What is an F-2 Visa?

An F-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa designed for dependents of F-1 student visa holders in the United States. This includes spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age. The F-2 visa allows these family members to live in the U.S. while the F-1 student completes their academic program. Typically, F-2 visa holders are not authorized to work in the United States during their temporary visa status.

Key Takeaways

• An F-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa designed for dependents of F-1 student visa holders in the United States. 
• It is designated for spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age of F-1 visa holders.
• F-2 visa holders are not authorized to work or pursue education, except K-12 for children.

How to Apply for an F-2 Visa

Ready to join your family member studying in the United States? The F-2 visa process allows spouses and children of F-1 students to live in the U.S. during the academic program. Here is a brief run-down of the process:

1. Obtain Documentation from the F-1 Student: Your F-1 family member must first request a Form I-20 for dependents from their school's Designated School Official (DSO). The DSO will need to verify the F-1 student's good academic standing and proof of sufficient financial resources to support dependents.
2. Collect Personal Documents: As an F-2 applicant, you must assemble several crucial documents to support your visa application. These include a valid passport, birth certificates for children, marriage certificates for spouses, photographs meeting U.S. visa specifications, and evidence of intent to depart the United States after the F-1 student's program ends. 
3. Fill in Form DS-160: Fill out Form DS-160, the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, through the U.S. Department of State website. Pay special attention to accuracy, as errors could delay your application. Upon submission, print the confirmation page for your visa interview.
4. Pay Necessary Fees: Submit payment for the visa application fee and keep your receipt as proof of payment. It is crucial to note that while F-2 visas must pay the DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Application fee, they do not need to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee.
5. Schedule & Attend Your Visa Interview: Contact your local U.S. embassy or consulate to schedule your visa interview. Wait times vary by location, so be sure to plan accordingly with your travel date. At the time of your interview, arrive at the embassy or consulate with all required documentation such as an original valid passport and photocopies, passport photos, birth certificates or marriage certificates and evidence of your finances. Be prepared to discuss your eligibility and intentions as an F-2 visa holder with the USCIS officer.
6. Visa Issuance: If approved, your visa will be issued! Some applications may require additional administrative processing, which can take a few weeks. Once processing is complete, you will receive an F-2 visa and can begin planning your travel to the United States.

Bottom Line

This dependent visa creates a pathway for families to remain together while a member pursues their education in the United States. We know that navigating the F-2 visa process can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to face it alone. We are here to help determine eligibility, streamline your F-2 visa application process and manage appeals. Take the next step toward reuniting your family - reach out to our immigration specialists at Attorney At Law to schedule your personalized consultation.