F2 Visa

The F-2 dependent visa is a nonimmigrant visa which allows dependent spouses and unmaried children under 21 years of F-1 student visa holders to enter into the U.S.

On F2 visa, you may:

• Enter the U.S. along with your F-1 spouse or parent
• Travel in and out of the U.S. or remain in the U.S. continuously as long as your spouse or parent maintains F-1 status
• Study in the U.S.- F-2 dependents may study in the U.S. If attending an SEVP-certified school themselves, they can only study part-time or change to an F-1 visa.

OR

Check My Eligibility

On F-2 visa, you are:

• Dependent on the status of the principal F-1 visa holder
• Prohibited from working in the U.S. – no exceptions
• Required to obtain an F-1 visa if you wish to study full-time at an educational institution that normally grants I-20’s for international students.

Your are authorized to stay in the U.S. for as long as the principal F-1 visa holder has valid status, as per their Form I-20. You lose your status once the principal F-1 visa holder loses status.

No, you may not take up paid employment while in the U.S. on an F-2 visa under any circumstances.

F-2 dependents can study in the U.S. F-2 dependents may not engage in full-time study at a SEVP-certified institutions, that means any institution that normally provides I-20’s to international students. They may study part-time at these institutions. F-2 children can attend elementary and secondary school (pre-kindergarten through 12th grade) on a full-time basis. F-2 dependents can engage in study that is recreational in nature.

The application procedure is the same as the F-1. Each family member will receive a Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility, issued in their name. This I-20 is provided to the consular officer at the interview.

If the spouse and/or children apply for visas separately from the primary F-1 visa holder, you need to have the Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility, a copy of principal applicant’s F-1 visa and proof of your relationship with the primary F-1 visa holder.

The documents required for F-2 are:

1. If outside the U.S. Form DS-160, Nonimmigrant Visa Application.

2. If inside the U.S. Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant status.

3. Check or money order made payable to the USCIS for the filing fee, or receipt from bank for fees paid for consulate.

4. Photocopy of current Dependent Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility

5. Photocopy of the F-1 visa holder’s Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility

6. Photocopy of USCIS Form I-94 (front and back) of applicant, (dependent) if filing Change of Status

7. Valid passport (clear copy of passport and/or visa photo required if filing Change of Status)

8. Proof of relationship:

9. Evidence that the F-2 dependents will be supported by the F-1 visa holder or can support themselves

10. Evidence that you will depart when the F-1 student’s education is completed

Note: If you are joining the prospective student later, you will need to submit Form I-20, endorsed from the school that the F-1 student is attending.

1. If you are in a lawful status in the U.S., submit the change of status application to a USCIS Service Center in the U.S.
2. If you are outside the U.S., submit the visa application to the U.S. consular office where you reside

The processing time for an F-2 visa will depend on consular wait times which will vary depending on the U.S. consulate. F and J visas are generally prioritized for visa processing so as to ensure students and exchange visitors reach the U.S. in time for the beginning of the program of study or exchange visa program.

F-1 and F-2 visa holders are admitted for ‘duration of stay’. As long as the principal F-1 maintains status with a valid I-20, the F-2 visa holder remains in status.

Yes, you may apply for change of status while on an F-2 visa.

However, you can not take up the new activity/endeavor until the change of status is approved.

No, there are no travel restrictions on F-2 visa. You may travel as many times as possible, provided you maintain valid F status.

Yes, SEVP and SEVIS are applicable to F-2 visa holders. This system monitors the status of persons who enter the U.S. with an F, M or J visa. In order for students/exchange visitors and their dependents to qualify for an F, M or J visa, the school or exchange program in the U.S. must issue a Certificate of Student Status (I-20) or Certificate of Exchange Visitor Status (DS-2019) on a SEVIS-generated form and must register each person on the SEVIS website. Each applicant must submit a SEVIS-generated I-20 or DS-2019 with a unique barcode number and must be listed on the SEVIS website.