Dependents

To obtain a visa to join a spouse or parent for a short-term stay in the United States, the applicant must be able to demonstrate that he or she is the spouse or minor child of an F-1, J-1, M-1, H-1, H-2, or L-1 visa holder who wishes to enter the United States solely to accompany or follow to join the principal visa holder. 

Please note the following entries and durations are subject to the interviewing officer’s review.  F-2 visa is for dependents of students (F-1), and is valid for multiple entries within twelve months.  J-2 visa is for dependents of exchange visitors (J-1), and is valid for multiple entries within twelve months.  M-2 visa is for dependents of students at vocational or other recognized non-academic institutions (M-1), and is valid for multiple entries within twelve months.  H-4 visa is for dependents of temporary workers (H), is valid for one entry within three months.  L-2 visa is for dependents of intra-company transfers (L), and a multiple entry visa with a 24 month validity requires the applicant to pay an additional visa issuance fee of $120 USD or equivalent amount of RMB.  Those who wish to get three month one entry visa will be waived of visa issuance fee.

All dependant applicants should prepare to present the following documentation and other relevant information at their interview:

1. Valid Passport --- If your passport will expire less than 6 months from your planned arrival in the United States, or is damaged, or you do not have a page for a visa, please get a new passport before your interview.
   
   
2. One Photograph --- Two inches square color photograph, less than 6 months old, against a white background, full frontal view. The photo should be glued to the English DS-156, Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form.  Click for more information on photo requirements.
   
   
3. Original Bank Receipt for Application Fee --- The 904 RMB (effective Thursday, July 24, 2008) application fee may be paid at any CITIC Bank branch in China. Nonimmigrant visa applicants are required to tape their application fee receipt on the last page of the completed and printed out DS-156 Electronic Visa Application Form. Please do NOT cover the barcode area, and please do NOT staple or glue your receipt. 
   
   
4. Completed Visa Application Forms: DS-156, DS-157 & DS-158.
     
   
5. Completed SEVIS Form --- Form I-20 for F2 & M2 dependents or Form DS-2019 for J2 dependents properly completed and signed by both the Designated School Official (DSO) and the applicant.  Click for more information on SEVIS.
   
   
6. Proof of relationship to the family member in the U.S. --- For example: marriage certificates, birth certificates, correspondence, and photographs, etc.
   
   
7. Proof of legal status of the family member in the U.S. --- For Example:  Photocopies of family member’s passport and US visa, I-20 form for students, DS-2019 form for exchange visitors, or I-797 form for temporary workers.
   
   
8. Sufficient funds---establishing that the applicant is not likely at any time to become a public charge with such documents as I-20 form for students, DS-2019 form for exchange visitors, personal income tax returns (1040 form), corporate income tax returns (1020 form), corporate quarterly reports (941 form), W-2 tax forms, bank statements, and affidavit of support (I-134 form). Evidence of health insurance covering dependents can also be helpful.

The above items should not be considered an exhaustive list and presentation of these documents does not guarantee visa issuance.  Be prepared to explain to the visa officer and present evidence regarding why you are going to the US and why you will return to China.