Visas for dependents of visa beneficiaries

There are several categories of dependent visas for individuals who wish to come to the United States as dependents of a primary visa holder. These categories include:

  1. Spouse (K-3) Visa: This visa is for the spouse of a U.S. citizen who is waiting for their immigrant visa to become available.
  2. Fiancé(e) (K-1) Visa: This visa is for the fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen who is coming to the United States to get married.
  3. Child (K-2) Visa: This visa is for the unmarried child of a K-1 visa holder who is under 21 years old.
  4. Adoption (IH-3 and IH-4) Visa: This visa is for a child who is being adopted by a U.S. citizen and is coming to the United States to live with their adoptive parent(s).
  5. Dependent of a Temporary Worker (H-4) Visa: This visa is for the spouse and children of a temporary worker who has an H-1B, H-2A, or H-2B visa.
  6. Dependent of a Student (F-2) Visa: This visa is for the spouse and children of an F-1 student visa holder.
  7. J-2 visas are reserved for spouses and children of exchange visitors, who come in on J-1 visas.
  8. Dependent of a Diplomat (A-2) Visa: This visa is for the spouse and children of an A-1 visa holder, who is a diplomat or foreign government official.
  9. L-2 visas are given to the immediate family members of L-1 visa holders, who are employees transferred to a U.S. branch of office.
  10. Spouses and children of E-2 treaty traders and investors may accompany the visa holder in same status.

    H-4 visas are granted to spouses and children under of H-1B visa holders, or those individuals who come to the U.S. to work in specialty occupations. H-4 dependents are admitted for the same time period as the H-1B visa holder, the status is dependent and thus expires with the H-1B status. H-4 dependents may study in the U.S. while in that category, however, they are not allowed to work unless they independently qualify for a work visa.

It’s important to note that each of these dependent visa categories has its own specific requirements and eligibility criteria, and the process for obtaining a dependent visa may vary depending on the primary visa holder’s status and the specific circumstances of the individual seeking a dependent visa.

To review a full list of dependent visa categories, please review list of non-immigrant visas by clicking here.

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