Dependent Visa Options for Spouses and Children (UK, USA, Canada)

Dependent visa options for spouses and children (UK, USA, Canada) are more than just immigration terms – they are lifelines for families who want to stay together while building a life abroad. Whether you’re relocating for work, study or permanent residence, knowing the right visa pathway for your loved ones can make or break your relocation plan.

Many immigrants don’t realize how critical it is to plan for their dependents until they’re halfway through their own application. That’s why this comprehensive guide dives deep into dependent visa options for spouses and children (UK, USA, Canada) – revealing practical details, eligibility rules, processing times, benefits and how to avoid the common pitfalls most families face.

Let’s break it all down and help you make confident, informed choices.

Family Reunification is a Top Priority in Immigration Law

Governments in the UK, USA and Canada all recognize that families belong together. In fact, dependent visa options for spouses and children (UK, USA, Canada) are embedded in their immigration policies to support this exact goal.

If you’re a primary visa holder – a skilled worker, international student or permanent resident – your spouse and children can often follow through separate visa routes designed specifically for dependents.

But these options vary in eligibility, conditions and processing times.

Quick Overview: Dependent Visa Options for Spouses and Children (UK, USA, Canada)

Now let’s go deeper, one country at a time.

UK Dependent Visa Options for Spouses and Children

Who Qualifies as a Dependent in the UK?

Under UK immigration law, dependents include:

• Your spouse or civil partner

• Your unmarried partner (if you’ve lived together for at least 2 years)

• Your child under 18 (or over 18 if currently in the UK as a dependent)

UK Dependent Visa for Skilled Worker, Student or Tier Visa Holders

If you’re in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa, Health and Care Worker visa or a Student visa, your dependent visa options for spouses and children (UK) are fairly straightforward.

Your spouse can apply to join or remain with you and so can your children.

Key Features of the UK Dependent Visa:

• Your spouse can work full-time in almost any job

• Children can access public education

• Processing time: 3–8 weeks on average

• Duration: Same as the main applicant’s visa

• Pathway to ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) and eventually British citizenship

Documents Required for UK Dependent Visa

• Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate)

• Proof of cohabitation (for unmarried partners)

• TB test results (if applicable)

• Proof of sufficient funds

• Passport and biometrics

USA Dependent Visa Options for Spouses and Children

Visa Classifications: F-2, H-4, J-2 and More

The USA offers dependent visa options for spouses and children under multiple visa categories. But each category comes with its own rules, especially around work authorization.

Let’s simplify it.

1. F-2 Visa (For Dependents of F-1 Student Visa Holders)

• Spouses cannot work

• Children can attend school

• Not eligible for Social Security Number (SSN)

• Limited mobility between visa categories

2. H-4 Visa (For Dependents of H-1B Workers)

• Spouse may apply for work authorization (EAD) if the H-1B holder is on a path to a green card

• Children can attend school

• Can change status to F1 or other visas in future

3. J-2 Visa (For Dependents of J-1 Exchange Visitors)

• Spouses can work with EAD (Employment Authorization Document)

• Children can attend public or private school

• EAD takes 3–6 months to process

Requirements for USA Dependent Visas

• Marriage or birth certificate

• Proof of financial support

• DS-160 application

• Visa interview (in many cases)

• SEVIS fee (for F and J categories)

Canada Dependent Visa Options for Spouses and Children

Canada’s system is one of the most family-friendly globally, offering dependent visa options for spouses and children that allow full integration into society – including work, education and eventually permanent residency.

Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP)

This is available if the main applicant is:

• On a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)

• An international student at a DLI (Designated Learning Institution)

• A skilled worker under certain NOC codes

Benefits of Canada’s SOWP:

• Spouse can work for any employer, full-time

• No job offer required

• Pathway to permanent residency through Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Children’s Study Permits in Canada

Children under 18 can usually study in primary and secondary schools without a study permit if a parent is legally working or studying in Canada.

For post-secondary education, children need a study permit.

Family Sponsorship for Permanent Residents and Citizens

If you’re a Canadian PR or citizen, you can sponsor:

• Your spouse

• Common-law partner

• Dependent children

Benefits:

• No language requirement for children

• Medical and education access

• Sponsorship processing in 8–12 months

• Full PR rights upon approval

Comparative Breakdown: UK vs USA vs Canada Dependent Visas

Can You Apply Together as a Family?

UK: Yes

You can apply at the same time as your spouse/partner. Many couples and families apply together from abroad.

USA: Yes, but with restrictions

Most dependents apply separately after the primary visa is approved. For F and J categories, it’s possible to apply together, but H-4 may come after.

Canada: Absolutely

Canada encourages joint applications, especially under the Express Entry and study permit routes.

How to Increase Your Approval Chances

• Present clear organized relationship evidence

• Submit bank statements or proof of funds

• Write a genuine letter of explanation (LOE) showing family ties and plans

• Use a registered immigration consultant when needed

• Avoid inconsistencies in forms (especially names and dates)

Frequently Asked Questions About Dependent Visa Options for Spouses and Children (UK, USA, Canada)

Can a dependent spouse apply for PR separately?

Yes. Especially in Canada, dependent spouses on open work permits can apply for permanent residence under different streams.

Can a child over 18 be considered a dependent?

It depends on the country. In Canada, only under 22 is considered dependent unless the child has a mental or physical condition. In the UK, it’s under 18. In the USA, it’s under 21.

Do dependents need to take English tests?

Usually not for temporary visas. However, if the dependent applies for PR or citizenship later, they may need to meet language requirements.

Can dependents work remotely for a foreign company?

Yes, in most cases, especially in Canada and the UK. But for the USA, remote work income must be handled carefully in terms of work authorization.

If you’re looking for flexibility, Canada leads the pack in dependent visa options for spouses and children. It provides work rights, education access and a smooth transition to PR.

The UK is strong as well – especially with its straightforward path to ILR.

The USA offers options but remains the most complex due to category-based limitations on work and renewals.

Final tip: When relocating abroad, never treat dependent visa planning as an afterthought. It’s the foundation for keeping your family together.