M2 Visa

The M-2 nonimmigrant visa allows the dependent spouse and children under 21 years old of a qualified M-1 student visa holder to enter the U.S.

To qualify for M-2 visa, you must:

1. Prove your intention to enter the U.S. temporarily
2. Prove that you are the dependent spouse or child under 21 years of the M-1 applicant

On M-2 visa, you may:

1. Study in an elementary or secondary school fulltime, if you are an M-2 child
2. Study in a vocational or recreational school
3. Travel in and out of the U.S.

On M-2 visa, you may not:

1. Seek admission in a University if you are an M-2 child or spouse
2. Accept employment

You may stay in the U.S. on M-2 visa as long as the principal M-1 applicant is in status. This may be for one year or for the period necessary for the principal M-1 applicant to complete the course of study upto a maximum of 3 years plus 30 days thereafter to depart, whichever is less.

Note: The 30 days to prepare for departure is permitted as long as you maintain status.

Yes, you may apply for extension of stay on M2 visa.

You may extend your stay on M-2 visa by submitting Form I-539, Application to Extend or Change Nonimmigrant Status, to the USCIS at least 15 (but not more than 60) days before your authorized stay in the U.S. expires.

No, you may not work on M-2 visa.

On M-2 visa, you may not:

1. As M-2 spouse you may not engage in full time study
2. As M-2 child you may only engage in full time study in an elementary or secondary school (kindergarten through twelfth grade)
3. Both M-2 spouse and child may engage in study that is vocational or recreational in nature

No, there are no travel restrictions on M-2 visa. You may leave the U.S. and re-enter as long as you have a valid M-2 visa. you must also have a valid endorsed I-20 from the school.

As M-2 child you must change status prior to your 21st birthday to remain lawfully in the U.S. You may change status to F-1 if you wish to seek admission in a University, or if you qualify, change status to a Work Visa.

When applying for a change of status to F-1, the documents required are:

1. Form I-20A-B, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant F-1 Student Status for Academic and Language Students
2. Completed Form I-539, Application to Extend or Change Nonimmigrant Status
3. Proof of financial support
4. Copy of I-94, Arrival-Departure document, (front and back)
5. Copy of I-94, Arrival-Departure document, (front and back) of parent
6. Copy of Visa and Passport
7. Copy of Certificates of Eligibility (Form I-20M-N, Form I-797) for M-2 child and parent

While applying, the M-2 visa documents required are:

1.Completed Form DS-160, Nonimmigrant Visa Application. Form DS-160 must be completed online through the Department of state website.

2.Passport valid for travel to the U.S. with a validity date of at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the U.S.