Why Apply for a USA Dependant Visa?

Most expatriates from the UAE consider it a goal to bring their family members to live in the United States. The USA Dependant Visa lets family members including spouses, children, parents as well as other qualified relatives live in America whether you hold work, study or permanent resident status.
 

The USA Dependant Visa serves as an essential route to reunite families because it lets your loved ones benefit from the U.S. quality of life and educational resources and available opportunities. Families from the UAE who want to establish their life in the U.S. must complete the Dependant Visa application process as a vital procedure. This guide describes the different USA Dependant Visa types together with their advantages and eligibility requirements specifically designed for UAE residents. Family immigration dominates U.S. pathways: About 64.6% of all U.S. green cards issued in FY 2023 were through family sponsorship.
 

• The U.S. issued over 226,000 family-based immigrant visas in FY 2024.
• The immigration policy allows families to join their spouses and children and other family members.
• The immigration system grants employment authorization to qualified family members who qualify for this benefit.
• The program offers a route which leads to obtaining permanent residency status within the United States.
• After fulfilling required residency conditions individuals become eligible to pursue citizenship.
   

*Want guidance to apply for the USA Dependant Visa? Sign up with Y-Axis for comprehensive support with the process.
 

What is a USA Dependant Visa?

A USA Dependant Visa functions as a visa classification which permits immediate family members to move to the United States following the sponsorship or principal visa holder. The United States provides various visa categories for dependants based on their relationship to the sponsor and the sponsor's immigration status. The U.S. government issues both immigrant and non-immigrant visas to dependants which enable temporary or permanent residency depending on the sponsor's authorized stay.
 

The UAE residents including nationals and expatriates can obtain a USA Dependant Visa through the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in order to reunite with their American family member. The selection of the proper visa classification depends on your familial connection. For example: Spouses and children of U.S. citizens or Green Card holders typically apply for family-based immigrant visas.
 

• Fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens apply for the K-1 visa.
• Parents of adult U.S. citizens apply for the IR-5 immigrant visa.
• Spouses and children of student or work visa holders apply for dependant visas like F-2 (for F-1 students) or H-4/L-2 (for H-1B or L-1 workers).
   

Each has its own eligibility criteria and application steps, which we expand on below. The goal is the same: to allow your loved ones to live with you in the U.S. legally and with proper authorization.
 

The USA Dependant Visa permits your family members to relocate with you to the U.S. where they will receive all advantages available to residents. The application process appears complicated but Y-Axis provides expert support to help you complete every step successfully. Our team supports you through the process of bringing your family members including spouses, partners, children, and parents into the United States.
 

Types of USA Dependant Visas

The United States provides dependent visas to enable family members and children of visa holders to stay with or come after them into the U.S. The F-2, J-2, H-4, L-2 and K-2/K-4 visas exist as specific dependent visas which relate to the main visa holder's status as a student, exchange visitor, worker, business transfer or fiancé(e).
 

The popular types of USA Dependant Visa are given below.
 

• F-2 Visa: For dependents of F-1 student visa holders.
• J-2 Visa: For dependents of J-1 exchange visitor visa holders.
• H-4 Visa: For dependents of H-1B work visa holders.
• L-2 Visa: For dependents of L-1 business transfer visa holders.
• K-2 Visa: For the children of K-1 fiance(e) visa holders.
• K-4 Visa: For the children of K-3 spouse visa holders.
   

Spouse or Partner Visa (F-2A / K-3)

The U.S. government issues spouse visas to allow husbands and wives to enter the country. The type of visa depends on the immigration status of the person who is sponsoring:
 

• A permanent resident sponsor can bring their spouse and minor children through the F-2A family preference category which leads to an immigrant visa that grants a Green Card. The U.S. resident sponsor needs to submit Form I-130 and then the spouse can immigrate using F-2A when a visa becomes available. The U.S. grants immediate relative status to citizen sponsors so their spouses usually qualify for direct immigrant visas (IR-1 or CR-1).
• Spouses of U.S. citizens may obtain K-3 visas from the United States government. The K-3 visa exists as a temporary non-immigrant visa which helps shorten separation periods while immigrant visa processing continues.
   

Dependent Children Visa (F-2A / K-2)

Children of valid US Visa holders who are not yet married may enter the United States through the Dependent Children Visa (F-2A / K-2). U.S. citizens and permanent residents who sponsor can submit an IR-2 application for their minor children while F-2A visas apply to their status. To qualify the child must remain unmarried and their age must remain below 21 years.
 

Parent Visa (IR-5)

The Parent Visa classification IR-5 exists to provide immigration access for U.S. citizen parents. U.S. citizens who have reached the age of 21 possess the ability to sponsor both their mother and father when they want them to immigrate to the United States.
 

F-1 Visa Holders’ Dependents (F-2)

International students holding F-1 visas have the option to bring their family members including spouses and children to the United States through F-2 visas. The F-2 visa holders do not have work authorization but they may study part-time or participate in recreational activities.
 

K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa

The K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa exists to allow foreign nationals who are engaged to U.S. citizens to enter the United States. Through the U.S. citizen's petition the foreign fiancé(e) obtains permission to enter the U.S. for a marriage that must occur during the 90-day period
 

Benefits of a USA Dependant Visa

The benefits of the USA Dependant Visa are given below.

• Family Reunification: The primary benefit is the ability to live together with your family in the U.S.
• Work Opportunities: Permanent residents and some non-immigrant visa holders (like H-4 with EAD or L-2) can work freely.
• Access to Education: Dependants can attend U.S. schools and universities. Some dependants may also qualify for in-state tuition rates.
• Quality of Life: Dependants enjoy living in the U.S. with access to excellent healthcare, infrastructure, and opportunities for professional growth.
• Path to Permanent Residency: Many dependant visas lead to Green Card status, allowing family members to live permanently in the U.S.
   

Eligibility Criteria for a USA Dependant Visa

The eligibility criteria for the USA Dependant Visa are given below.

• The applicant needs to hold a legal marriage with the sponsoring individual who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• The child applicant must be both unmarried and younger than 21 years old.
• The sponsor needs to be a U.S. citizen who has reached the age of 21.
• The petitioner has to be a U.S. citizen and both parties need to agree on getting married within 90 days following entry.
• F-1 students who hold F-2 dependents must continue their full-time academic enrollment.
   

USA Dependant Visa Requirements

The documents required to apply for the USA Dependant Visa are given below.

• The passport needs to maintain validity for no less than six months after your planned departure date.
• The photographs required must fulfill all U.S. visa standards for passport photos.
• The applicant needs to submit proof of relationship by providing either their marriage certificate or birth certificates or adoption documents.
• The sponsor needs to demonstrate financial capability for providing support to their dependants.
   

 Each visa category requires particular additional criteria that differ from one another.
 

USA Dependant Visa Application Process for UAE Residents

The detailed procedure to apply for the USA Dependant Visa is given below.

Step 1: Choose the Visa Type: The visa selection depends on your connection with the sponsor and their relationship to you.

Step 2: File a Petition: The sponsor who is either a U.S. citizen or permanent resident must submit a petition to USCIS.

Step 3: NVC Processing: After the petition gets approved the case moves to the National Visa Center for additional processing.

Step 4: Schedule Visa Interview: You need to pay the application fees before scheduling the interview at U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi.

Step 5: Attend the Interview: For the interview you need to bring all essential documents which include proof of relationship and financial support.
 

USA Dependant Visa Processing Time

Detailed information about the processing time for USA Dependant Visa is given below.

Visa Type	Processing Time
IR-1/CR-1 Visa (spouse of U.S. citizen)	12-18 months
K-1 Fiancé Visa	10-12 months
Other Dependant Visas	6-12 months (varies by applicant’s country of origin and other factors)

 

USA Dependant Visa Fees

Detailed information about the fees for USA Dependant Visa is given below.

Fee Type	Fees (in USD)
I-130 Petition	$535 per applicant (spouse, child, parent)
Visa Application Fee	$325 for immigrant visas
K-1 Visa Application Fee	$265 per applicant
Medical Examination Fee	Varies by country, typically around $300

 

Can a Dependant Work in the USA?

A dependant's ability to work in the USA depends on their visa category. The permanent residents who hold Green Cards have no restrictions when it comes to working. The spouse and children who hold F-2 status as dependents of F-1 students do not have work privileges. H-4 and L-2 dependants have the ability to work but they must obtain Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) first.
 

Can a Dependant Study in the USA?

The United States allows family members of its citizens and permanent residents to study in the USA for full-time by receiving immigrant visas. Non-immigrant dependants who possess F-2 visas may study part-time only but they must obtain F-1 status to enroll in full-time degree programs.
 

How Can Y-Axis Help You?

Y-Axis operates as a premier immigration consultancy which supports UAE-based individuals during their USA Dependant Visa application process. Our professional team assists clients by selecting appropriate visas and preparing documents and filing petitions and offering interview preparation and post-visa support services. Our seasoned consultants will make certain your application contains all necessary information while maintaining accuracy to avoid any unnecessary processing delays.

Our services include:

• Document Preparation: We assist clients in achieving complete documentation before submission.
• Petition Filing: We support clients during the USCIS petition submission process.
• Interview Coaching: We provide training to help you succeed during your U.S. visa interview.
• Post-Visa Support: We support clients in their U.S. transition and help them follow their visa requirements.

Contact Y-Axis now to schedule your free consultation so we can assist you in bringing your family members to the United States without difficulty.