceeded 180 days. This is a successful case of H4 visa stamping at Hyderabad, India after spending 180+ days in the US, filing NPT, and then leaving to be on the safe side.

The 180-day mark is important as there can be a 3-year entry ban that can be imposed on you if you have stayed in the US without status for 180+ days.

USA Entry ban criteria

  • 3 years: If the person spent more than 180 continuous days (approximately six months) in the U.S. unlawfully and then left voluntarily before removal proceedings begin
  • 10 years: If the person spent more than 365 days (one continuous year) in the U.S. unlawfully and then left for whatever reason, or was ordered removed from the U.S

This means that it is better to leave even if the NPT application is pending result and was filed before 180 days were completed. This helps to stay on the safe side as the USCIS result is unknown and you do not know how much more time USCIS will take to process your NPT application.

Option 2: Leave the US, File H4 Visa with US Embassy

The other option is to leave the US and file an H4 visa stamp application using your spouse’s H1B i797 petition with the US embassy.

You can visit your home country, Mexico, Canada, or any other country to get this H4 visa stamp.

You will need an explanation of your situation as to why you did not file an extension time along with the regular documents for the H4 visa stamp.

On the DS-160 form, you will have to say yes to the question and then explain your situation.

How to explain?

The most common answer to H4 not being filed timely is “We did not know that an H4 extension is required“. This is the WRONG answer as negligence of US immigration laws is not allowed.

We suggest writing any one of the following based on your situation:

  • The employer usually files the H4 extension along with H1B and this time, they did not sponsor the H4 extension. We filed an NPT extension as soon as we got to know about it.
  • We traveled out of the US and the H4 i94 was shortened due to the passport expiry on re-entry. We forgot to track the i94 expiry but applied for an H4 extension as soon as we realized our mistake

Unlawful presence starts on I94 expiry

Even a single day stay after your H4 i94 has expired is counted as an “Unlawful presence”.

No issue if you mention the Truth in DS 160

It is okay to mention this Unlawful presence time as it is a genuine time. It should not affect your application.

How to File a Nunc Pro Tunc Request?

NPT does not have any official form or a template to file with USCIS. It is simply a request on plain paper that you can write to explain your situation and request approval from the past date.

  1. Supporting documents: We suggest including the supporting documents that help prove your argument of why you missed filing the extension before the i94 expiry.
    • Expired Passport copy – If i94 expired due to passport expiry
    • Medical condition – If you had any medical condition that prevented or made you forget to file an extension on time, then include your medical bills and a letter from the Doctor about your condition.
  2. Cover letter: Write a letter explaining your situation. If you need help with writing an NPT cover letter, you can contact us and one of our experts will write one for you.
  3. USCIS Form: In the case of H4, you will need to fill out form i539.

You will need to send your NPT cover letter, supporting documents, and the USCIS form in the same package to USCIS.

FAQ

My H1B employer forgot to file an H4 extension for my spouse and child. How is it my mistake?

The H4 application is a personal application for H1B’s dependents. It is not the employer’s responsibility to file their visa extensions on time.

Most good employers do file and pay for H4 visa extensions but they are not obliged to do it every time.

Many small companies have also started asking the H1B to pay for H4 extensions due to the high costs involved with Attorney and USCIS filing fees.

Does H4 have to go to the home country and go for stamping by explaining the circumstances about missing to file timely?

You can visit your home country, Mexico, Canada, or any other country to get an H4 visa stamp on your passport.

Yes, an explanation and supporting documents would be required to support your story about why you missed filing on time.

In 99% of H4 cases, this is considered a basic negligence offense and the visa office in the US embassy is lenient.

Can I get NPT approval even if I have spent 180+ days after the i94 expiry in the USA?

Yes, you can get the NPT approval even after spending 180 days in the US after the i94 expiry. It depends on the USCIS officer and how they interpret your situation.

It would be good if they approved your NPT application with a back date. The unlawful presence is removed.
You do not need to declare it in future applications as long as the previous i94 date has been matched.

If they deny it, you will have to leave the US. Then, apply for an H4 visa stamp with the US embassy and get an entry ban waiver to re-enter.

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