The USA provides different dependent visa categories, depending on whether the main visa holder has a temporary or permanent visa.
Here is the detailed information on the main options for getting a USA dependent visa:
- Non-Immigrant Dependent Visas: These visas are for dependents of individuals on temporary visas in the US, such as students or workers.
- F-2 Visa: For spouses and unmarried children under 21 of F-1 student visa holders.
- J-2 Visa: For spouses and unmarried children under 21 of J-1 exchange visitors.
- H-4 Visa: For spouses and unmarried children under 21 of various H-visa holders.
- L-2 Visa: For spouses and unmarried children of L-visa holders.
- Immigrant dependent visas: These visas are for individuals with a close family relationship to a US citizen or permanent resident, offering a pathway to permanent residency. There are two primary types of family-based US visas:
- Immediate Relative Visas: These visas are for close family members of US citizens, specifically spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents. They include IR-1/CR-1 visas for spouses, IR-2/CR-2 visas for children, and IR-5 visas for parents.
- Family Preference Visas: These are for more distant relatives of US citizens, such as adult children and siblings (F1, F3, and F4 categories). They also include visas for spouses and unmarried children of lawful permanent residents, such as Green Card holders, in the F2A and F2B categories.
- Fiance(e) visas
- K-1 Visa: This visa allows a foreign fiance(e) of a US citizen to enter the US and marry within 90 days.
- K-2 Visa: For the unmarried children under 21 of K-1 visa applicants. K-2 holders can apply for a Green Card after their parent marries the US citizen sponsor.
Note: Select the appropriate visa depending on the primary visa holder's status, your relationship to them, and your purpose regarding work or study in the US.