A U.S. Dependant Visa lets family members of a primary visa holder come to the United States. Dependants can live, study, and often work in the U.S., whether the main applicant is working or studying.
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A US Dependant Visa is a non-immigrant visa, letting spouses and unmarried kids under 21 of a main visa holder live in the US. Each type of dependant visa goes with the main applicant’s visa and has different rules about work and school.
For UK citizens working, studying, or on assignment in the US long term, visas are available for their family members. These visas allow families to live together in America and access its lifestyle, healthcare, and educational opportunities. Family support becomes available as the main applicant may need help. These visas can provide a route to permanent residency in some situations.
UK citizens have several US dependent visa options, depending on the primary applicant's visa.
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The visa permits the immediate family members of H-1B workers to live in the U.S. Spouses can seek work permits if the H-1B holder has started the process of seeking permanent resident status. Children are eligible to enroll in schools in the U.S.
L-2 visas enable eligible family members to reside in the United States. Spouses are granted immediate work authorization without needing extra Employment Authorization Documents. Children can attend school here without restrictions.
Dependants of O-1 visa holders, specifically spouses and children with O-3 visas, are permitted to reside in the United States with the principal visa holder. O-3 visa holders are not authorized to work, but they can enroll in academic programs on either a full-time or part-time basis.
Individuals holding F-1 visas or US Student Visa may have their spouse and children come to the country as F-2 Dependants. While in this status, spouses are permitted to enrol in part-time studies, and children are eligible to attend school. It is important to note that F-2 status does not grant work authorization.
The benefits of a US Dependant Visa are given below.
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The eligibility criteria for US Dependant Visa are given below.
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The documents required to apply for US Dependant Visa are given below.
Detailed information about the fees for US Dependant Visa is given in the table below.
| Dependant Visa Type | Application Fee (USD) |
| H-4 Visa | $205 |
| L-2 Visa | $205 |
| O-3 Visa | $205 |
| F-2 Visa | $205 |
| All Dependant Visas | NA |
Detailed information about the processing times for US Dependant Visa is given below.
| Dependant Visa Type | Estimated Processing Time |
| H-4 Visa | 3 to 6 months |
| L-2 Visa | 2 to 4 weeks |
| O-3 Visa | 2 to 3 weeks |
| F-2 Visa | 3 to 5 weeks |
The process to apply for US Dependant Visa is given below.
Step 1: Gather documents to prove your relationship to the main visa holder.
Step 2: Fill out the DS-160 form.
Step 3: Pay the visa application fee.
Step 4: Get your US Dependant Visa.
Step 5: Travel to the US with the main applicant.
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Yes, eligible dependants can apply for a US Green Card. Dependants can seek permanent residency either with the main applicant or on their own through family or employment sponsorship. Many H-4 and L-2 visa holders become Green Card holders as part of a family when the main applicant applies under EB-1, EB-2, or EB-3 categories.
Y-Axis assists with US Dependant visa applications from start to finish, helping to ensure a smooth, compliant, and stress-free process for your family.
Our services include:
Guiding you after you arrive and helping maintain your status.
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Yes, you can apply for US Dependant Visa while in the UK. For those in the UK seeking a US Dependant visa, you can submit your application through either the U.S. Embassy in London or the U.S. Consulate in Belfast. The application process calls for filling out the DS-160 form, paying the necessary fees, setting up an interview, and submitting documents that confirm your link to the main visa holder, along with their visa details. Given that most of these applications require in-person meetings, residing in the UK allows for easy access to these services, removing the need to travel outside the country.
The cost involved in the US Dependant Visa is given below.
| Dependant Visa Type | Application Fee (USD) |
| H-4 Visa | $205 |
| L-2 Visa | $205 |
| O-3 Visa | $205 |
| F-2 Visa | $205 |
| All Dependant Visas | NA |
Yes, a US Dependant visa's validity is tied to the primary visa holder's permitted stay. Dependants can only stay as long as the main applicant has valid visa status. If the primary H-1B visa is good for three years, then the H-4 Dependant visa will also be granted for that time. Changes to the primary holder's status, like an extension, job change, or early termination, can impact how long the Dependant can legally stay, so it's important to keep up with updates and renewals.
The F-2 visa lets spouses and unmarried kids (under 21) of F-1 student visa holders come to the United States. Those with F-2 visas can stay in the U.S. as long as the F-1 student is in school. F-2 spouses are not allowed to work, but they can study part-time or take classes without pursuing a degree. Kids with F-2 visas can attend school full-time. When applying, Dependants need to prove their relationship to the F-1 student, show they have enough money to support themselves, and confirm that the F-1 student is attending a school approved by SEVP.
Yes, those holding Dependant visas can travel outside and back into the U.S. if they have the proper documents. These documents are a passport that is still valid, the Dependant visa stamp, and copies of the primary visa holder's documents (like I-797, I-20, or DS-2019). It is key that Dependants make sure the primary visa holder's status is valid for the whole time they are traveling. Before traveling internationally, it is also a good idea to check the rules for re-entry or if there are any travel limits, since border officials might ask for proof that they still qualify.
Yes, dependants with valid visa can apply for a Green Card if the primary visa holder is seeking permanent residency. For instance, those with H-4 and L-2 visas can be included in the main applicant's work-based Green Card application. Sometimes, Dependants can get a Green Card through family sponsorship or by changing their own visa status if they meet the requirements on their own. The time it takes and the steps involved depend on the visa type, country quotas, and USCIS rules, but Dependants often can transition at the same time as the main applicant.
