USA Dependant Visa: Everything You Need to Know

For foreign nationals residing in the USA, the USA Dependant Visa lets their family members join them to live, work, or study. This visa is important for families to be together in the United States. UK professionals who plan to bring their family to the US should know the visa types, benefits, and requirements.

• Spouses, children under 21, and eligible extended family members can apply for the USA Dependant Visa.
• The processing time is 3–6 months, but it varies by consulate.
• The application cost is approximately $535, plus extra fees for biometrics.
• Dependants can get permission to work in the US with some visa types, like the H-4 and L-2.
• After living in the US for 5 years, dependants can apply for permanent residency.

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What is a USA Dependant Visa?

A U.S. Dependant Visa lets relatives (partners, kids, and in some cases, other family) of a main visa holder reside, work, or attend school in the United States. This visa relies on the main visa holder’s status, like those with an H-1B, L-1, or F-1 visa. It lets families remain together while the main visa holder works or studies in the U.S. The validity of the USA dependant visa depends on how long the primary applicant stays in the country.

Types of USA Dependant Visas

The popular types of USA Dependant Visa include:

• Dependant Visa for Spouses
• Dependant Visa for Children
• Dependant Visa for Other Family Members

Dependant Visa for Spouses

In the U.S., a spouse can come to live with their partner who has a main visa through a dependent visa. Which type of visa they get depends on the main visa holder's status, like:

• US H-1B
• F-1
• L-1

This visa lets the spouse stay in the U.S. as long as the main visa holder is allowed to be there.

Dependant Visa for Children

In the U.S., a dependent visa lets the spouse and unmarried children (under 21) of a primary visa holder live in the country with them. The type of dependent visa depends on the primary visa holder's status. For example, it's an F-2 visa for dependents of F-1 students, an H-4 visa for dependents of H-1B workers, and an L-2 visa for dependents of L-1 transferees. To qualify, children must be unmarried and under 21.

Dependant Visa for Other Family Members

A U.S. dependent visa lets specific family members of someone with a main visa (such as a student or worker) live in the U.S. as long as that person is living there too. Generally, this covers husbands or wives and kids who are not married and are under 21. Other family members might have to apply for a different visa, such as a B-2 visitor visa.

Benefits of the USA Dependant Visa

The benefits of the USA Dependant Visa are given below.

• Living and Employment Privileges: Qualified dependents can reside and be employed within the United States.
• Public Service Availability: Dependents have access to public services, such as healthcare (given they have health insurance) and education.
• Educational Opportunities: Dependent children are eligible to attend schools and universities in the US.
• Spousal Employment: Spouses are permitted to work if they fulfill the requirements of their visa status (e.g., H-4, L-2).
• Potential for Permanent Residence: Dependents have the option to seek permanent residency through US Green Card and, later, US citizenship.

Eligibility for the USA Dependant Visa

The eligibility criteria for the USA Dependant Visa are given below.

• The main visa applicant needs to possess a U.S. visa that is currently valid, such as an H-1B, L-1, or F-1 visa.
• Dependents have to offer proof of their relationship to the main visa holder; this could be as a spouse, child, or parent.
• The main applicant needs to show they can provide enough financial support for their dependents.
• Dependents must adhere to U.S. health and legal standards, which include giving biometric data and having health insurance.

Required Documents for the USA Dependant Visa

The documents required to apply for the USA Dependant Visa are given below,

• Valid passports for both the primary visa holder and any dependents.
• Documentation to prove the relationship between the primary applicant and their dependents, such as a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or adoption paperwork.
• Evidence of the primary applicant's visa status (I-797 approval notice, I-20, or DS-2019 form).
• Evidence of financial backing, like bank statements, support affidavits, or payslips.
• Biometrics: Fingerprints and photos are needed for security.
• Other documents: Applicants from some countries need to provide tuberculosis test results.

USA Dependant Visa Application Process

The process to apply for the USA Dependant Visa is given below.

Step 1: Check that both the primary visa holder and any dependents meet all the criteria for the dependent visa.

Step 2: Collect all required documents. This includes verification of relationship, the primary visa holder's status, and proof of financial support.

Step 3: Fill out and submit the DS-160 form online for each dependent.

Step 4: Schedule and attend a biometrics appointment for fingerprinting and photographs.

Step 5: The dependents must attend an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. A decision on the visa will be made at this interview.

USA Dependant Visa Processing Time

Detailed information about the processing time for USA Dependant Visa is given below.

Visa Type	Estimated Processing Time
Spouse or Partner Dependant Visa	3 – 6 months
Child Dependant Visa	3 – 6 months
Extended Family Dependant Visa	6 – 12 months

Cost of the USA Dependant Visa

Detailed information about the application cost of the USA Dependant Visa is given below.

Visa Type	Application Fee	Biometric Fee	Total Estimated Cost
Spouse or Partner Dependant Visa	$535	$85	$620
Child Dependant Visa	$535	$85	$620
Extended Family Dependant Visa	$535 – $1,200	$85	$620 – $1,300

Can You Work on a USA Dependant Visa?

Under some visa categories, dependents are allowed to work in the United States.

• H-4 Visa: Spouses of H-1B visa holders can seek work authorization.
• L-2 Visa: Spouses of L-1 visa holders can seek work authorization.

Children with dependent visas are not allowed to work unless they get their own work visas. Dependents need to meet certain requirements for work authorization and might have to file a separate application for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

*Looking for assistance with USA work visa? Let Y-Axis assist you with the process.

How Long is the USA Dependant Visa Valid?

A U.S. Dependent Visa's validity is generally linked to the status of the primary visa holder. Usually, the visa is valid for a period similar to that of the primary applicant (two to five years). Visa renewal for the dependent may be required when the primary applicant's visa gets an extension.

Pathway to Permanent Residency and Citizenship

International individuals with a USA Dependant Visa can seek Permanent Residency (Green Card) through family sponsorship. Once they have a Green Card, they are able to apply for US citizenship after meeting the standard residency period, usually five years. Dependants are able to change their status from a Dependant Visa to a Green Card if the main visa holder qualifies for permanent residency.

Common Reasons for USA Dependant Visa Rejections

USA Dependant Visa applications can be denied for these reasons:

• Forms are missing or relationship evidence is not enough.
• The main applicant's finances aren't strong enough.
• There are problems with fingerprints or photos.
• The interview didn't go well because of ineligibility or lack of evidence.
• The applicant has a criminal record or past immigration issues.

How Can Y-Axis Help You?

Y-Axis is a leading immigration service in the UK that knows USA Dependant Visa applications well. We can help you through the application steps, making sure you meet all rules and dates.

We offer:

• Visa eligibility checks
• Help checking documents and sending your application
• Setting up biometric appointments and getting ready for interviews
• Help after you get your visa, like work rights and Green Card applications.

Want to join your family in the USA? Get in touch with Y-Axis for help.