F-2 Visa
An F-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa for the dependents (spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age) of F-1 visa holders. It allows them to accompany the primary F-1 student to the United States.
Key points about F-2 visas:
- Dependent Status: F-2 visa holders are considered dependents of the primary F-1 student.
- No Work Authorization: F-2 visa holders are not authorized to work in the U.S.
- Study Limitations: F-2 dependents can study part-time at a SEVP-certified institution but cannot enroll in a full-time degree program.
- Health Insurance:F-2 dependents must maintain health insurance throughout their stay in the U.S.
- Visa Validity: The validity of an F-2 visa is tied to the primary F-1 student’s visa. If the F-1 student’s visa expires or is revoked, the F-2 visa will also become invalid.
To obtain an F-2 visa, the following documents are typically required:
- A valid passport
- A completed DS-160 visa application form
- A Form I-20 issued by the primary F-1 student’s school
- Proof of relationship to the F-1 student (marriage certificate, birth certificate)
- Evidence of financial support
- A SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
It’s important to note that F-2 visa holders cannot work full-time in the U.S. They must rely on the financial support of the primary F-1 student or other sources of income.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Spouses of F-1 visa holders
- Unmarried children under 21 years of age of F-1 visa holders
- No, F-2 visa holders are not authorized to work in the United States.
Yes, F-2 visa holders can study part-time at a SEVP-certified institution, but they cannot enroll in a full-time degree program.
The validity of an F-2 visa is tied to the primary F-1 student's visa. If the F-1 student's visa expires or is revoked, the F-2 visa will also become invalid.
- F-2 visa holders can accompany their spouse or parent to the U.S. to live and study part-time.
- They can experience American culture and have the opportunity to travel within the U.S.