Migration is primarily headed to the United States of America. People travel here to work or study from all over the world. Additionally, the country offers dependent visas to relatives or family members of those relocating there. In the United States, dependents are commonly referred to as spouses or minor children.
These people are able to join their family members who are permanent residents, students, or workers in the US. Nevertheless, dependents of foreign scholars or students are not permitted entry if they are older than 21. Are you curious about the many kinds of US-dependent visas and the application process for them? Continue reading to find out.
These are the main categories of dependent visas available in the US, however there are many more kinds that people can apply for.
Dependents of those employed under the H-1B category in the United States are granted this visa or permit. Such dependents must complete an application on Form I-539. The H-1B applicant may be responsible for paying the application cost. Also, US citizens on H4 dependent visas are permitted to pursue education while in this status.
Dependents of those who have been granted admission under the F-1 visa category are eligible for this kind of visa. Form I-20 may be used to grant these dependents' visas and entrance to the United States. The dependent's name appears on this form. The F-2 may continue as long as the F-1 retains status. The F2 dependents' passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of travel, same as those of F-1 students.
Dependents of people wishing to enter the country can apply for J-2 visas by submitting a form DS-2019 that is issued in their names. Under the J-1 visa category, this visa is granted to the spouse or children of persons participating in exchange programmes. When an intern has dependents, they need to show that they have extra money to support them. By completing form I-765, visitors on a J2 visa can ask the USCIS for work authorization.
For dependents of persons allowed entry into the United States under the L-1 category, this visa paperwork is required. The Employment Authorization Document, or EAD, is the source of a work permit for the dependents covered by this non-immigrant visa. With this type of authorization, dependents can work for any firm. Children on an L-2 visa, however, are not permitted to work. All they can do is go to school. All of the dependent visas listed above have the same maximum stay period as the visas of the principal holder. Dependents are permitted to enter and exit the country with these visas and remain with a family member.
In addition to the aforementioned, several other dependent visas are granted to persons. These include dependent visas for K-2, N-9, and M-2 families, among others. These types of visas limit the spouse to living with their partner; they do not allow work or education. The kids are unable to work, but they are still able to attend elementary or secondary school. For example, the M-2 dependent visa is only available to an M-1 student's spouse or children. A spouse who is M-2 is not permitted to work or attend school full-time unless it is for leisure. The children covered by this visa, however, are permitted to pursue elementary or secondary education. These visas vary based on the dependents' reason for visiting.
The requirements to apply for a dependent visa in the US as a spouse or kid are listed below. Requirement for a dependent spouse of the same sex Even though the US Supreme Court ruled that same-sex spouses might get immigration benefits, certain government agencies are still debating what the rules should be for their staff members. This leads to some challenges for Customs and Border Protection. For confirmation, one needs to get in touch with the Embassy or Consulate. requirements for a spouse who is dependent: A lawfully married wife or husband is considered a "spouse" under US immigration law. Both same-sex and non-same-sex are covered.
If a marriage between two people occurs legally in the nation where it took place, it is recognised. prerequisites for a dependent child The following situations qualify an application for dependent child status under US law:
Single
A married biological child
younger than 21 years old
An unmarried biological child (verifiable evidence from the parent's side of the parent-child connection).
When applying for a dependent visa, dependents need to have these documents.
Certificate of birth for the dependent child.
Certificate of marriage for the spouse who is dependent.
The principal visa holder's and dependent family members' passports upon entering the country.
The dependents' Employment Authorization Document (EAD), should they decide to work in the country.
Additional documentation to support any further legal ties.
Proof of the sponsor's income or assets to demonstrate sufficient funding.
Learn more about the US dependent visa application procedure by continuing to read.
It is crucial to have your documentation ready. A birth certificate, marriage certificate, passport, parent's or partner's passport, and employment authorization document are a few examples of these.
Here are some rules to remember when taking pictures.
It ought to be a colour picture.
It should not be more than half a year old.
It needs to be either off-white or white.
It should measure 2 by 2.
It ought to be a digital photo the size of a passport.
It has to be at least 600 by 600 pixels in size and in the (.jpeg) format.
Your whole face should be visible.
When being photographed, the subject should not be wearing sunglasses or other accessories. With one exception—a hearing aid.
One needs to dress appropriately for the photo.
Completing the DS-160 form is the next step. You should abide by the following instructions when completing this form.
From the upper right corner of the page, take note of the application ID.
Respond to every question in English.
Please e-sign the application.
Upload a digital picture of yourself.
Copy your application and print it. It may be necessary at the Consulate or Embassy.
Following the aforementioned procedures, you can pay the application expenses for your dependent visa to the United States. Prior to making an appointment at the Embassy or Consulate, this payment must be made. Once the purchase has been completed, securely store the application's receipt for your record. One needs to dress appropriately for the photo.
Completing the DS-160 form is the next step. You should abide by the following instructions when completing this form.
From the upper right corner of the page, take note of the application ID.
Respond to every question in English.
Please e-sign the application.
Upload a digital picture of yourself.
Copy your application and print it. It may be necessary at the Consulate or Embassy.
Following the aforementioned procedures, you can pay the application expenses for your dependent visa to the United States. Prior to making an appointment at the Embassy or Consulate, this payment must be made. Once the purchase has been completed, securely store the application's receipt for your
The next step is to go to the embassy or consulate that is closest to your location. You need to bring the paperwork you need for that appointment.
Awaiting the outcome is the last stage in the US dependent visa application process. You will hear from the Immigration Services, Consulate, or Embassy after submitting your application. In addition, if necessary, you will be required to appear for a visa interview or submit your biometrics. When a person applies for a dependent visa to the United States, the immigration services typically take two to eight weeks to make a decision.
The US is a popular immigration destination that provides a number of options for families to live together lawfully. Therefore, you are able to enter the country as a spouse, student, or working professional. You must apply for a dependent visa in the US if you are the spouse or child (under 21) of someone who is in the country on a main visa. Individuals can apply for many kinds of dependent visas. The F-2 visa, H-4 visa, J-2 visa, and L-2 visa are the main ones. Using the previously described visa application procedure, you may submit an application for the one that best meets your needs. Even though it may seem difficult, if you follow the instructions, your application for a dependent visa to the US will be approved.
1. How can I get a dependent visa?
The applicant's passport has to be current. The sponsor ought to be able to provide for the dependents financially. Proof of employment and income for the sponsor. medical evaluation and verification of sufficient coverage for dependents' insurance.
2. Who may apply for a USA family visa?
Close relatives of U.S. citizens, such as parents, spouses, and single children under 21, are eligible for these visas. This type of visa allows an infinite number of applications. Among these are the IR1 and CR1 spouse visas.
3. Does a U.S. dependent visa require a marriage certificate?
Documentation demonstrating the legal link between parents and child (official birth certificate or legal adoption documents) or spouses* (official marriage certificate) must be included in the change of status application or shown throughout the visa application process.
4. Can a dependent be employed in the United States?
Dependent children are not authorised to work in the United States under the terms of the H4 visa; only H4 spouses who fulfil the requirements and have obtained an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) are allowed to work in the country.
5. Is my husband eligible for a dependent visa?
A dependent visa enables a UK visa holder's spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner—also referred to as their sponsor—to relocate to the country and live with their family. The sponsor may hold a variety of visas, but among the most popular ones are those for skilled workers, international athletes, and senior or specialist workers.
6. What is the minimum age to apply for a family visa to the United States?
The children that are not married have to be younger than 21. Sons and daughters of lawful permanent residents who are single and at least 21 years old, are given preference (F2B). Married sons and daughters of US citizens are the third preference (F3). Any age can apply to them.