USA dependent visa
There is no visa called the "US dependent visa." A family joins the principal through a derivative category that mirrors the principal's own status: H-4 for the families of H workers, L-2 for L-1 intracompany transferees, F-2/M-2 for the families of F-1/M-1 students, and J-2 for J-1 exchange visitors (O-3 and P-4 cover O and P holders). Every one of these is a full nonimmigrant sticker visa. For Indian passport holders there is no US e-visa and no visa-on-arrival.
Each dependent stands on their own file. The spouse and every unmarried child under 21 completes a separate DS-160, pays the MRV visa fee, and sits an in-person interview at a US Embassy or Consulate in India. The whole family must apply in the same category, and at the same post, as the principal. And a derivative visa can never be granted for longer than the principal's own visa validity.
Who this visa is for
- ✓Spouse of a person holding valid US nonimmigrant status in the H, L, F, M, J, O or P categories
- ✓Unmarried children under the age of 21 of the principal visa holder
- ✓The dependent must apply in the derivative category that matches the principal's status (for example, the spouse of an H-1B worker applies for H-4)
- ✓The applicant intends to accompany the principal to the USA or to 'follow to join' at a later date
- ✓Ability to show the family can be financially supported during the stay in the USA
Visa options for USA
H-4
Spouse and unmarried children under 21 of H-1B, H-2A, H-2B or H-3 workers. Certain H-4 spouses (where the H-1B principal has an approved I-140 or AC21 extension) may apply separately to USCIS for an Employment Authorization Document.
L-2
Spouse and unmarried children under 21 of L-1 intracompany transferees. L-2 spouses are considered work-authorized incident to their L-2 status and do not need a separate EAD.
F-2 / M-2
Spouse and unmarried children under 21 of F-1/M-1 students. F-2/M-2 spouses may not work; minor children may attend school in the USA. Each dependent needs an individual Form I-20 from the school (no SEVIS fee).
J-2
Spouse and unmarried children under 21 of J-1 exchange visitors, if the program category permits. Children may attend school without an F visa; J-2 dependents may apply to USCIS for work authorization. Each needs a separate Form DS-2019.
O-3 / P-4
Spouse and unmarried children under 21 of O and P visa holders. These dependents may not accept employment in the USA.
Documents typically required
- ✓Passport valid for the intended period of stay in the USA (generally at least six months of validity recommended)
- ✓DS-160 confirmation page with barcode — a separate DS-160 is completed for each dependent
- ✓MRV visa fee payment receipt (USD 205 for petition-based H, L, O, P categories; USD 185 for F, M and J)
- ✓One recent US-format photograph, 2x2 inches (51x51 mm), white background
- ✓OFC (biometrics) and consular interview appointment confirmations
- ✓Principal's status document: I-797 approval notice / I-129 receipt for H-4 and L-2, dependent Form I-20 for F-2/M-2, or Form DS-2019 for J-2
- ✓Copy of the principal's US visa and passport bio page
- ✓Proof of relationship: marriage certificate for a spouse; birth certificate for each child
- ✓Evidence of the principal's US employment, study or exchange status and proof of funds to support the family
Your exact checklist depends on your profile — we confirm it during your case analysis. Every visa decision rests with the embassy or consulate.
For India, appointments are booked through the official US visa scheduling service, and each dependent needs their own DS-160 and MRV fee receipt. The whole family must apply in the same category and at the same location as the principal — the US Embassy in New Delhi or a Consulate General in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata or Hyderabad. Biometrics are captured at a Visa Application Centre (OFC) before the consular interview.
Frequently asked questions
Do you guarantee the visa?
No. The decision rests solely with the consular officer at the US Embassy or Consulate, and no one can honestly guarantee a US visa. What we can promise is a frank reading of your case and the strongest, best-documented application we can build around it. Over the last 2-3 years, the applications we have handled have carried a 97% success rate.
Which dependent visa applies to my family?
That follows the principal's status. Families of H workers apply for H-4, families of L-1 transferees for L-2, families of F-1/M-1 students for F-2/M-2, and families of J-1 exchange visitors for J-2. The dependent category always mirrors the principal's visa.
Can my dependent spouse work in the USA?
It depends on the category. L-2 spouses are work-authorized the moment they hold that status. Certain H-4 spouses may apply to USCIS for an Employment Authorization Document. F-2 spouses cannot work at all, while J-2 spouses may apply for work authorization if the program permits. Children under 21 may attend school on every one of these categories.
Is there a US e-visa or visa-on-arrival for dependents?
No. Indian passport holders must obtain a full nonimmigrant sticker visa — that means a DS-160 and an in-person interview at a US Embassy or Consulate in India. There is no US e-visa and no visa-on-arrival.
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