F-2 Visa: Dependents of F-1 Visa Holder

What is an F-2 Visa?

An F-2 visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa that is issued to the dependents (spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age) of an F-1 visa holder. The F-1 visa is a nonimmigrant student visa that is issued to individuals who wish to pursue academic studies or language training programs in the United States.

F-2 visa holders are not allowed to engage in employment while in the United States. However, they are allowed to attend school and engage in study, but only if it is not for the purpose of earning a degree. They can also engage in dependent activities such as accompanying the principal F-1 visa holder on trips outside of the United States, and returning to the United States with the principal F-1 visa holder.

It’s important to note that the F-2 visa is dependent on the principal F-1 visa holder’s status. If the F-1 visa holder’s status is terminated, the F-2 visa holder’s status will also be terminated.

The application process for an F-2 visa is similar to the F-1 visa application process. The individual must submit the required documents and pay the visa fee. The applicant will also be required to attend an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence.

If the F-2 visa is granted, the applicant will be able to enter the United States and stay for the duration of the F-1 visa holder’s program of study, but not more than 5 years.

Who Qualifies for F-2 Visa?

To qualify for an F-2 visa, an individual must meet the following criteria:

Dependent relationship: The individual must be the dependent of an F-1 visa holder, which means they must be the spouse or unmarried child under 21 years of age of the F-1 visa holder.
F-1 visa holder: The individual’s spouse or parent must hold a valid F-1 visa and be maintaining legal status in the United States.
Educational or language training: The F-1 visa holder must be pursuing a full course of study at an academic institution or language training program in the United States.
Financial support: The F-1 visa holder must be able to provide evidence of sufficient financial support for the F-2 visa holder, such as a bank statement or letter from the F-1 visa holder’s sponsor.
Admissibility: The individual must not be inadmissible to the United States under any other grounds of inadmissibility, such as a criminal record or prior immigration violations.

It’s also important to note that the F-2 visa holder is not eligible to work in the United States and can only engage in study if it’s not for the purpose of earning a degree.

How to Apply for F-2 Visa?

The process of applying for an F-2 visa involves the following steps:

Check Eligibility: The first step is to check if the individual is eligible to apply for the visa. They must be the dependent of an F-1 visa holder, which means they must be the spouse or unmarried child under 21 years of age of the F-1 visa holder.
Gather Required Documents: The individual will need to gather all the required documents, such as proof of the dependent relationship, proof of the F-1 visa holder’s status, proof of sufficient financial support, and any other relevant documentation.
Submit the application: The completed application, along with the required documents and fees, should be submitted to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the individual’s country of residence.
Interview: If the application is accepted, the individual will be required to attend an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Wait for a decision: The U.S. government will review the application and make a decision. The process can take several weeks, and the individual will be notified of the decision in writing.
If approved, the individual will be issued an F-2 visa, which will allow them to enter the United States as the dependent of an F-1 visa holder.

It’s important to note that the application process is highly competitive and not all applicants who meet the qualifications will be selected. It’s also important to note that the individual should check with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for the most up-to-date information on the application process and requirements. Additionally, the application process can be complex, it’s important to seek professional help from an immigration lawyer who can guide you through the process and ensure that you have the best chance of success with your application.

What is the F-2 Visa Interview Process?

The F-2 visa interview process is conducted by a consular officer at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the individual’s country of residence. The following is a general overview of the interview process:

Interview appointment: If the individual’s application is accepted, they will be notified of the date, time, and location of the interview, which is typically scheduled several weeks after the acceptance.
Arrival at the Embassy: On the day of the interview, the individual should arrive at the Embassy or Consulate at the designated time, with all required documents and fees.
Security check: The individual will go through a security check and have their fingerprints taken.
Interview: The consular officer will conduct the interview, during which the individual will be asked questions about their background, their qualifications, and any other relevant information. The officer will also verify the documents and information provided in the application.
Decision: The consular officer will make a decision on the application during or after the interview. If the application is approved, the individual will be issued an F-2 visa and will be able to enter the United States as the dependent of an F-1 visa holder. If the application is denied, the consular officer will provide the reason for the denial and the individual will have an opportunity to appeal the decision.

What are the Required Documents for F-2 Visa?

The required documents for an F-2 visa will vary depending on the individual’s case, but generally, the following documents may be required:

Passport: A valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity beyond the intended period of stay in the United States.
Form DS-160: A completed and signed Form DS-160, which is the online nonimmigrant visa application.
Photograph: A passport-style photograph, which should be taken within the last 6 months and meet certain specifications.
Financial support documents: documents that demonstrate that the F-1 visa holder can financially support the F-2 visa holder, such as bank statements or a letter from a sponsor.
Proof of relationship: documents that demonstrate the dependent relationship between the F-1 visa holder and the F-2 visa holder, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate.
Copy of F-1 visa holder’s I-20: A copy of the F-1 visa holder’s I-20 form, which is issued by the school they will be attending.
Copy of F-1 visa holder’s SEVIS record: A copy of the F-1 visa holder’s SEVIS record, which is the electronic record of the F-1 visa holder’s status in the U.S.
Fees: The individual will need to pay the required fees for the application and interview

What is the F-2 Visa Fee?

The fee for an F-2 visa is currently $160. This fee is paid by the applicant and is used to cover the cost of processing the visa application. The fee is subject to change and should be confirmed with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the applicant’s country of residence before the interview.

What is the F-2 Visa Processing Time?

The processing time for an F-2 visa can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the completeness of the application, the workload of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where the application is being processed, and the applicant’s individual circumstances.

In general, the processing time for an F-2 visa application can take several weeks. The applicant will be notified of their decision through the mail or email provided in their application. If the application is approved, the individual will be issued an F-2 visa and will be able to enter the United States as the dependent of an F-1 visa holder.

F-2 Visa Frequently Asked Questions

There are several frequently asked questions about the F-2 visa, some of which include:

Who is eligible for an F-2 visa?
A: An F-2 visa is issued to the dependents (spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age) of an F-1 visa holder. The F-1 visa is issued to individuals who wish to pursue academic studies or language training programs in the United States.
Can an F-2 visa holder work in the United States?
A: No, F-2 visa holders are not allowed to engage in employment while in the United States. However, they are allowed to attend school and engage in study, but only if it is not for the purpose of earning a degree.
How long can an F-2 visa holder stay in the United States?
A: An F-2 visa holder can stay in the United States for the duration of the F-1 visa holder’s program of study, but not more than 5 years.
Can an F-2 visa holder apply for a Green Card?
A: No, F-2 visa holders are not eligible to apply for a Green Card while in the United States. They may be able to apply for a change of status to a different type of visa that allows for permanent residence.
What happens if the F-1 visa holder’s status is terminated?
A: If the F-1 visa holder’s status is terminated, the F-2 visa holder’s status will also be terminated.
Can an F-2 visa holder travel outside of the United States?
A: Yes, an F-2 visa holder can travel outside of the United States, but they must have a valid F-2 visa to re-enter the United States.