Live with Your Family in the US
The United States, the world's most popular destination for immigrants, provides a number of legal avenues for families to cohabitate. You can bring your spouse, kids, parents, and other family members to the US using the current US visa procedures, regardless of whether you are a professional or a student. AIS Overseas can confidently assist you in selecting the appropriate visa application method because to our extensive experience.
US Dependent Visa Details
Various visa holders are permitted to bring their family members into the United States. Under some visa schemes, individuals such as professionals, students, and entrepreneurs can bring their dependents to the United States. The following is a list of some of the most popular dependent visa applications:
- F2 Visa:This is for dependents who are studying in the US on F1 visa holders. Holders of F2 visas are not permitted to work or study in the US.
- J2 Visa:Dependents of J1 visa holders who are in the US for research, medical, or business training are eligible for the J2 visa.
- H4 Visa:This type of visa permits its bearers to work and study in the United States and is granted to family members of H-1B visa holders.
- Other dependent visa processes:These include dependent visas for children of athletes, scientists, refugees, witnesses, asylum seekers, citizens, permanent residents, and other individuals who are lawfully residing in the United States and who want to move here with their dependents.
Documents Required
Making a thorough visa application with as much supporting information as you can is crucial. Your AIS Overseas consultant will help you with all application-related questions and ensure that your paperwork is in order. The following documents might be necessary:
- Passport & travel history
- Background documentation
- Spouse/partner documentation including marriage certificate
- Extensive evidence of the relationship including photos
- Other proof of relationship
- Income proof of sponsor to show adequate finances
- Completed application & consulate fees
- English language skills
- If you are calling your child, they must be under the age of 18 at the time of application
The H4 visa is the name of the dependant H1B visa. The right to work, study, and reside in the US is granted under the H4 dependent visa.
Dependents are defined as:
- Spouse of the H1B visa holder
- Children under the age of 21 whose parent is an H1B visa holder
The validity of the H4 visa
The sponsor's visa, often known as the primary applicant's, is required for the visa to be legitimate.
Usually, the parent or spouse with an H1B visa sponsors the visa. When the sponsor's visa expires, the H4 visa becomes void.
Holders of the H4 visa can:
- Get a driver’s license
- Get opportunities to study in the US
- Qualify for financial services, such as banking and an H4 visa loan
Privileges of the H4 visa holder
- The holder of the H4 visa may work part-time, full-time or not at all.
- The H4 visa holder is permitted to start any form of business.
- The holder of the H4 visa may continue to be eligible for EAD even if he does not seek employment.
F2 VISA
The F2 Visa is the name of the dependant student visa. The US F2 visa allows the immediate family members of F1 student visa holders to enter the country on a non-immigrant dependant visa. The spouse and any children under 21 who are not married are considered dependents.
Eligibility Conditions for the F2 Visa
- Must be the spouse of an F1 student visa holder.
- Must be the dependent child (under 21 years and unmarried) of an F1 visa holder.
- Applicant must have enough financial resources to support the family in the US
Documents Required
- Passport (both original and photocopies)
- Visa application confirmation (DS-160)
- A photograph conforming to U.S. visa rules
- Birth certificate for dependent children
- Marriage certificate for spouses
- Visa fee payment receipt
- Applicant’s I-20 form
- Copy of F1 visa holder’s I-20 form
- Applicant’s bank statements, tax records, and employment documents as proof of financial stability
Processing time for dependent visa
A visa typically takes 15 to 30 working days to process. Many factors, such as the volume of work at the embassy or consulate, expedited delivery, the type of dependent visa for the United States, and so forth, can cause it to take significantly longer. It also depends on the timing of the sponsor's visa application submission. If you both apply for your visas at the same time, they will be processed together. Arranging an interview can be a laborious process that requires a great deal of waiting. Thus, it is strongly advised to apply in advance.
How AIS Overseas Can Help You?
The process of applying for a US visa can seem overwhelming. AIS Overseas will support and stand by you at every step of the way. The US immigration process is complicated, and AIS Overseas consultants are knowledgeable about it. Your committed advisor will assist you:
- Identify and collect all your documents
- Complete the visa documents checklist
- Create your application package
- Fill out the various forms and applications accurately
- Updates & Follow-up
- Interview Preparation
- Concierge services
Your family can be reunited and assisted in starting a new life in the US with AIS Overseas. Speak with us to learn about our customized solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Depending on the specifics of each case, processing times for US Dependent Visas can vary. This visa is subject to H-1B. If the H-1B approval is obtained, the process should ideally not take longer than a week. If the USCIS needs to confirm more information, it will take longer. It could take anywhere from one month to two and a half in this case.
In the US, the H-4 Visa is also referred to as a Dependent Visa. The application process for this sort of visa is the same as for any other H visa. To apply for a US Dependent Visa, you must:
- Fill out the digital form DS-160
- Pay the fees for H-4 Visa
- Schedule the appointment for the Visa interview
- Submit all the documents required for the Visa
- Attend the interview
- Obtain the H-4 Visa
Whether or not you are granted a visa will depend on your application and interview. You can monitor the status of your application on the website of the US Embassy where you submitted it. You can do this by providing your application number.
The Embassy will notify you as soon as your application for an H-4 Visa is processed. If your visa application has been granted, you must go through the stamping formalities. This will be the final task to finish before booking your trip to the US.
The documents needed during the US Dependent Visa interview are:
- Evidence of marriage that includes Wedding invitation card, Wedding albums, Original Marriage certificate
- Copy of the Passport/s including those that have expired
- Letters for verification of employment
- Fee receipt for the US Visa application
- Tax returns
- Pay stubs
- Form i797A, H-1B primary from
- Documents of primary H-1B spouse
- Form i129, H-1B application copy
- H-1B LCA copy
- Birth certificate in original if the Dependent Visa applicant is below 14 years
The likelihood of an extension is influenced by the sponsor's visa's type, validity, and term. If the sponsor possesses a long-term permit or an extension, you could be eligible to extend the US authorization. To do this, you must submit an application to the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) prior to the expiration of your current visa. However, there are several factors that will affect the outcome of your application, such as your intention, immigration status, and so on. All of the supporting papers you provided for the initial visa must also be submitted.
Once your dependent permit has expired, you are no longer allowed to remain in the nation. You have to get out of the country before the expiration date. It is illegal to remain in the country after the designated time has passed, and doing so could result in your deportation. You might not be able to apply for a visa again if you remain in the nation for an extended period of time after the allotted time has passed. However, if you have applied for a visa renewal, you are permitted to stay in the nation.
No, it is not necessary to apply for the dependent permit at the same time as the primary visa holder. At a later date, you can submit individual applications for it. But sending them all at once will speed up the procedure. Remember that the primary visa category will decide your stay's validity and duration even if you apply separately.
