An H1B visa holder’s spouse and children can actually file an application for H4 visas based on their relationship with the H1B holder. However, H4 visa holders cannot work in the United States, unless they fall under special circumstances. However, these people can go to school and they possess a status while staying in the United States.
Further, H4 spouses can work if their H1B spouse becomes a beneficiary of an approved I-140 petition, and they are placed under a backlog. In this specific circumstance, the H4 spouse could file for an application if they desire to work for an authorization with the USCIS.
