New Delhi, Jan. 9 -- Working in the United States on an H-1B visa does not mean you have to live apart from your family. US immigration rules allow your legally married spouse or unmarried children under the age of 21, to accompany you under the H-4 dependent visa category.

However, the H-4 status only applies if your dependents already don't have a different immigration status of their own, such as F-1, J-1, H-1B, among others. In case they do, the eligible applicants must apply to legally change their current status to H-4.

Here's a detailed guide that walks you through the rules laid down by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), explaining what to expect and how to navigate each stage smoothly.

- Maintain valid status: So...