how is H4 visa duration determined?

[darock]

My wife is attending visa interview for H4 this september. My H1B expires Sep 2012, while my I94 shows Feb 2012.

What will her H4 expiry be? Sep 2012 or Feb 2012?

[Attorney_23]

Normally, the consulate will issue an H-4 visa valid through the expiration date of the H-1 petition. But, I have seen cases where they limit the H-4 visa to the same date as that of the H-1.

Regardless, in most circumstances, a dependent of an H-1 cannot remain in valid H-4 status if the H-1 is out of status and not in a period of authorized stay.