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.
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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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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
The benefits of the USA Dependant Visa are given below.
The eligibility criteria for the USA Dependant Visa are given below.
The documents required to apply for the USA Dependant Visa are given below.
Each visa category requires particular additional criteria that differ from one another.
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.
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) |
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 |
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.
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.
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:
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.
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