1. What is a U.S. Student Visa for Dependent Spouses and Children?
A U.S. Student Visa for Dependent Spouses and Children is a visa that allows the dependents of a student enrolled in a U.S. educational program, such as a university or college, to accompany them in the U.S. The visa allows the dependents to live in the U.S. and partake in certain activities such as employment and study in certain schools. The visa does not, however, provide lawful permanent residency status in the U.S., meaning that the dependents will need to regularly renew their visa to remain in the country.
2. How do I apply for a U.S. Student Visa for Dependent Spouses and Children?
You can apply for a US Student Visa for Dependent Spouses and Children at your local US Embassy or Consulate. To apply, you will need to complete the DS-160, pay the visa application fee, and attend an interview at the embassy or consulate. You will also need to provide documentation to demonstrate your relationship with the student, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate. In addition, you will need to provide evidence of financial support, such as a bank statement or letter of financial support from the student’s sponsor.
3. Do I need a separate visa for my dependent child or spouse?
Yes, your dependent child or spouse will need a separate visa in order to travel with you.
4. What documents do I need to submit in my application for a U.S. Student Visa for Dependent Spouses and Children?
The documents required for a U.S. Student Visa for Dependent Spouses and Children include:
• A valid passport
• A completed and signed Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status) issued by the sponsoring organization
• A completed and signed Form DS-156 (Nonimmigrant Visa Application)
• Two 2×2 passport-style photographs
• Evidence of financial support (e.g., bank statements, sponsorships, etc.)
• Evidence of the student’s relationship to the spouse or parent (e.g., marriage or birth certificates)
• Proof of payment of the nonimmigrant visa application fee
• Any other documents required by the U.S. embassy or consulate where you will be applying for the visa
5. How long is the validity period of a U.S. Student Visa for Dependent Spouses and Children?
The validity period of a U.S. Student Visa for Dependent Spouses and Children is the same as the student’s visa validity period.
6. Is there an age limit for my dependents to be eligible for a U.S. Student Visa for Dependent Spouses and Children?
No, there is no specific age limit for dependency for a U.S. Student Visa for Dependent Spouses and Children, but they must be the child or spouse of the primary visa holder. In addition, the dependent must not be married or have a child of their own to be eligible for a student visa.
7. Are there any restrictions or requirements on my dependents’ activities while in the U.S.?
Yes, there are restrictions and requirements on dependents’ activities while in the U.S. Dependents are not allowed to work while in the U.S. and they must comply with all immigration laws and regulations. Dependents must also maintain valid visa status while in the U.S. and are generally not eligible for public benefits unless they have a separate visa category that makes them eligible.
8. Can my dependents work while in the U.S.?
Whether or not a dependent can work in the U.S. is dependent upon their visa status. Generally, dependents on a nonimmigrant visa such as F-2, H-4, or L-2, are not allowed to work in the U.S. An individual can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if they meet certain criteria. Spouses of certain H1B and L1 visa holders may also be eligible to work in the U.S. with an EAD.
9. Can my dependents travel outside the United States while on a U.S. Student Visa for Dependent Spouses and Children?
Your dependents can travel outside the United States while on a U.S. Student Visa for Dependent Spouses and Children; however, they must have a valid Form I-20 to re-enter the United States. Additionally, your dependents must have a valid passport and an unexpired Form I-94 (or I-94W) to be admitted back into the United States.
10. Are there any additional fees required to obtain a U.S. Student Visa for Dependent Spouses and Children?
Yes, dependent spouses and children of a student visa holder are required to pay additional fees to obtain the visa. These fees include the application fee, the visa issuance fee, and the I-901 SEVIS fee. For more information, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country.
11. Does my dependent spouse or child need to undergo a medical examination prior to obtaining the visa?
Yes, all family members of the applicant are required to undergo a medical examination in order to receive the visa.
12. What are the steps for renewing a U.S. Student Visa for Dependent Spouses and Children?
1. Start the process as soon as possible. The application process for a dependent visa can take several months and may require multiple visits to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
2. Collect all of the necessary documents and prepare them for submission. This includes a valid passport, a copy of the primary applicant’s visa, evidence of the relationship (such as marriage or birth certificates), evidence of financial ties between the primary applicant and the dependent, and any other required documents.
3. Fill out and submit the application form for the visa renewal. This may be done online or in-person at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
4. Attend an interview with a U.S. immigration official at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. During this interview, you will be asked questions about your relationship to the primary applicant, your financial ties to them, and other topics relevant to your circumstances.
5. Pay the visa fee and wait for your visa to arrive in the mail or be picked up in person at the Embassy or Consulate. This process can take several weeks to several months depending on the processing times at the Embassy or Consulate where you applied.
6. Once the visa has been approved, enter the United States with your valid passport and visa before the expiration date of your current visa.
13. Are there any restrictions on the activities my dependents can engage in while in the U.S.?
Yes. Your dependents must abide by all applicable laws while in the United States. Additionally, your dependents must remain enrolled in school if they are under 21 years of age. Furthermore, dependents may not accept employment unless specifically authorized by U.S. immigration law or regulations. Additionally, dependents over 21 years of age are usually allowed to study, but not to work.
14. What type of insurance is required while my dependents are in the United States?
Your dependents in the United States are required to have health insurance coverage that meets the minimum essential coverage requirements as mandated by the Affordable Care Act. Depending on your family’s situation, you may be able to obtain coverage through an employer-sponsored plan, through the Health Insurance Marketplace, or through a private insurer.
15. Are there any restrictions on the length of stay for my dependents in the United States?
Yes. Each dependent must apply for a nonimmigrant visa or an adjustment of status to remain in the United States. Generally, dependents are limited to a maximum of two years for a nonimmigrant visa and an indefinite stay for an adjustment of status.
16. Do I need to file separate applications for each dependent family member seeking a visa?
Yes, if you are applying for a visa for more than one family member, you will need to complete a separate application form for each person.
17. Do I need to provide proof of financial resources when applying for a dependent visa?
Yes, you must provide proof of sufficient financial resources when applying for a dependent visa. This is usually done by presenting bank statements, salary slips, or any other evidence of income that proves the applicant has enough funds to support themselves and any accompanying dependents.
18. How can I update my application after I have already submitted it?
Once you have submitted your application, it is likely that there are no further changes you can make. However, if you do need to update information after the fact, you should contact the institution or organization to which you submitted the application and explain the situation. Depending on the circumstance, they may be able to offer assistance in modifying your application.
19. Can I bring more than one dependent to the United States with me on a student visa?
No, you cannot bring more than one dependent to the United States with you on a student visa. Dependents are usually only permitted to accompany the student for short visits. In most cases, dependents require their own visa in order to remain in the United States for an extended period of time.
20. What should I do if I have questions or need help with my application?
If you have questions or need help with your application, you should contact the university’s admissions office, as they will be able to provide the best advice and assistance. You can usually do this by email or by phone.