Definition
Derivative Beneficiary
A spouse or unmarried child under 21 who can immigrate with the principal beneficiary.
Derivative beneficiaries follow the principal beneficiary on the same petition or visa case. Most family preference and employment-based categories permit derivative spouses and unmarried children under 21. Immediate relative cases do not have derivatives.
See also
Not legal advice. Definitions are provided for educational use. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney.