F-2 / H-4 / L-2 / J-2: Dependent visas (spouse and children of primary visa holders).

Who the F-2 / H-4 / L-2 / J-2 is for

• Spouse of an Indian H-1B / L-1 / F-1 / J-1 holder
• Children under 21 of those primary holders

Typical Indian use cases

• H-4 spouse joining an H-1B worker in the U.S.
• L-2 spouse with EAD ability to work
• F-2 spouse joining a student
• Children accompanying any primary visa holder

Key requirements

• Primary visa holder is in valid status
• Genuine marriage or parent-child relationship
• Funding sufficient for the family

Documents to prepare

• Primary's visa stamp and I-797 (or I-20 / DS-2019)
• DS-160 for each dependent
• Marriage certificate (for spouse)
• Birth certificate (for child)
• Primary's pay stubs or employment proof
• Funding documents

India-specific notes

Indian H-4 dependents form a major segment. H-4 EAD is currently available only to spouses of H-1B holders whose I-140 is approved or who are in the 7th year extension period. L-2 spouses can work without EAD as of 2022 rule changes. F-2 spouses cannot work and cannot study full-time. All dependent classes were also affected by the September 2025 interview-waiver removal — H-4, L-2, F-2, J-2 all require in-person interview now.

Common pitfalls at the F-2 / H-4 / L-2 / J-2 interview

• Not bringing primary's recent pay stubs and employment letter
• Marriage certificate with discrepancies
• Trying to enter on H-4 EAD without the EAD card in hand (different document)