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 North Carolina, as in all states, the issuance of visas is governed by federal law, not state statutes. The United States Department of State is responsible for visa policies and issuance. For individuals holding a J-1 Visa, which is designated for exchange visitors participating in programs that promote cultural exchange, their spouses, unmarried minor children, and in some cases dependent parents can apply for a J-2 Visa. This allows them to accompany or join the J-1 Visa holder in the U.S. The eligibility for a dependent visa varies by the primary visa category. While many nonimmigrant visa categories, such as F, H, and L visas, allow for dependents to obtain derivative visas (such as F-2, H-4, and L-2 visas respectively), some visa categories do not provide this option. It is important for individuals to consult with an attorney or the U.S. Department of State's resources to understand the specific regulations and requirements for dependent visas corresponding to the primary visa holder's category.