F-2 Dependent Visa For Children And Spouses
The F-2 dependent visa is a nonimmigrant visa which allows dependent spouses and children of F-1 student visa holders to enter into the US to live or to visit the principal visa holder. The F-2 dependent visa is not available to the parents, in-laws, or adult sons and daughters of 21 years old or older.
The dependents holders of F-2 visa may stay in the US the principal F-1 visa holder remains in valid status and attend the course of study for which the F-1 visa was granted.
There are no limits to the faculty for F-2 spouses and children to engage in vocational or recreational study. The F-2 dependent spouse and child cannot work in the US under the F-2 visa. The F-2 dependent children can attend full time elementary or secondary school study, while the F-2 dependent spouses cannot attend a full time course of study. For that purpose, the spouse will need to obtain the F-1 visa.
If you want to apply for an F-2 visa, if you are considering whether the F-2 visa is the appropriate visa for you, please contact us, email our US Lawyer, or take the time to complete the General Assessment Form if you are not sure which visa would be suitable for you.
Required Documentation for F-2 Visa at the US Embassy
Once the F-1 Visa has been approved by the US Embassy, the spouse and children of the F-1 visa holder can have also their F-2 visa approved, if they meet the requirements. Our US attorney will assist the family members of the F-1 visa holder to apply for the F-2 visa at the US Embassy or Consulate in the home country, or certain third countries. The application for the F-2 visa can be submitted concurrently with the F-1 visa application or after the approval of the F-1 visa. In both cases, the F-2 visa can be issued only upon the approval of the F-1 visa. The documents and information needed when applying for an F-2 visa are:
- Non-immigrant visa application;
- Passport;
- Photograph meeting certain requirements;
- Visa application fee;
- Marriage Certificate/Birth Certificate with name of parents;
- Evidence proving the family relationship;
- Proof of funds to support the stay of the applicant in the US during the sponsor's course of study; and
- A full copy of the F-1 Visa application including all supporting documentation.