USA Dependent Visa
USA H-1B Visa
The H-1B visa is designed to enable foreign workers with specialized skills in certain occupational fields to work for employers in the United States who cannot find suitable American workers for the position. Essentially, this visa serves as a work permit for qualified individuals.
Who Can Apply?
- Are qualified to practice specialty occupations.
- Offer services of exceptional ability or merit for a cooperative research and development (R&D) project of the Department of Defense.
- Possess distinguished merit and ability as fashion models. Specialized workers and models seeking this visa must be sponsored by their U.S. employer. The employer submits the application and covers the visa fee on behalf of the worker.
Family members of the visa holder, including their spouse and unmarried offspring under 21 years old, can accompany them to the USA by applying for the H-4 non-immigrant classification.
Duration of Stay
Initially, the H-1B visa is valid for a three-year period, but it can be extended for up to six years in some cases. During this period, the employer can sponsor the worker for a Green Card, which grants permanent resident status. After residing in the U.S. as a permanent resident for five years, the worker can apply for U.S. citizenship.
If the employee resigns or their employment is terminated while living in the USA as a non-immigrant, they have several options:
- Secure another job within 60 days and file fresh paperwork.
- Apply to change their status from 'non-immigrant' to immigrant or Green Card status.
- Return to their home country (or be deported). If the employee was terminated, the employer bears the reasonable cost of return travel.
H-1B Visa Benefits
- Open to people of all nationalities.
- Immediate family members can accompany the visa holder to the USA and work in the country.
- Eligibility for social security for the worker and accompanying family members.
- Smooth transition from H-1B to Green Card or permanent resident status.
- A long duration of stay with the option for an extension.
- After obtaining a Green Card, the employee can also sponsor family members (H-4 visa holders) for permanent residence.
- Simple eligibility conditions with no managerial experience or investment requirements.
- Individuals skilled in specialty occupations that are facing a shortage of workforce in the USA are likely to find a U.S. employer willing to sponsor them for this visa. status.
- The employee is not bound to a single U.S. employer and can switch jobs.
- H-1B premium processing significantly reduces the waiting period between application and visa approval.
- H-1B visa holders can open bank accounts in the USA and purchase or rent property and vehicles.
Dependent Visa USA
A Dependent Visa in the USA allows the spouse or children of certain U.S. visa holders to accompany them to the country. The validity of dependent visas corresponds to the primary visa's validity. For example, if the sponsoring individual holds a two-year visa, their dependents will have a visa valid for up to two years. The types of dependent visas include:
- H4 Dependent Visa - For the spouse and children of individuals working in the USA under the H1-B category.
- F2 Dependent Visa - For the spouse and children of individuals studying in the USA on an F1 visa.
- L2 Dependent Visa - For dependents of individuals on company transfers to the US under the L1 category.
- J2 Dependent Visa - For the spouse and children of individuals on exchange programs under the J1 category.
H4 Visa (Dependent Visa)
An H4 visa is issued to dependent family members (spouse and children) of H1 visa holders who wish to accompany the H1B visa holder to the U.S. during their stay. In this case, the principal applicant is always the H1B visa holder. Immediate family members, such as the spouse and children under 21 years old, may qualify for an H4 visa and can apply at a U.S. Consulate in their home country. H4 visa holders have several privileges, including:
- Obtaining a driver's license.
- Pursuing education.
- Opening bank accounts.
- Becoming eligible for an ITIN (Tax ID for IRS tax purposes).
- Working in the US, thanks to the H4 EAD ruling, which allows dependents of H1B visa holders with a valid H4 visa to work in the US by applying for Employment Authorization.
Eligibility Criteria for US Dependent Visa
- They should be the legally married spouse of a valid H, F1, L1, or J1 visa holder or an unmarried child under the age of 21 of the same visa holder.
- The applicant must possess a valid passport with at least six months of validity from the date of travel.
- In certain categories, such as F2, applicants may also need to demonstrate sufficient financial funds.