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Dependent visas are immigration classifications that allow family members - typically spouses and unmarried minor children - to accompany or join a primary visa holder in the United States. Federal law governs immigration and visa eligibility, processing, and enforcement. Greenwood Village, Colorado is a local place of residence within the Denver metropolitan area, so applicants who live in Greenwood Village follow the same federal rules as anywhere in the United States, while using local offices, records and services for supporting documentation and regional USCIS field offices for in-person appointments when needed.
Common dependent visa categories include H-4 for dependents of H-1B workers, L-2 for dependents of L-1 intra-company transferees, F-2 for dependents of F-1 students, J-2 for dependents of J-1 exchange visitors, and derivative immigrant visas for family members of employment-based or family-based green card applicants. Each category has different rights, application processes and timelines.
Immigration law is complex and changes frequently. A qualified immigration attorney can help in situations such as:
- Preparing or reviewing dependent visa petitions and supporting evidence to reduce risks of denial or delays.
- Determining eligibility for work authorization or study for dependents, and preparing applications for Employment Authorization Documents when available.
- Handling change-of-status or extension-of-status requests when a family moves from one visa category to another without leaving the U.S.
- Navigating consular processing and immigrant visa interviews if family members are overseas.
- Addressing denials, Requests for Evidence, or appeals and motions before USCIS or federal immigration courts.
- Coordinating derivative green card petitions, including I-130 family petitions or inclusion in an employment-based immigrant petition.
- Advising about consequences of criminal or immigration violations, including unlawful presence and potential waivers.
- Helping with related state and local matters that affect immigration eligibility, such as obtaining certified vital records, marriage certificates, or dealing with family law issues that impact immigration status.
Federal immigration law controls visa eligibility and admission to the United States. Local Greenwood Village and Colorado authorities do not set immigration policy, but they do provide important services that affect the practical side of a dependent visa application:
- Vital records and civil filings - Birth certificates, marriage certificates and divorce decrees issued or certified by Arapahoe County and the State of Colorado are essential documents for proving family relationships on visa applications.
- State benefits and identification - Eligibility for state benefits, access to state driver licenses or identification cards, and rules for public assistance vary by state and by immigration status. Check Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles and state agencies for current ID and licensing rules that could affect day-to-day life for dependents.
- Local legal and family courts - Family law matters such as custody, divorce or domestic violence restraining orders are handled in local courts. Outcomes in these courts can affect immigration cases, for example when a spouse is seeking relief-based immigration relief.
- Privacy and local law enforcement policies - Local law enforcement practices can influence interactions that involve immigration enforcement. Greenwood Village police and local agencies have policies that affect community members, but federal immigration enforcement remains under federal agencies.
A dependent visa is a visa category or derivative status for the spouse and unmarried minor children of a primary visa holder. Eligibility depends on the principal visa category. Common examples are H-4 for H-1B dependents, L-2 for L-1 dependents, F-2 for F-1 dependents, and J-2 for J-1 dependents. Requirements and allowed activities vary by category.
If the principal already has valid U.S. status, dependents in the U.S. may file a change-of-status or extension application with USCIS using forms such as I-539. Dependents abroad generally apply through consular processing at a U.S. consulate or embassy after the principal files any required petition. Local steps include collecting certified civil documents from Arapahoe County or Colorado Vital Records, getting required translations, and preparing the federal forms and fees.
Work and study permissions depend on the dependent visa category. Some dependents can study without additional approval. Others may need to file for work authorization - for example, certain L-2 and J-2 dependents are eligible for EADs, and some H-4 dependents can obtain an EAD if the H-1B principal meets specific green card-related conditions. Always confirm the rules for your specific visa class and apply for an Employment Authorization Document when required.
Processing times vary by category, whether change-of-status or consular processing is used, and current USCIS or consulate workloads. Some change-of-status filings take several months. Consular processing includes additional scheduling of visa interviews and can take several months to longer depending on the country. Check current federal processing time estimates and plan for possible delays.
Travel during a pending change-of-status can be complex. Leaving the United States while a change-of-status application is pending typically results in abandonment of that application. Dependents should consult an attorney before traveling. Dependents who already have a valid visa stamp and are maintaining status may be able to travel and re-enter following routine procedures.
If the principal loses lawful status or an immigrant petition is denied, derivative dependents may also be affected and risk losing their lawful stay. In some cases, dependents might be eligible to pursue their own visas, apply for different statuses, or seek relief such as waivers or humanitarian protections. Seek prompt legal advice if the principal’s status changes or faces denial.
Yes - dependents can be included in many family-based or employment-based immigrant petitions. For family-based green cards the sponsoring relative typically files Form I-130 for each qualifying family member. For employment-based green cards, eligible dependents often can adjust status as derivative applicants. Process details and timelines depend on visa category, priority dates and country of origin.
Typical documents include passports, marriage certificates, birth certificates, proof of the principal’s valid status (such as I-797 approval notices or visa stamps), financial evidence if required, passport-style photos, and translations of any non-English documents. Local certified copies of vital records from Colorado or the issuing jurisdiction are commonly required.
First, carefully review the denial notice or Request for Evidence to understand the reason. Some denials can be cured by submitting additional documentation or filing motions to reopen or reconsider. Appeals and waivers may be available in limited circumstances. Contact a qualified immigration attorney promptly to evaluate options and timelines.
Yes. Federal immigration law recognizes lawful marriages regardless of sex, provided the marriage meets the legal requirements of the place where it was performed. Same-sex spouses can be included as dependents if the marriage is legally valid and properly documented. Local marriage records from Colorado should be used to prove the relationship.
Relevant governmental bodies and organizations to consult include:
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services - for forms, instructions and case processing information.
- U.S. Department of State - for consular processing and visa appointment information.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection - for entry and admission questions.
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and Arapahoe County Clerk and Recorder - for certified vital records and civil filings.
- Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles - for state ID and driver license questions that may affect dependents.
Local and nonprofit resources that often assist immigrants and families include community legal aid organizations, immigration clinics and ethnic community centers in the Denver-Greenwood Village area. Professional organizations that help locate accredited attorneys include the American Immigration Lawyers Association and the Colorado Bar Association - Immigration Section. When searching for help, seek attorneys who specialize in immigration law or nonprofit agencies with recognized accreditation.
If you need legal assistance with a dependent visa in Greenwood Village, consider the following steps:
- Gather essential documents - passports, marriage and birth certificates, principal’s immigration documents, and any prior USCIS notices. Obtain certified copies from Arapahoe County or the issuing foreign authority and translations where required.
- Determine the correct route - change of status within the U.S. or consular processing abroad - and identify the precise forms and fees that apply to your visa category.
- Schedule a consultation with a qualified immigration attorney or accredited representative to review eligibility, timelines and risks. Prepare questions and bring your documents to the consultation.
- Prepare for timing - start early, allow for processing delays, and avoid travel that could jeopardize pending applications unless advised by counsel.
- If cost is a concern, ask about legal aid clinics, nonprofit services, or pro bono options in the Denver area that assist with immigration matters.
Immigration rules change and individual circumstances vary. Consulting an experienced immigration lawyer will help you understand current law and the best path forward for your family.
