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 Rhode Island, as in all states, the issuance of visas falls under federal jurisdiction, not state law. The U.S. Department of State oversees visa policies, including those for dependents. The J-2 Visa is a nonimmigrant visa for the dependents of J-1 Visa holders, which allows spouses and minor children to accompany or join the J-1 exchange visitor in the United States. Dependents may study, and in some cases, work with authorization. While many nonimmigrant visa categories offer corresponding dependent visas, such as F-2 for F-1 student visa holders or H-4 for H-1B work visa holders, not all visa categories provide this option. The availability of dependent visas depends on the primary visa type and is governed by federal immigration regulations. Individuals interested in dependent visas should consult with an immigration attorney or check the latest guidelines from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of State.