Visitor visa doubt.

[rockykid]

I hold a J1 visa and I would like to bring my wife on a visitor visa as I dont want to bring her on a J2.
Is there a rule that she has to come as a dependent visa or would there be any problem during the visa.

[PraetorianXI]

There is no rule... but you are not "bringing" anybody... she must qualify for a visitor visa on her own terms.

[C4us]

She will not be able to live in the US on a B2 visa.

[rockykid]

If she is coming on a B2 she would change her status in the future to H1. She also has a valid reason for coming on a visitor visa. I dont want her to end up on J1.
Would their be any problem with the visa officer?

[C4us]

COS to H1B is by no means assured and would not be possible in most cases until Oct. 1, 2009. If she tries to extend B2 and is denied she could not do COS, would lose B2 and might have difficulty with H1B due to out of status.

Your plan is attempting to have her "live" in the US on a visitor visa which is illegal. I suggest you do the correct thing and bring her on J2. If this is a scheme to avoid 2 year HRR, it could be viewed harshly in the future as B2 visa abuse. At best, she should visit and return home until she receives H1B.

[rockykid]

we are in the medical field where we are sponsored H1 by hospitals itself. We do not have to go through lottery system. If she comes on J2, then she needs to do the 2 year HRR. She can come here on a B2 visa for her exams. Thank u very much for your help.

[C4us]

You need to be careful since not all hospitals will qualify for cap exempt visas. Those with university affiliations likely will but there are many "for-profit" hospitals with no university affiliation.