Why Apply for a USA Dependent Visa?

A USA Dependent Visa allows spouses and children of individuals working, studying, or residing in the United States to legally join them. The dependent visas are designed to support family reunification, offering dependents the ability to stay in the U.S. for the same duration as the primary visa holder. Depending on the visa type, spouses and children may also gain access to education, healthcare, and limited work rights.
 

• Live with your spouse or parent in the United States.
• Enroll in U.S. schools, colleges, or universities.
• Spouses may be eligible to work, depending on visa type.
• Access U.S. healthcare services during your stay.
• May qualify for permanent residency upon eligibility
   

What is a USA Dependent Visa?

A USA Dependent Visa permits immediate family members, such as, spouses and unmarried children under 21, to join a primary visa holder in the United States. The dependent visa category corresponds to the primary visa type, such as H-1B, F-1, L-1, or J-1. While dependents can reside in the U.S., their rights to work or study vary based on the specific visa classification.
 

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Types of USA Dependent Visas

The table below has a complete overview of the most common US Dependent visas:

Visa Type	Who is it for?	Eligibility	Work Authorization	Study Rights
H-4 Visa	For dependents of H-1B skilled workers	Spouse or children (under 21) of H-1B visa holders	Only spouses can apply for EAD (if H-1B holder meets specific conditions)	Full-time or part-time study allowed
F-2 Visa	For dependents of F-1 international students	Spouse or children (under 21) of F-1 visa holders	Not permitted	Children may study; spouses can take part-time/recreational courses only
L-2 Visa	For dependents of L-1 intracompany transferees	Spouse or children (under 21) of L-1 visa holders	Spouses are eligible to work without needing EAD (automatic under new rule)	Full study permitted
J-2 Visa	For dependents of J-1 exchange visitors	Spouse or children (under 21) of J-1 visa holders	Spouses may apply for EAD to work	Full-time or part-time study permitted

 

Benefits of a USA Dependent Visa

• Live in the U.S. with your spouse, parent, or guardian
• Children can attend U.S. schools and universities
• Spouses may be eligible to work depending on visa type
• Access U.S. healthcare through private or employer insurance
• Qualify for permanent residency upon eligibility
   

Eligibility Criteria for USA Dependent Visa

The eligibility criteria for a USA Dependent visa may vary depending on the visa type, however to apply for the visa, you must fulfil the below criteria:

• Must be a spouse or unmarried child under 21 years of a currently valid U.S. visa holder
• The primary visa holder needs to maintain valid U.S. status through H-1B, F-1, L-1, J-1.
• Provide valid proof of relationship through either marriage or birth documentation.
• Your intention to stay in the U.S. must align with the duration of the sponsor’s visa
• The visa application must include all the relevant visa documents
   

USA Dependent Visa Requirements

You must meet the below requirements while applying for a USA Dependent visa:

• Completed DS-160 Form: Online Non-immigrant Visa Application.
• Valid Passport: For each applicant, with at least six months' validity beyond the intended stay.
• Photograph: As per U.S. visa specifications.
• Visa Fee Receipt: Proof of payment for the visa application fee.
• Relationship Evidence: Marriage certificate for spouses; birth certificates for children.
• Primary Visa Holder's Documents: Copy of the primary visa, approval notices, and employment or enrolment verification.
   

Documents Required for a USA Dependent Visa

The list of documents required for a USA Dependent visa are as follows:

• Valid Passport (for each dependent)
• DS-160 Confirmation Page
• Visa Application Fee Receipt
• Marriage certificate or birth certificate as proof of relationship to
• Copy of the Primary Visa Holder’s Passport and Visa (Including any I-797 approval notices)
• Proof of Primary Visa Holder’s Status in the U.S.
• SEVIS Confirmation (for F-2 or J-2 dependents)
• Evidence of Financial Support (Bank statements or affidavits)
   

How to Apply for a USA Dependent Visa?

You can follow the steps given below to apply for a USA Dependent visa:
 

Step 1: Determine Eligibility and Visa Type

Confirm you are eligible as a dependent (spouse or unmarried child under 21) of a valid U.S. visa holder (e.g., H-1B, F-1, L-1, J-1).
 

Step 2: Complete the DS-160 Form

Fill out the DS-160 online non-immigrant visa application form for each dependent and save the confirmation page.
 

Step 3: Pay the Visa Application Fee

Pay the non-refundable visa application fee (usually USD $185) and retain the receipt.
 

Step 4: Schedule a Visa Interview

Book an appointment at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Canada using the DS-160 confirmation number.
 

Step 5: Gather Required Documents

Collect all necessary documents, including passport, photograph, relationship proof, and the primary visa holder’s documentation.
 

Step 6: Attend the Visa Interview

Visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the scheduled date with all supporting documents and attend the interview.
 

Step 7: Wait for Processing and Receive Your Visa

After approval, your passport with the visa will be returned to you; processing time varies by visa type and location.
 

*Looking to migrate to the USA? Let Y-Axis help you with the process.
 

US Dependent Visa Fees

The table below has details of the US Dependent visa fees:

Visa Type	Application Fee (USD)
H-4 (dependent of H-1B)	$205
F-2 (dependent of F-1 student)	$160
L-2 (dependent of L-1 worker)	$185
J-2 (dependent of J-1 exchange visitor)	$185

 

US Dependent Visa Processing Time

The table below has details of the USA Dependent visa processing times:

Visa Type	Average Processing Time
H-4 Visa (H-1B dependents)	2 to 8 months (Form I-539)
H-4 Visa (from Canada)	Typically 3–6 weeks
F-2 Visa (F-1 student dependents)	2–6 weeks
L-2 Visa (L-1 dependents)	2–4 weeks
J-2 Visa (J-1 exchange visitor dependents)	2–5 weeks

 

Can Canadian PRs Apply for a USA Dependent Visa?

Yes, Canadian Permanent Residents (PRs) can apply for a USA Dependent Visa. The application process involves submitting the DS-160 form, paying the visa fee, scheduling and attending a visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Canada, and providing the necessary documentation. It's important to ensure all requirements are met to facilitate a smooth application process.
 

How Can Y-Axis Help You?

At Y-Axis, we make your USA Dependent Visa journey easier with end-to-end support:

• Help you choose the right dependent visa type
• Assist with compiling your documents and double-checking for accuracy
• Guide you through the online application and ImmiAccount setup
• Schedule biometrics and medical exams
• Keep you informed at every step and support with post-visa planning