If you are an F1 visa holder who wants to bring your spouse or children to the United States, you might be wondering what the requirements and procedures for are obtaining an F2 visa.
An F2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows the dependents of F1 visa holders to accompany them to the U.S. and stay for the duration of their studies.
In this blog post, we will explain everything you need to know about F2 visa requirements, eligibility, application process, and frequently asked questions.
{tocify} $title={Table of Contents}
What is an F2 Visa?
An F2 visa is a type of visa that is issued to the dependents of F1 visa holders who are studying in the U.S. on a full-time academic or vocational program.
The dependents include the spouse and the unmarried children under 21 years old of the F1 visa holder.
An F2 visa allows the dependents to enter and stay in the U.S. as long as the F1 visa holder maintains their status and does not violate any immigration rules.
Who is Eligible for an F2 Visa?
To be eligible for an F2 visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be the spouse or the unmarried child under 21 years old of an approved F1 visa holder
- Have the financial means to support yourself and your family during your stay in the U.S.
- Intend to leave the U.S. when your F2 visa expires or when your F1 spouse or parent completes their studies
- You must have a valid passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the U.S.
- You must have a Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, issued by the school that the F-1 student is attending or planning to attend.
What are the Documents Required for an F2 Visa?
To apply for an F2 visa, you will need to prepare and submit the following documents:
- Your current and previous passports
- Photocopies of your passport pages
- The DS-160 confirmation page
- Proof of financial stability, such as bank statements, tax records, employment pay slips, etc.
- A U.S. visa photograph that meets the specifications
- Interview confirmation letter
- The receipts that prove you have paid the necessary fees
- Your original Form I-20 and one copy
- A copy of the F1 visa holder's I-20 form
- A copy of the F1 visa holder's passport and visa (if applicable)
- Original marriage certificate if you are the spouse of the F1 visa holder
- Proof of genuine marriage, such as wedding photos, guest lists, receipts, honeymoon trips, etc.
- Original birth certificate if you are the child of the F1 visa holder
How to Apply for an F2 Visa?
The steps to apply for an F2 visa are as follows:
- Get a Form I-20 from your F1 spouse or parent's school. The school will issue a separate Form I-20 for each dependent after verifying their relationship and financial support.
- Fill in Form DS-160 online and print out the confirmation page. You will need to provide information about yourself, your family, your travel plans, and your background.
- Pay the visa fees online or at a designated bank. You will need to pay two fees: the SEVIS fee of $350 per dependent and the MRV fee of $160 per person.
- Schedule your visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. You will need to provide your DS-160 confirmation number, your passport number, and your receipt number for the fees.
- Gather and complete your F2 visa document file. Make sure you have all the required documents in original and photocopy form.
- Attend your interview at the scheduled date and time. You will need to bring your document file and answer questions about your purpose of travel, your relationship with the F1 visa holder, and your plans after returning to your home country.
You will also need to submit your fingerprints and have your photograph taken.
If your visa is approved, you will receive your passport with the F-2 visa stamp within a few days of the interview.
Frequently Asked Questions about F2 Visa
Here are some common questions and answers about F2 visas:
Q: Can I work or study on an F2 visa?
A: No, you cannot work or study on an F2 visa. You can only engage in recreational or leisure activities, such as traveling, volunteering, or taking courses that are not for credit.
Q: Can I change my status from F2 to another visa category?
A: Yes, you can change your status from F2 to another visa category if you meet the eligibility criteria and follow the procedures for that category. For example, if you want to study on a full-time basis, you can apply for an F1 visa by getting admitted to a SEVP-approved school and obtaining a new Form I-20.
Q: How long can I stay on an F2 visa?
A: You can stay on an F2 visa as long as your F1 spouse or parent maintains their status and does not violate any immigration rules. Your F2 visa will expire when your F1 spouse or parent's visa expires or when they complete their studies, whichever comes first.
Q: Can I travel outside the U.S. on an F2 visa?
A: Yes, you can travel outside the U.S. on an F2 visa, but you will need to have a valid passport, a valid F2 visa, and a valid Form I-20 with a travel signature from your F1 spouse or parent's school. You will also need to show proof of your relationship with the F1 visa holder and your financial support when you re-enter the U.S.
What are the benefits and limitations of an F-2 visa?
An F-2 visa has some benefits and limitations that you should be aware of before applying.
Some of the benefits are:
- You can accompany your spouse or parent who is studying in the U.S. and enjoy living and traveling in a different country and culture.
- You can apply for a driver's license, and an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), and open a bank account in the U.S.
- You can enroll in recreational or avocational courses that are not part of a degree program, such as language classes, art classes, or cooking classes.
Some of the limitations are:
- You cannot work or engage in any paid employment in the U.S. on an F-2 visa.
- You cannot study full-time on an F-2 visa. If you are an F-2 spouse, you can only take recreational or avocational courses. If you are an F-2 child, you can only attend elementary or secondary school (kindergarten through twelfth grade).
- You cannot change your status to another nonimmigrant category (such as B, H, or L) while in the U.S. on an F-2 visa. You must leave the U.S. and apply for a new visa at a U.S. consulate abroad.
Conclusion
An F-2 visa is a great option for dependents of F-1 student visa holders who want to join them in the U.S. and experience life and culture in a different country.
However, applying for an F-2 visa requires careful planning and preparation, as well as complying with the rules and regulations of the visa category.
By following the steps and tips outlined in this blog post, you can increase your chances of getting an F-2 visa and enjoy your stay in the U.S. with your spouse or parent.