Dependent visas in the USA allow family members of individuals holding various types of visas (work, student, etc.) to join them in the United States. These visas typically enable spouses, children under 21, and in certain cases, other dependents to live in the U.S. alongside the primary visa holder. While these visas do not always grant automatic work authorization, they often allow dependents to study and, in some cases, work with proper authorization.
Key Features of USA Dependent Visas
- Family Reunification: Enables spouses and children of visa holders to stay together in the U.S.
- Educational Access: Dependents can attend schools or universities.
- Work Rights: Some dependent visas allow the spouse to apply for work authorization (EAD).
- Multiple Visa Categories: Available for dependents of students, workers, and other visa holders.
- Validity Linked to Primary Visa: The dependent visa’s validity is tied to the primary visa holder’s status.
Overview of All Streams
F-2 Visa (Dependent of F-1 Student Visa)
J-2 Visa (Dependent of J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa)
H-4 Visa (Dependent of H-1B Work Visa)
F-2 Visa (Dependent of F-1 Student Visa)
- Purpose: For spouses and children of F-1 student visa holders.
- Eligibility: Must be the spouse or unmarried child under 21 of an F-1 visa holder.
- Duration: Same as the primary F-1 visa holder.
- Other Features: F-2 dependents cannot work, but they can study part-time (spouses) or full-time (children).
J-2 Visa (Dependent of J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa)
- Purpose: For dependents of J-1 exchange visitors.
- Eligibility: Spouse or child under 21 of J-1 visa holders.
- Duration: Same as the primary J-1 visa holder.
- Other Features: J-2 visa holders can apply for Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to work in the U.S.
H-4 Visa (Dependent of H-1B Work Visa)
- Purpose: For dependents of H-1B visa holders.
- Eligibility: Spouse or child under 21 of H-1B visa holders.
- Duration: Same as the H-1B visa holder.
- Other Features: Certain H-4 visa holders (spouses of H-1B visa holders with approved I-140 petitions) can apply for work authorization (EAD).
L-2 Visa (Dependent of L-1 Work Visa)
O-3 Visa (Dependent of O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa)
TN Dependent Visa (TD Visa)
L-2 Visa (Dependent of L-1 Work Visa)
- Purpose: For dependents of L-1 intra-company transferee visa holders.
- Eligibility: Spouse or child under 21 of L-1 visa holders.
- Duration: Same as the L-1 visa holder.
- Other Features: L-2 visa holders are eligible to apply for work authorization (EAD).
O-3 Visa (Dependent of O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa)
- Purpose: For dependents of O-1 visa holders.
- Eligibility: Spouse or child under 21 of O-1 visa holders.
- Duration: Same as the O-1 visa holder.
- Other Features: O-3 visa holders cannot work but can study in the U.S.
TN Dependent Visa (TD Visa)
- Purpose: For dependents of TN visa holders (for Mexican and Canadian professionals under NAFTA/USMCA).
- Eligibility: Spouse or child under 21 of TN visa holders.
- Duration: Same as the primary TN visa holder.
- Other Features: TD visa holders cannot work but can study.
General Eligibility Criteria
- Relationship Proof: Must provide documentation proving the relationship to the primary visa holder (e.g., marriage certificate for spouses, birth certificates for children).
- Health and Character: While specific health checks are not always required, dependents must adhere to U.S. legal standards and regulations.
- Age Requirements: Children must be under 21 and unmarried.
- Dependent Status: Dependents must rely on the primary visa holder for financial support in many cases.
Required Documents
- Proof of Relationship: Marriage certificates (spouses), birth certificates (children), adoption documents, etc.
- Identity Documents: Passports and recent photographs.
- Visa Application Forms: DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application form for each dependent.
- Proof of Primary Visa Status: Copy of the primary visa holder’s I-797 approval notice, valid visa, and other supporting documents.
- Financial Proof: Documents showing that the primary visa holder can financially support the dependents.
- Visa Fee Payment: Receipt of visa application fee payment.
Application Process
- Step 1: Complete Form DS-160: Each dependent must complete and submit a DS-160 form online.
- Step 2: Pay Visa Fees: Pay the applicable visa fee for each dependent.
- Step 3: Schedule an Interview: Schedule a visa interview at the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy.
- Step 4: Gather Required Documents: Prepare all necessary documents, including proof of relationship and financial capability.
- Step 5: Attend the Interview: Attend the interview, where dependents will need to provide documentation and answer questions regarding their relationship with the primary visa holder.
- Step 6: Wait for Visa Issuance: Upon successful processing, visas will be issued for each dependent.
All Costs
| Visa Type | Application Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| F-2 Visa | $185 |
| J-2 Visa | $185 |
| H-4 Visa | $190 |
| L-2 Visa | $190 |
| O-3 Visa | $190 |
| TD Visa | $160 |
Note: Fees are subject to change and may vary depending on the consulate.
Visa Processing Time
| Visa Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| F-2 Visa | 2 weeks to 2 months |
| J-2 Visa | 2 to 8 weeks |
| H-4 Visa | 2 to 12 months (varies) |
| L-2 Visa | 2 weeks to 3 months |
| O-3 Visa | 2 to 4 months |
| TD Visa | 2 weeks to 2 months |
Note: Processing times may vary based on individual circumstances and the consulate.
Key Points to Remember
- Work Authorization: Some dependent visa holders (J-2, H-4, and L-2) may be eligible to apply for work authorization.
- Validity Linked to Primary Visa: The dependent’s visa validity is directly tied to the primary visa holder’s status and visa duration.
- Education Opportunities: All dependent visa holders can study in the U.S., but only certain visas allow dependents to work.
- Renewal and Extension: The dependent visa must be renewed or extended if the primary visa holder renews or extends their visa.
Conclusion
USA dependent visas provide an essential mechanism for family members to join primary visa holders while they work or study in the U.S. Each visa stream has specific eligibility criteria, conditions, and rights, such as the ability to work or study. Understanding the requirements and preparing the necessary documentation is crucial for ensuring a smooth application process.
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