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 the state of Wisconsin, as in all other U.S. states, the issuance of visas falls under federal jurisdiction and is not governed by state law. The U.S. Department of State is responsible for visa policies and procedures. The J-2 Visa is a nonimmigrant visa available to the dependents of J-1 Visa holders, which includes spouses, unmarried children under the age of 21, and sometimes dependent parents. These visas allow dependents to accompany or join the J-1 Visa holder in the United States. While many nonimmigrant visa categories offer corresponding dependent visas, such as F-2 for dependents of F-1 students or H-4 for dependents of H-1B workers, not all visa categories provide this option. The availability of a dependent visa depends on the primary visa type and the specific regulations that apply to it. It's important for individuals to consult with an attorney or the U.S. Department of State to understand the options and requirements for dependent visas.