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The Dependent Visa law, officially known as the F-2 or H-4 visa, is part of the U.S. Immigration Law. It allows spouses and children (dependents) of an international student or a temporary work visa holder to live in the United States during their family member's study or work period. The city of Billings, like the whole of the United States, operates under this law. It is valid for the same duration as the primary visa holder's visa.
An individual may require legal help with Dependent Visa for various reasons. Legal aid is particularly crucial when dealing with complex aspects of immigration law, which includes dependent visa formalities. The application process can be complicated, involving plenty of documentation and procedural accuracy. Having a lawyer can ensure that your application is correct and increases the chances for a successful visa application. If the dependent visa is denied, a lawyer can help understand the reasons and guide the appeal process. When changes happen in the visa policy, a lawyer can provide updated advice on how these changes may affect the dependent visa status.
In Billings, the same regulations apply as throughout the U.S. for obtaining a dependent visa. The primary visa holder must be on an F-1 or H-1B (or similar) visa. F-2 or H-4 visas are tied to the principal visa, i.e., the dependent's visa is valid as long as the primary visa is valid. It's also important to note that while under a dependent visa, spouses are generally not allowed to work unless they obtain a work permit of their own, and children can attend school.
The processing time varies based on several factors, such as the country of origin, U.S. embassy workload, and whether all the necessary documents were correctly submitted. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
Typically, spouses under F-2 visas are not permitted to work. Spouses under an H-4 visa can work only if they obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
Children under a Dependent Visa are permitted to attend school in the U.S. without the need to apply for a separate student visa.
If the main visa is denied or expires, the dependent visa is also affected. In such cases, the dependents typically need to depart from the U.S. or change their visa status.
In a case of divorce, the dependent visa typically becomes invalid, and the dependent must change their status or leave the U.S.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Department of State websites can provide reliable information. Local immigration lawyer associations and organizations like American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) can provide helpful resources and lawyer referrals.
If you require legal assistance regarding a dependent visa, it's recommended to contact an established immigration attorney. Research online to find reputable lawyers in the Billings area who specialize in immigration and dependent visa cases. Set up consultation appointments with potential lawyers to discuss your case and start your application process professionally and accurately.
