USA Dependent Visas

Dependent Categories

Types of Dependent Visas

Different dependent visa categories based on principal visa holder's status.

H4 Visa

For H1B Dependents

Dependent visa for spouse and unmarried children under 21 of H1B visa holders. Most common dependent visa for Indian families.

Spouse and children under 21 years
Same validity as H1B principal
Can study at any level
H4 EAD available (if H1B has I-140 approved)
Cannot work without EAD

Work Authorization: Conditional (H4 EAD with approved I-140)

L2 Visa

For L1 Dependents

Dependent visa for spouse and unmarried children under 21 of L1 intracompany transferees.

Spouse and children under 21 years
Same validity as L1 principal
L2 spouse can work with EAD
No I-140 requirement for work
Children can study at any level

Work Authorization: Yes - L2 EAD Available

F2 Visa

For F1 Student Dependents

Dependent visa for spouse and unmarried children under 21 of F1 student visa holders.

Spouse and children under 21 years
Same validity as F1 principal
F2 spouse can study part-time only
Children can attend K-12 school
Cannot work or pursue full-time study (adults)

Work Authorization: No - Cannot Work

J2 Visa

For J1 Exchange Visitor Dependents

Dependent visa for spouse and unmarried children under 21 of J1 exchange visitors.

Spouse and children under 21 years
Same validity as J1 principal
J2 spouse can apply for work authorization
Can study full-time or part-time
May be subject to 2-year home residency

Work Authorization: Yes - J2 EAD Available

TD Visa

For TN Dependents

Dependent visa for spouse and unmarried children under 21 of TN (USMCA) professionals from Canada and Mexico.

Spouse and children under 21 years
Same validity as TN principal
Can study at any level
Cannot work in the US
Can apply at port of entry (Canadians)

Work Authorization: No - Cannot Work

E2 Dependent

For E2 Investor Dependents

Dependent status for spouse and unmarried children under 21 of E2 Treaty Investor visa holders.

Spouse and children under 21 years
Same validity as E2 principal
E2 spouse can work with EAD
Work for any employer (not limited to E2 business)
Children can study at any level

Work Authorization: Yes - E2 Spouse EAD Available

H4 EAD Work Authorization

H4 visa holders whose H1B spouse has an approved I-140 immigrant petition can apply for Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to work in the United States.

I-140 Requirement

H1B holder must have approved Form I-140

Work for Any Employer

EAD allows work for any US employer

Renewable

Can be renewed with H4 extension

Processing Time

3-6 months (premium processing available)

Visa Type	Principal Visa	Work Rights	Study Rights	EAD Required
H4	H1B	With H4 EAD (I-140)	Full-time allowed	Yes
L2	L1A/L1B	Yes, with EAD	Full-time allowed	Yes
F2	F1 Student	No	Part-time only (spouse)	N/A
J2	J1 Exchange	Yes, with EAD	Full-time allowed	Yes
TD	TN (USMCA)	No	Full-time allowed	N/A
E2 Spouse	E2 Treaty	Yes, with EAD	Full-time allowed	Yes

Step by Step

Dependent Visa Process

How to apply for dependent visa along with principal visa holder.

Principal Visa Approval

The primary visa holder (H1B, L1, F1, etc.) must first have their visa petition approved or status granted.

Principal's timeline

Complete DS-160 Forms

Complete online DS-160 visa application forms for each dependent (spouse and children). Upload photos meeting specifications.

1-2 hours per person

Gather Documentation

Collect required documents: valid passports, marriage certificate (spouse), birth certificates (children), principal's approval notice, I-797.

1-2 weeks

Schedule & Attend Interview

Schedule visa interview appointment at US Embassy/Consulate. Dependents can interview together with or separately from principal.

2-8 weeks wait

Visa Issuance & Travel

Upon approval, dependent visas are stamped in passports. Family can travel together to the US and begin life in America.

3-5 days after approval

Common Questions

Dependent Visa Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about this visa category.

What dependent visa options are available?

Dependent visas match the principal visa type: H4 for H1B holders, F2 for F1 students, L2 for L1 visa holders, J2 for J1 exchange visitors, and so on.

Can H4 visa holders work in the US?

H4 spouses can work only if the H1B holder has an approved I-140 immigrant petition. They must apply for H4 EAD (Employment Authorization Document) to get work permission.

Can L2 visa holders work?

Yes, L2 spouses automatically receive work authorization upon receiving L2 status. They can work for any employer without separate EAD approval.

Can F2 visa holders work or study?

F2 visa holders cannot work. They can only study part-time in avocational or recreational courses. Full-time study is not permitted on F2.

How long are dependent visas valid?

Dependent visa validity matches the principal visa holder's status. When the principal's status expires or is extended, dependent status follows accordingly.

Can dependent visa holders travel independently?

Yes, dependents can travel to their home country or other countries. However, they need valid visa stamps for re-entry and must maintain valid status.

What if the principal visa holder changes status?

Dependents must also change to the corresponding dependent status. For example, if H1B holder changes to L1, the H4 spouse should change to L2.

Can children on dependent visa attend school?

Yes, dependent children can attend school (K-12) and college on any dependent visa status. There's no restriction on education for dependents.

What documents are needed for dependent visa?

Required documents include valid passport, marriage certificate or birth certificate (proving relationship), principal's visa documents, financial proof, and photographs.

Can dependents apply for Green Card separately?

Dependents are typically included in the principal's Green Card application. They can also independently qualify if sponsored by an employer or US citizen relative.