USCIS Immigration Process for Dependents

Who Are Dependents?

Dependents are close family members eligible to immigrate to the U.S. based on their relationship to a principal immigrant (the person petitioning). Common dependents include:

• Spouse: Husband or wife of the principal applicant.
• Unmarried Children Under 21: Biological, step, or adopted children of the principal applicant.
• Other Family Members: In limited family-based categories, dependents may include siblings or parents (if sponsored by a U.S. citizen).

Dependents can apply under Family-Based Immigrant Visas or accompany a primary applicant under certain employment-based or non-immigrant visa categories.

---

Steps for Dependents Immigration

1. Determine the Immigration Path

• Family-Based Immigration:
  • Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouse, unmarried children under 21, or parents) have priority and no visa limits.
  • Family preference categories (e.g., F2A for spouses and children of lawful permanent residents) are subject to visa caps and waiting periods.
• Employment-Based Immigration:
  • Dependents of employment-based immigrants can apply for derivative visas (e.g., spouse and children under an EB-2 or EB-3 petition).
• Non-Immigrant Visas:
  • Dependents of temporary visa holders (e.g., H-4 for H-1B dependents, F-2 for F-1 student dependents) must apply for their specific visa type.

---

2. File the Petition

• For family-based immigration, the petitioner (U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident) files Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative).
  • Separate petitions are required for each dependent.
• For derivative visas (employment-based cases), the principal applicant includes dependents on their visa application.

---

3. Approval of Petition

• USCIS reviews the petition. Once approved:
  • The case is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing if the dependent is outside the U.S.
  • For adjustment of status within the U.S., the case moves directly to the next step.

---

4. Consular Processing (Outside the U.S.)

• After approval, the NVC processes the case:
  1. Pay Fees: Immigrant visa fees for each dependent.
  2. Submit Form DS-260: Online immigrant visa application.
  3. Submit Supporting Documents: These include:
     • Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond entry).
     • Birth certificates, marriage certificates (if applicable).
     • Police clearance and medical examination records.
     • Proof of financial support (Form I-864, Affidavit of Support).
  4. Attend the Visa Interview: Dependents must attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
  5. Receive Visa: If approved, dependents are issued immigrant visas.

---

5. Adjustment of Status (Within the U.S.)

• If the dependents are already in the U.S. on a valid visa, they can apply for a green card by filing Form I-485 (Application to Adjust Status).
  • Required documents include:
    • Proof of lawful entry (e.g., I-94, visa stamp).
    • Relationship evidence (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.).
    • Financial support evidence (Form I-864).

---

6. Receive Green Cards

• Approved dependents receive their green cards and become lawful permanent residents (LPRs).

---

Estimated Timeline

• Family-Based Petition (Immediate Relatives): 7–15 months for I-130 approval.
• Family Preference Categories: May involve waiting years due to visa limits.
• Employment-Based Dependents: Often processed concurrently with the principal applicant, typically within 12–18 months.

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat ipsums dolores et fuchsias sadips uns inure autre ficilis.

Contact Details

Phone: 1.800.555.6789
Email: info@company.com
Web: theme-fusion.com

Social Presence

Address

12345 North Main Street,
New York, NY 555555