Visa Categories
Dependents (F-2, J-2, L-2, H-4 Visas)
If you need to obtain a visa to join a spouse or parent for a short-term stay in the United States, you must be able to demonstrate that you are the legal spouse or minor child of an F-1, J-1, M-1, H-1, H-2, or L-1 visa holder.
Parents of children who have the above visas should click here for more information on how to apply for a B1/B2 tourist visa.
Visa Specific Information:
The F-2 visa is intended for dependents of bona fide students (F-1).
The J-2 visa is intended for dependents of exchange visitors (J-1).
The M-2 visa is intended for dependents of students at vocational or other recognized non-academic institutions (M-1).
The H-4 visa is intended for dependents of temporary workers (H).
The L-2 visa is intended for dependents of intra-company transfers (L).
Spouses and children on dependent visas may not accept employment at any time so long as they are in dependent status. Children with a dependent visa are permitted to attend public as well as private schools, provided the principle applicant is still in student/worker status.
Required Documentation:
You will need to establish your relationship to the principal visa holder by providing documents such as an original marriage certificate, birth certificate, photographs, copies of correspondence, phone records, and anything else you feel demonstrates your relationship.
You should also provide proof of your family member’s current visa status, such as photocopies of his/her passport and U.S. visa, form I-20 for students, a form DS-2019 for exchange visitors, or form I-797 for temporary workers.
“F-2” and “J-2” applicants must have an I-20 or DS-2019 for dependents from the institution where your family member is working or studying.
You should also provide proof that you have sufficient funds available to pay for your stay in the U.S.
Administrative processing (the “check”): Occasionally, spouses applying for dependent visas are subject to additional administrative processing based on their education and backgrounds. In order to make this additional processing proceed as quickly and smoothly as possible, we suggest that you bring the following in English to your interview:
Your resume or curriculum vitae including a list of all published research articles.
A detailed description of your research or work.
A detailed itinerary with contact numbers where you may be reached while in the United States.
This processing can take six weeks or longer to complete. Please keep this in mind when making your application and travel plans. The Shanghai Consulate has no method of expediting or speeding-up this processing.
To schedule an appointment through the Visa Information Call Center, click here.
