Dependent Visa


    A crucial instrument developed by nations to support families residing together is the dependent visa. It supports the relocation of families from one country to the next for professionals, students, permanent residents, and others. The eligibility criteria to sponsor the dependent differs for different visa categories, and in most cases, the dependent family members are not allowed to work or earn any income during their stay in the U.S.




Types of dependent visas


There are two types of dependent visas:


Temporary Visa: The following individuals are eligible for a temporary visa:

  1. 1. Student

  2. 2. Finance

  3. 3. Work

  4. 4. Intra-company transfer

    5. Permanent Visa: Permanent visas are for spouses or children aged 18–21 and dependents of immigrants.

    There are numerous types of U.S.-dependent visas. The type of dependent visa is determined by the type of visa held by the sponsor. Among all the dependent visas, F2 Visa USA, H4 Visa USA, J2 Visa USA, and L2 Visa are the most common ones.




Documents required for the Sponsor


  1. 1. The original marriage certificate of the spouse to prove the marital status.

  2. 2. The birth certificate of the child.

  3. 3. A valid passport for the family members as well as the sponsor.

  4. 4. A fully completed DS-160 Form—Non-Immigrant Visa Application.

  5. 5. A color photograph of the spouse or the child in the size 22mm*35mm. The photo must be taken within the preceding 6 months.

  6. 6. Certain supporting documents can be needed, depending on the type of visa.



How to Apply for a USA Dependent Visa


  1. 1. Be ready with all the required documents before you start the application process.

  2. 2. Complete filling out the Non-Immigrant Visa Application (DS-160) with the correct information. It is suggested that you read the guidelines before filling out the form.

  3. 3. Pay the visa application fee. Do not forget to take a copy of the fee receipt, as it will be required later during the interview.

  4. 4. Book an appointment at the nearest embassy or consulate. You will be required to book two interviews, one for the biometrics submission and one for the interview.

  5. 5. Attend the visa interview with all your documents.

  6. 6. Wait for the results. If the visa is approved, you will receive an SMS.



Processing time and application fees


To process a US-dependent visa, the average processing time would be 2 weeks to 1 month. The basic application fee would be 160 USD. However, the cost of a US-dependent visa varies with the type of dependent visa that the candidate is applying for. The application fee for an H4 visa is 190 USD. There can be additional costs, such as a biometric fee.




How long can family members on a dependent visa stay in the USA?


As long as the sponsor's visa is still valid, the dependents may remain in the United States. Dependents on J-2 visas and F-2 visas, for instance, are permitted to remain in the country so long as the F-1 and J-1 visas of their sponsors are still in force. F-1 and J-1 students and their families are permitted to stay in the country for up to 60 days after completing their course of study.