Visas may be issued to the spouse, unmarried minor children, and sometimes the parents (if dependents) of a person with a corresponding visa type. For example, the J-2 Visa is a nonimmigrant visa issued by a consular official at a U.S. embassy or consulate for spouses and dependents of J-1 exchange visitors who accompany or later join the J-1 Visa holder in the United States.
Many classes of visas have their own dependent visa, but others do not.
In Texas, as in all states of the United States, the issuance of visas, including those for dependents, is governed by federal immigration law, as immigration is a matter under federal jurisdiction. The J-2 Visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa available to the dependents of J-1 Visa holders, which includes spouses, unmarried children under the age of 21, and sometimes dependent parents. The J-1 Visa is intended for individuals participating in work-and study-based exchange visitor programs. Dependents of J-1 Visa holders can apply for a J-2 Visa to accompany or join the J-1 holder in the U.S. The rights of J-2 Visa holders include the ability to study and, in some cases, work in the U.S. after obtaining an Employment Authorization Document. It's important to note that while many nonimmigrant visa categories offer corresponding dependent visas, such as F-2 for dependents of F-1 students or H-4 for dependents of H-1B workers, not all visa categories provide this option. The specific eligibility and application requirements for each dependent visa type are outlined by the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
