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