Dependents Visa

[sajiv]

The dependent visa is a non-immigrant dependent visa for dependents of F-1 visa or student visa holders. A spouse and unmarried, minor children may also apply for a non-immigrant visa to accompany the student. Family members must meet all visa eligibility requirements, including evidence that the student will have sufficient funds for the studies as well as supporting the dependents. They must also present convincing evidence that the dependents will depart the country when the student's program ends. Spouses and children of students may not accept employment at any time, but they are allowed to study in the country using the dependent visas.

The spouse and children may either come with the student or come later to that country on dependents visa status. Dependents should go with the student to the embassy or consulate where they apply for the student visa. It is also possible to apply later for the F-2 visa or dependent visa based on the F-1 visa or student visa status. It is always better to apply together for the student and dependents visas so that all the documents can be verified at one time.

The student must establish his or her relationship with the dependents by showing documents such as birth or marriage certificates. If the student's spouse or children are following to join at a later date, then he or she should provide the U.S. embassy staff with a copy of the USCIS Form I-20 ID (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant (F-1) Student Status - for Academic and Language Students) and proof of their relationship with the student. The F-2 or dependent status will be dependent upon the status as the F-1 or student visa. This means that any change in the student's status will affect his or her dependent.

If the student loses his or her status, then all of the dependents will also lose their status.
The spouse and minor children of participants in J exchange programs may apply for J-2 visas to accompany the student by presenting a copy of the student's Form DS-2019. They must demonstrate that they will have sufficient financial resources to cover all expenses while in the U.S.