USA Dependent Visa Guide
Unlocking the Dependent Visa USA: Your Comprehensive Guide
The United States, celebrated for its incredible ethnic diversity, magnetizes individuals for myriad reasons, be it leisure, work, or education. Frequently, when people settle in the United States, they aspire to reunite with their spouses and children. Fortunately, the US Government has established a provision for this through the avenue of a US dependent Visa.
What is a Dependent Visa for USA?
A Dependent Visa USA permits the spouse or children of specific US visa holders to join them in the country. The duration of these visas aligns with the validity of the primary visa held by the sponsor. For instance, if the sponsoring individual possesses a 2-year visa, their dependents will also secure a visa valid for up to 2 years. Dependent visas are categorized based on the primary visa type and include:
- H4 Dependent Visa: Issued to the spouse/children of individuals working in the USA under the H1-B category.
- F2 Dependent Visa: Granted to the spouse/children of individuals studying in the country on an F1 permit.
- L2 Dependent Visa: Designed for dependents of individuals on company transfers in the US under the L1 category.
- J2 Dependent Visa: Provided to the spouse/children of individuals participating in exchange programs under the J1 category.
Throughout this guide, the term ‘sponsor’ refers to the individual upon whom the dependent relies.
How to Apply for US Dependent Visa
The application process for F2, L2, J2, and H4 visas follows a similar pattern. Before initiating your application, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria associated with the sponsor’s visa type. You can then proceed with the following steps:
Document Collection: Gather all the necessary documents for your specific Dependent Visa USA category. Each type has its unique set of additional documents.
Account Creation: Create an account on the US CEAC (Consular Electronic Application Center) website.
Form Submission: Accurately complete the NIV DS-160 form and make note of the barcode number on the form.
Fee Payment: Pay the required fees online and retain the receipt number.
Appointment Scheduling: Arrange two appointments – the first for biometric submission at a Visa Application Center (VAC) and the second for a visa interview at the US Embassy or Consulate.
For the first appointment, bring your passport, appointment confirmation page, and DS-160 confirmation page to the VAC. Biometric information will be collected, and your form will be stamped for approval.
At the embassy or consulate, bring your passport, stamped DS-160 page, and appointment confirmation page for the visa interview. Questions during the L2, F2, J2, and H4 visa interviews will focus on your purpose, intent, duration of stay, and validation of your marriage to the sponsor. You must convince the consular officer that you are genuinely married and intend to reside in the US temporarily.
It is advisable for dependents to apply for their visa concurrently with their sponsor. This expedites the process and increases the chances of visa approval. Ensure all forms, including H4 visa application forms, are meticulously filled, and submit original documents. Inaccuracies in the application or submission of fake or invalid documents can lead to delays or visa denials, affecting your future visa applications.
Please note that individuals aged below 14 and above 80 are exempt from visa interviews and biometric submissions. Additionally, if your dependent visa expired within the past 12 months and you are applying for the same category, you may also be exempt from an interview. However, in specific scenarios, you may still be required to attend an interview or provide biometrics.
Eligibility for US Dependent Visa
To qualify for a US Dependent Visa, individuals must meet the following criteria:
- Be a legally married spouse of a valid H, F1, L1, or J1 visa holder, or
- Be an unmarried child under the age of 21 of the same visa holder.
- Possess a passport valid for at least 6 months from the intended travel date.
- In certain categories like F2, demonstrate adequate financial resources.
Documents Required for US Dependent Visa
Document requirements vary by visa type. In addition to general documents, each category has specific demands. Common documents for US dependent visas include:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity from the travel date.
- Two recent passport-sized photographs.
- Photocopies of passport pages.
- DS-160 confirmation page.
- Interview confirmation letter.
- Fee payment receipts.
- For spouses, original marriage certificate, along with supporting evidence such as wedding photos, guest lists, honeymoon trip receipts, or wedding affidavits.
- For children, an original birth certificate.
Additional documents for each category are as follows:
H4 Dependent Visa Documents:
- Photocopy of the sponsor’s H1-B visa.
- Copies of the sponsor’s I-129, I-797, and Labor Certification Application (LCA) forms.
- Sponsor’s employment letter.
- If the sponsor is already employed in the US, provide pay stubs and tax records.
- Copy of the sponsor’s passport.
F2 Dependent Visa:
- Original I-20 form.
- Copy of the F1 Visa holder’s I-20 form.
- Copy of the F1 Visa.
- If applying separately, a copy of the sponsor’s passport.
- Proof of funds, including bank statements, tax records, passbooks, payslips, etc.
L2 Dependent Visa:
- Photocopies of L1 Visa holder’s I-129 and I-797 forms.
- Copy of the sponsor’s passport and visa.
- Letter from the sponsor’s employer explaining the job description.
- Letter from the previous employer of the L1 holder.
- If applying separately, L1 holder’s US pay stubs.
J2 Dependent Visa:
Completed DS-2019 form.
Copy of the sponsor’s DS-2019 form.
If the J1 holder is an intern or trainee, provide a copy of their DS-7002 form.
Proof of funds to cover expenses.
Health insurance, if required.
Photos must adhere to specific specifications:
- Dimensions: 50mm X 50mm.
- Colored.
- Taken within the past 3 months.
- Plain white background with a matte finish.
- 70% face coverage.
- Neutral facial expression.
- Eyes directed towards the camera and wide open.
- Glasses allowed for medical reasons only.
- No uniforms permitted.
- Headgear allowed only for religious reasons.
- Facial hair is permitted.
US Dependent Visa Processing Time
Typically, US visa processing takes between 15-30 working days. However, several factors can affect this timeline, such as embassy or consulate workload, expedited processing, the specific type of Dependent Visa USA, and the timing of the sponsor’s visa application. Simultaneous application submission by both sponsor and dependent expedites processing. Scheduling an interview may require additional time. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to apply well in advance.
US Dependent Visa Fees
The visa fees depend on several factors, including the visa category and additional charges like biometric fees, reciprocity fees, and visa issuance fees (if applicable). Below are sample fees for multiple-entry visas valid for 2 years:
- Multiple entry Normal: 2 years validity – $14,060.0
After Submission
Once your application is submitted, your visa’s validity will be determined by the consular officer during the interview, considering the sponsor’s visa validity. The exact duration may vary based on the discretion of Customs Border Patrol officers at the port of entry.
To check your US Dependent Visa status, visit the US embassy website and use the online tracking system. Alternatively, you can email passportstatus@ustraveldocs.com with your passport number.
When You Have the Dependent Visa USA
Upon receiving the visa, keep the following in mind:
- Carry all travel documents, including your visa.
- Do not overstay beyond the visa’s duration and validity.
- If you hold an H4 dependent visa, you cannot work unless you obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), applicable only if your spouse holds an H1-B visa. For other visa types held by your spouse, employment is generally not allowed. However, you can apply for a driver’s license, enroll in short-term courses, and open a bank account.
For L2 Dependent Visa holders:
- You can work after obtaining an EAD.
- Apply for a driver’s license, open a bank account, obtain a social security number, and enroll in higher education courses.
For F2 Dependent Visa holders:
- Employment or credit-bearing courses are not permitted.
- Voluntary and unpaid work may be allowed if needed.
- Participation in recreational, hobby, and non-degree-bearing courses is allowed.
- Children can enroll in school up to middle school but cannot pursue higher education while on an F2 visa.
For J2 Dependent Visa holders:
- You are allowed to work once you obtain an EAD.
- You can also apply for a driver’s license, open a bank account, and get a social security number after obtaining the EAD.
Keep in mind that your Dependent Visa USA remains valid until the sponsor’s visa expires. Always adhere to US laws and customs during your stay in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
The possibility of an extension depends on the permit type, the sponsor’s visa validity, and duration. Extension applications must be submitted to the USCIS before the current visa expires. Success depends on various factors, including intent, immigration status, and more.
After your dependent visa expires, you cannot remain in the country beyond the permitted period. Overstaying is considered an offense and can result in deportation and potential bans on future visa applications. You may stay if you have applied for an extension.
The necessity of a medical test depends on the visa duration, which, in turn, depends on the sponsor’s visa. Non-immigrant permits for short stays typically do not require medical tests. However, a pre-travel medical checkup is advisable for your safety.
Eligibility to study in the US while on a dependent visa varies by category. H4 and L2 dependent categories permit study in the US. If accepted by an institution, your status may be converted to an F1 visa. F2 dependent visa holders are generally not allowed to work or enroll in credit-bearing courses. J2 dependent visa holders can study after obtaining an EAD.
Parents do not qualify as dependents. Dependents include only children or spouses of US visa holders. To bring parents to the US, you can apply for a B1/B2 visa for them.
Educational documents and English proficiency tests are not mandatory for dependent visas. However, if you plan to study or work in the US, you may need them as per the requirements of your chosen institution or employer.
It is not mandatory to apply for a dependent visa simultaneously with the primary visa holder. You can apply separately at a later time. Applying together can expedite processing. Regardless, your visa’s validity and stay duration will depend on the primary visa category.
Dependent visa interview questions typically revolve around your relationship with the primary visa holder, the purpose of your visit, intended duration of stay, financial capacity, and other relevant details. You will be required to provide evidence of your legitimate relationship and demonstrate your intent to stay in the US temporarily.
Conversion of a dependent visa into a work permit is possible, but it involves complex procedures. Your employer would need to file an application with the USCIS. Depending on the visa category, you may or may not be allowed to work while on a dependent visa. For example, H4 and F2 visa holders generally cannot work, while L2 visa holders may work.
