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 New Jersey, as in all states, the issuance of visas falls under federal jurisdiction, not state law. The U.S. Department of State is responsible for visa policies and regulations. For spouses, unmarried minor children, and sometimes dependent parents of individuals holding certain types of visas, there are corresponding dependent visas available. The J-2 Visa is an example of such a dependent visa, which is available to the dependents of J-1 exchange visitors. This allows them to accompany or join the J-1 Visa holder in the United States. While many visa categories offer corresponding dependent visas, it's important to note that not all do. The eligibility for a dependent visa depends on the principal visa holder's status and the specific visa regulations that apply to that category. Individuals interested in dependent visas should consult with an attorney or the U.S. Department of State for guidance on their specific situation.