USCIS Policy Memo: Additional Guidance on Determining Periods of Admission for Foreign Nationals Previously Admitted as H-4 Nonimmigrants who are Seeking H-2 or H-3 Status

"This policy memorandum (PM) provides additional guidance regarding how Immigration Services Officers (ISOs) should determine periods of admission for a foreign national. Specifically, this PM clarifies that time spent as an H-4 dependent does not count against the maximum allowable periods of stay available to principals in H-2A, H-2B, or H-3 status. This PM updates Chapter 31.2(d)(2) of the Adjudicator’s Field Manual (AFM), AFM Update AD13-12." - USCIS, Nov. 11, 2013.