USA Dependent visa for spouse & Students

For those looking to travel for business or education, the US has always been the finest option. The USA dependent visa enables spouses and children of such individuals to live with their family member who is a permanent resident of the US or is in the country on a work or student visa.

Indian travelers must know everything about USA dependent visas, the documents required, processing time, validity, procedure, and processing fees.

If you are looking for assistance with USA visas for Indians, Itzeazy is here to help you. Itzeazy is India’s no.1 visa service provider.

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USA Dependent visa

A dependent visa is essential for family member who wish to stay together when one is working or studying in the USA. USA Dependent visa (such as H4, F2, L2) can be applied under the holder of nonimmigrant visa like H1B, F1, L1 etc.

How to Apply for a USA Dependent Visa with Itzeazy?

If you are facing a problem and unable to proceed forward. In this case, you can prefer Itzeazy the best USA visa agent for Indians who will help you to get a USA Dependent Visa as soon as possible by the following steps:

Understanding applicant’s requirements regarding visa application over the phone or chat with the Itzeazy team
Sharing a list of required documents with the applicant by Itzeazy
Sharing a soft copy of the required documents for visa application by the client
Verification of the documents by Itzeazy
Advance payment of service charges and passport fees by the client
Form submission by Itzeazy and appointment booking
Applicant’s visit to the Visa application center for document verification and photograph
Visa gets delivered by post at the current address.

Who is eligible for a US Dependent visa?

Any person residing, working, or studying in the US may apply for a Dependent visa USA on behalf of their dependent family members.

They include:

A partner (same-sex or opposite)
A young adult under 21 who is not married

Family members interested in applying for a US Dependent visa (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) must meet the specified requirements outlined by the USCIS.

Types of USA Dependent Visa

H-4 visa: This visa allows spouses and children to stay together with H-1B visa holders in the USA.
L-2 Visa: Allows spouse and children to stay in the USA with an L1 visa holder.
F-2 Visa: Primarily for the spouse and children of students with F-1 visa holders to accompany them during their study in the USA
J-2 visa: For the spouse and children to accompany or join the j-1 visa holder engaged in exchange programs in the USA
O-3 Visa: For the spouse and children to stay together with an O-1 visa holder who has done some extraordinary work.

Fees for USA Dependent Visa

Visa Type	Dependents Of	Fee
H-4 Visa	H-1B visa holders	$205.00
L-2 Visa	L-1 visa holders	$205.00
F-2 Visa	F-1 visa holders	$185.00
J-2 Visa	J-1 visa holders	$185.00
O-3 Visa	O-1 visa holders	$205.00

A step-by-step guide to applying for a USA Dependent Visa

Here is the step-by-step guide to applying for a Dependent Visa:

Choose the right Visa type: Select the visa type as per your requirement.
Fill up the application (Form DS-160): You must fill up the form DS-160 for each dependent and print out the submitted application form.
Pay application fees: You need to pay the application fee to Schedule an Interview as per your visa type and age category.
Schedule and Attend Your Visa Interview: You need to visit the US Embassy or consulate for a visa interview and document verification at the nearest visa application center.
Visa processing: After the interview, the visa application will undergo under certain process depending on the type of visa.
Track your application: You can track your visa application on the website you have applied for.
Get your Visa: If approved, your visa gets delivered by mail or post at the current address.

Documents required for USA Dependent Visa

The following documents are required for obtaining a USA Dependent Visa:

Valid Passport: A Valid Indian passport for at least 6 months beyond your stay in the USA
Form DS-160 Confirmation Page: The dependent must fill up the DS-160 form and bring it print out to the interview for verification.
Application Fee Payment Receipt: Proof of your visa application payment is required.
Passport-Style Photo: Two passport-sized of 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm with 80 % face, which is not older than 6 months.
Copy of the Primary Visa Holder’s Visa: Dependent must have a copy of their primary USA visa holder’s (H-B1, L1, etc)
Proof of your Relation: Marriage certificate for spouse and birth certificate for children as proof of your Relation.
Confirmed Interview Letter: You must have the letter of Interview with a confirmation at the US embassy or consulate.

Additional Supporting Documents

Proof of Financial Support: A document showing that a primary visa holder can support their family during their stay in the USA.
Proof of Ties to Home country: A valid document showing that you will be returning to India after you have completed your stay duration in the USA.

USA Dependent visa photo requirements

For your USA Dependent visa application:

Provide two copies of a colored photo.
The photo size should be 35mm x 45mm.
Ensure the face covers 70-80% of the frame.
Center the head well.
The photo should be no older than 6 months.
Use a white background.
Maintain a neutral expression.
Avoid wearing glasses.
Headgears are not allowed, except for religious reasons.
Ensure your clothing doesn’t match the background.

USA-dependent visa processing time

The processing time for a USA Dependent visa application takes 15-30 Working Days after applying. This is an estimated time duration, it can vary depending upon the type and procedures to apply for a USA visa. We suggest you submit all your required documents and fill out the application form carefully. The embassy or consultant may require additional time to get your visa for you.

How to check the status of the USA visa application?

You can track your USA visa status on the official visa website by adding your application ID and passport number.

FAQ’S

How long does it take to process a Dependent visa USA?

The USCIS may take up to 90 days to approve (or deny) a dependent visa for entry into the country. For an incomplete visa application, the USCIS may reject it.

Can I use a dependent visa to work in the US?

Most of the time, the US immigration services do not provide a dependent spouse work permit. However, a recent legislative amendment has made some 50,000 spouses eligible for employment.

What is the eligibility criteria for dependent visa USA?

Dependent means spouses, unmarried minor child are eligible for US dependent visa if their family members are already in US.

What are the differences between the H4 and H1B visas?

H-4 visa is a dependent visa that is available to immediate family members while H-1B visa is a non-immigrant work visa that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in various fields.

Are H-4 visa holders permitted to work in the USA?

Early H-4 visa holders were not allowed to work in the USA. But through an H-4 Employment Authorization Document (EAD),it allows H-4 visa holders whose H-1B spouse is in the process of obtaining permanent residency (green card) to seek employment.