Visa for dependents

There are two types of dependent visas: immigrant and nonimmigrant. Dependent visas allow a main visa holder’s spouse and children to travel and stay in another country with him or her.

For people who wish to live permanently in a country where the main visa holder is a citizen or legal permanent resident, an immigrant dependency visa is needed. In the United States, for example, a citizen or a green cardholder may support a spouse, child, or parent with an immigrant dependency visa.

A nonimmigrant dependence visa is for temporary family members who want to join the main visa holder in another country while he or she works, studies, or travels there. A nonimmigrant dependence visa can be obtained by the partner or child of a temporary worker in the United States, such as an E-1 treaty trader, E-2 treaty investor, an intracompany transferee, or an H-1B specialty occupation worker.

Each dependency visa has its own requirements and benefits based on the country and visa type. You usually need to prove that you are related to the main visa holder, meet health and character requirements, and have enough money to support yourself while you are there to get a dependent visa. You may also be able to work, study, or move within the country depending on your type of visa.