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 South Carolina, as in all states, the issuance of visas is governed by federal law, not state statutes. The U.S. Department of State is responsible for visa policies and procedures. For spouses, unmarried minor children, and sometimes dependent parents of individuals with certain types of visas, there are corresponding dependent visas available. The J-2 Visa is an example of a nonimmigrant visa for dependents of J-1 exchange visitors. It allows them to accompany or join the J-1 Visa holder in the United States. While many visa categories offer dependent visas, some do not. The eligibility for a dependent visa depends on the principal visa holder's status and the specific visa regulations. It's important to consult with an attorney or the U.S. Department of State's resources for the most current information regarding visa requirements and eligibility for dependents.