Visas for Family and Other Visitors

U.S. immigration law allows “dependent status” visas (F-2, J-2, H-4, etc.) for spouses of a principal visa holder (F-1, J-1, H-1B, etc.), and children under the age of 21.  A “spouse” is any married partner for whom there is a marriage certificate, including same-sex spouses.  For more information on visas for spouses and children under the age of 21, please visit Dependent Visa Information.

Other family members or friends, including cohabitating partners, “common law” partners and other partners who are unmarried, do not qualify for dependent statuses.  For those who do not qualify for dependent status, including parents, grandparents, unmarried partners and friends, using a visitor visa to come to the U.S. is usually the best option.