M2 Visa

The M-2 dependent visa is a nonimmigrant visa which allows dependent spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of M-1 student visa holders to enter into 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

OR

Check My Eligibility

On M-2 visa, you may:

1. Enter the U.S. along with your M-1 spouse or parent
2. Travel in and out of the U.S. or remain in the U.S. continuously as long as your spouse or parent maintains N-1 status
3. Study in the U.S.- M-2 dependents may study in the U.S. If attending an SEVP-certified school themselves, but they can only study part-time or must change to an M-1 visa if they wish to study full-time. M-2 children can attend school from elementary school through high school/secondary school.

On M-2 visa, you are:

1. Dependent on the status of the principal M-1 visa holder
2. Prohibited from working in the U.S. – no exceptions
3. Required to obtain an M-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 M-1 visa holder has valid status, as per their Form I-20. You lose your status once the principal M-1 visa holder loses status.

Yes, you may apply for extension of stay of your M-2 status, but the extension must match the status validity dates of the M-1 visa principal.

You may extend your stay on M-2 visa by submitting Form I-539, Application to Extend or Change Nonimmigrant Status, to the USCIS before status expires.

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

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.

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

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

An M-2 child must leave the country or change status prior to their 21st birthday to remain lawfully in the U.S.

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

1. Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility
2. Completed Form I-539, Application to Extend or Change Nonimmigrant Status
3. Proof of financial support for the course of study
4. Copy of I-94
5. Copy of Visa and Passport
6. Copy of the visa, I-94 and I-20 of the M-1 parent

The application procedure is the same as the M-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 M-1 visa holder, you need to have the Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility, a copy of principal applicant’s M-1 visa and proof of your relationship with the primary M-1 visa holder.

The documents required for M-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 M-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 M-2 dependents will be supported by the M-1 visa holder or can support themselves

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