Getting Canadian Passport - H4 Visa Stamp

[RajGill]

Hi All -

I am currently indian passport holder and will be getting a new Canadian passport and will surrender my Indian passport. I have H4 visa stamped on my current passport valid till 2023. For travel you don't need visa on Canadian passport though to be on H4 status - Do I need to get it restamped, will I need to schedule an interview? Please direct me to link for more information on this.

ThanksRajdeep

 

[harirajmohan]

Hi All -

I am currently indian passport holder and will be getting a new Canadian passport and will surrender my Indian passport. I have H4 visa stamped on my current passport valid till 2023. For travel you don't need visa on Canadian passport though to be on H4 status - Do I need to get it restamped, will I need to schedule an interview? Please direct me to link for more information on this.

ThanksRajdeep

After getting canadian passport just use canadian passport and they will issue a i94 (without needing for visa).

 

[lampbreaker]

Canadians don't need a Visa. Also, in any case the Visa on the Indian passport remains valid.

 

[RajGill]

Canadians don't need a Visa. Also, in any case the Visa on the Indian passport remains valid.

I cant have 2 passports same time. Once I get Canadian I will be submitting my Indian passport. I will be on H4 status and have a valid I94 till 2021 - so seems they will need to update my travel document right?

 

[harirajmohan]

I cant have 2 passports same time. Once I get Canadian I will be submitting my Indian passport. I will be on H4 status and have a valid I94 till 2021 - so seems they will need to update my travel document right?

At whose end this needs an update on passport?
If you are inside US then your status is based on your I94, not on the passport you hold. If you travel outside then you need passport to get in(+ visa will be required if you use Indian passport and if you use canadian then you dont need visa to gain new status). USCIS doesnt need to get any update on your passport number change or country change. You just need to include new passport copy while renewing - doesnt matter which passport copy you include.
Whats your exact situation? Depending on that people can correctly answer instead of too many questions and answers.

 

[lampbreaker]

I cant have 2 passports same time. Once I get Canadian I will be submitting my Indian passport. I will be on H4 status and have a valid I94 till 2021 - so seems they will need to update my travel document right?

They will cancel the passport and return it to you. Visas will remain valid. But because of Canadian passport, it will be irrelevant. Is your spouse in the US in H1B status? Are you in the US?

 

[RajGill]

Yes, we both are in US

 

[harirajmohan]

Yes, we both are in US

Then just use the current I94 as a proof of legal status and neglect the stamp in Indian passport. While traveling outside, use the Canadian passport (along with I797) during return.

 

[canuck78]

At whose end this needs an update on passport?
If you are inside US then your status is based on your I94, not on the passport you hold. If you travel outside then you need passport to get in(+ visa will be required if you use Indian passport and if you use canadian then you dont need visa to gain new status). USCIS doesnt need to get any update on your passport number change or country change. You just need to include new passport copy while renewing - doesnt matter which passport copy you include.
Whats your exact situation? Depending on that people can correctly answer instead of too many questions and answers.

@RajGill is working on her H4 and will become a Canadian citizen but her spouse will remain and Indian citizen on H1B. Doesn’t she need to secure a work visa eventually unless her profession is covered under CUMSA?

 

[lampbreaker]

@RajGill is working on her H4 and will become a Canadian citizen but her spouse will remain and Indian citizen on H1B. Doesn’t she need to secure a work visa eventually unless her profession is covered under CUMSA?

Yes, for working. No for just living in the US with H1B spouse, H4 is sufficient for that. Also, they may have H4 EAD.

 

[canuck78]

Yes, for working. No for just living in the US with H1B spouse, H4 is sufficient for that. Also, they may have H4 EAD.

OK also assumed that OP will need a new visa. Don’t think it sounds like OP realizes this and is planning to return with her Canadian passport and work using her H4. Didn’t think Canadians qualify for H4 to work In the US.

 

[harirajmohan]

OK also assumed that OP will need a new visa. Don’t think it sounds like OP realizes this and is planning to return with her Canadian passport and work using her H4. Didn’t think Canadians qualify for H4 to work In the US.

OP did not talk about H4 working in US. OP wanted to know which passport to use to reenter US on H4. So if op has ead then he/she will use to work, if not he/she will not work.
Everyone knows that H4 is not work visa as work option with H4-EAD came very recently.

 

[Dr kbknaidu]

so guys with out US visa you can catch USA flight from India with Canada passport and a normal admission stamp ?

 

[harirajmohan]

so guys with out US visa you can catch USA flight from India with Canada passport and a normal admission stamp ?

Yes, same as flying/driving from Canada. Without stamp, airline never let you get boarding pass but once you show the Canadian passport then they will simply issue boarding pass. So you will get to know before even you board the plane. You can even call them and confirm.
Except the visa stamp, you should carry rest of the documents as usual.