Are you planning to bring your spouse to the USA and provide them with a higher standard of living? The US dependent visa enables professionals, students, long-term residents, and spouses to bring their families from their previous nation of residence to their current one. This blog will guide you through the application process and provide you with a list of the required documents for obtaining the dependent visa USA for spouse from India.
What is a Dependent visa USA for Spouse?
A Dependent Visa for a Spouse in the USA lets the husband or wife of a US visa holder or citizen live, study, and work in the United States. It’s designed to keep families together during their stay.
When applying for a spouse visa, it is important to provide appropriate documentation that varies depending on their nationality and country of residence. Examples of required documents include a copy of their passport, birth certificate, proof of relationship, and police reports.
It’s important to carefully review the requirements and gather all necessary documentation before applying for a dependent visa. Ensuring that you have all the correct documents is crucial to avoid delays and ensure a smooth application process.
Eligibility Criteria for US Dependent Visa for Spouse
A dependent visa for the US is available to a spouse (whether same-sex or opposite) and an unmarried child under 21 years old.
Before applying for a US dependent visa for spouse, you have to be eligible. Dependent visa eligibility requirements vary depending on the country and the specific visa option available. While there are no uniform requirements, meeting the following criteria is typically expected:
- Candidates must hold a current passport.
- To support the dependents, the sponsor needs to have enough money.
- Work and income verification for the sponsor Medical checkup and documentation of sufficient dependent insurance.
- Application completed and fee enclosed.
Types of Dependent Visa
In the USA, dependent visas are tailored to match the primary visa type:
- H4 Dependent Visa: For spouses/children of H1-B work visa holders.
- F2 Dependent Visa: Designed for spouses/children of those with an F1 study permit.
- L2 Dependent Visa: Allocated to dependents of individuals on L1 work visas.
- J2 Dependent Visa: Issued to spouses/children of those in J1 exchange programs.
Documents required for dependent visa USA for spouse
For a dependent visa USA for spouse, numerous documents are required. The precise documentation will vary depending on the spouse’s nationality and the country of residence. You’ll need a copy of your passport, a birth certificate, documentation of your relationship, police reports, etc.
The essential paperwork needed is:
- Marriage certificate
- Photos the size of a passport
- Valid passport photos, such as pictures of the family, that show the relationship is real
- Combined housing bills
- Joint bank account statements
- Any additional specifications made by the immigration authorities
- In addition, in some nations, both the principal applicant and the spouse must be at least 18 years old. To demonstrate this, a birth certificate will be needed.
- Bank statements is a common requirement for demonstrating sufficient financial resources to support a spouse and other dependents.
For an F2 Dependent visa:
- A copy of Form I-20.
- Proof of the sponsor’s student status.
- A copy of the sponsor’s F1 visa.
For an H4 Dependent visa:
- A copy of the sponsor’s I-797 Form.
- An employment status confirmation letter from the sponsor’s employer.
- A copy of the sponsor’s H1-B visa.
For an L2 Dependent Visa:
- A copy of the sponsor’s I-797 Form.
- An approval letter from the sponsor.
- A copy of the sponsor’s L1 visa.
For a J2 Dependent Visa:
- A copy of the sponsor’s DS-7002 Form.
- Documentation showing the sponsor’s participation in an educational or cultural program.
- A copy of the sponsor’s J1 visa.
How Can I Apply for a dependent visa USA for spouse?
To apply for a dependent visa USA for spouse, the applications for the F2, L2, J2, and H4 visas are all submitted in a similar manner. Before proceeding with your application, make sure that you have obtained the necessary permission from your guardian to apply. The next steps can then be used to progress the process:
- Open a profile on the US CEAC ( Consular Electronic Application Center).
- Correctly complete the NIV DS-160 form. Please remember to write down the form’s barcode number.
- Continue with the online fee payment. Don’t lose the receipt number.
- Making two appointments as per the following steps.
- The first one is used to submit biometric data to a VAC. The second is for the visa interview at the US Consulate or Embassy.
- Visit the VAC with the passport, appointment confirmation page, and DS-160 confirmation paper for the initial appointment. Here, the applicant’s biometric information will be obtained, and the form will be stamped with permission.
- Visit the embassy or consulate with your passport, the DS-160 sheet that has been stamped, and the page that confirms your visa interview appointment. The goal, intent, duration, and inquiries to ascertain the validity of their marriage to the spouse will all be included in the L2, F2, J2, and H4 visa interview questions.
Note
Please be aware that those under the age of 14 and those over the age of 80 are exempt from having to go to a biometric or visa interview. If you are applying for the same visa category and your dependent visa has expired within the past 12 months, you may be exempt from the interview process. However, in certain situations, you may still be required to provide biometric data or attend an interview.
US dependent visa for spouse Processing time
The processing time for a dependent visa USA for spouse is typically 15 to 30 working days, but it can take longer depending on various factors. These include the workload at the embassy or consulate, the type of Dependent Visa USA, express delivery options, and more.
Additionally, the timing of the sponsor’s visa application can also impact processing times. If both parties apply for their visas simultaneously, they will be processed together. However, scheduling an interview can take a significant amount of time and involve a lot of waiting.
Does a dependent visa lead to a US Green Card?
A dependent visa, like the K1 fiancée or K3 spouse visa, is a nonimmigrant visa, allowing you to live in the U.S. temporarily. However, certain visas, like the L1 and L2, are ‘dual intent,’ meaning they allow temporary residence with the potential for permanent immigration. This opens the possibility of applying for a green card, subject to meeting the requirements for permanent residency.
FAQ’S
What conditions must a sponsor meet?
The fundamental needs of a sponsor are as follows: You must be able to provide for the dependent financially. You need to be a long-term resident or A legitimate work permit is necessary.
What are the possibilities that a US dependent visa for a spouse would be rejected?
Several elements affect the risk that your visa may be rejected. The following causes could exist: The application form must be correctly filled out. Materials were supplied in an unreliable format. Not submitting the proper documents Important visa-related information is being hidden. Documents are delivered as photocopies rather than the originals (when asked). Submission of illegal documents
How much does it cost to apply for a USA Dependent Visa?
The basic application fee is 160 US Dollars. However, the total cost of a US-dependent visa can vary based on the specific type of dependent visa the applicant is seeking. For example, the application fee for an H4 visa is 190 US Dollars. It's important to note that there may be additional costs, such as a biometrics fee, which can contribute to the overall expenses of the visa application process.
What is the fastest spouse visa in the USA?
As of 2023, the K-1 visa generally has a shorter processing time compared to the CR1 visa. However, it's important to note that the CR1 visa facilitates a faster acquisition of the green card for your foreign spouse. The K-1 visa is often a preferred option for couples intending to get married in the U.S. rather than abroad.
Who qualifies for a dependent visa in the USA?
Only the spouse and unmarried children under 21 qualify. It's a way for international students and scholars to bring their loved ones to share in special moments like graduation or visits.
Leave a Reply