The steps to apply for an F2 visa are as follows below:
- Get a Form I-20.
- Fill in Form DS-160 online.
- Pay the visa fees.
- Schedule your visa interview.
- Gather and complete your F2 Visa document file.
- Attend your interview.
Full Answer
Is it difficult to get f2 visa?
There is no quota for them. So if the documentation is correct, it should not be difficult. Care should be exercised that financial resources are adequate not only for the student but also for F2 visa holders to sustain themselves there.
Can I work under a F2 visa?
Since the visa process indicates whether the person will be financially funded in the US, the holder of the F-2 visa is not allowed to work in the United States. They can do unpaid works but are not allowed to work. Can the F-2 visa holders travel outside the US?
What is the difference between a F1 and F2 visa?
What is the difference between F1 and F2? F1 visa or status applies to full time students enrolled in a certified educational program in the US. F2 visa or status applies to dependents of the F1 applicant, such as the spouse and/or unmarried children under 21 years of age.
Can a F2 visa holder get Social Security?
These foreign citizens have federal tax reporting or filing requirements as F2 visa holders, but they are not able to obtain a Social Security Number due to ineligibility. The ITIN is only for federal tax purposes, and it may not have any other use unless the Administration makes the changes.
How do I qualify for an F2 visa?
To be eligible for an F-2 visa, applicants should fulfill the following requirements: Be a spouse of an approved F-1 visa foreign national. Be an unmarried child under the age of 21 of an approved F-1 visa foreign national. Have the financial capacity to support their stay in the U.S.
How long does it take to get an F2 visa?
US Visa Processing Times for Different Visa TypesVisa TypeProcessing TimeF-2 visaFew days to 2 weeksJ-1 visa1 to 4 monthsQ-1 visa15 days to 3 monthsM-1 visaAt least 4 weeks8 more rows
How much bank balance is required for F2 visa?
Proof of funding or bank statement in U.S. dollars and dated within the past three months covering at least $7,200 USD for spouse and $3,600 USD per child.
Is there an interview for F2 visa?
F2 Visa Coaching is One on One conducted over Video Conferencing Call. Not to mention, you will be prepared for F2 Interview with Custom-Fit Strategy based on your Strengths and Weakness.
Why does F2 visa get rejected?
Reasons for denial of a visa include lack of proper documentation (such as lack of evidence of sufficient financial support), suspected excludability (such as criminal activity), or, most often, the inability to convince the consular officer that they will return to their home country after the authorized stay has ...
How long is F2 visa valid?
Valid F-2 visa in passport (except dependents from Canada). F-2 dependent I-20 with a valid travel signature from OIS on page 3 (signatures are valid for six months).
How much does an F2 visa cost?
The F2 visa has an application fee of $160. You must pay this fee to be able to proceed with the application. Upon completion of payment, you will get a receipt that proves it and you should keep it for later on.
How long F2 visa stay in USA?
How long can I stay in the U.S. on F-2 visa? You may stay in the U.S. as long as the principal F-1 visa holder maintains valid status. You lose your status once the principal applicant loses F-1 status.
Can F2 visa study online?
F-2 students can take online classes; there are no immigration-related restriction for either online or distance-education instruction, and. F2 students can study at a college or university of their choice; they are not limited to academic study at the same university as the F-1 student.
Can F2 change to H-1B?
As a nonimmigrant permit, the F-2 visa cannot be used as a stepping stone to permanent residency, and it does not automatically allow holders to take up employment in the US. It is possible, however, to change status, including to H1-b visa, in order to work legally.
Can F2 visa be converted to F-1?
Fill out form I-539 to change your nonimmigrant status from F2 to F1. The filing fee is $370 as of May 2017. The form asks for information such as your name, address, arrival date, current visa status, your I-94 number and passport details.
Can F2 visa holder travel alone?
No, there is no "restriction on the travel duration for an F2 visa holder when traveling alone out of the country".
Can F2 get work permit?
F-2 dependent (spouse) visa holders are not eligible for employment. An F-2 dependent who would desire to pursue any employment, paid or non-paid, in the U.S. would need to find an employer willing and able to sponsor them for an employment visa.
Can F2 visa holder apply for Green Card?
The F2 Dependent Visa is a nonimmigrant permit, meaning that it cannot lead to obtaining a Green Card, but you may apply for a change of status while in the U.S. on this visa.
Can F2 visa be converted to F-1?
Fill out form I-539 to change your nonimmigrant status from F2 to F1. The filing fee is $370 as of May 2017. The form asks for information such as your name, address, arrival date, current visa status, your I-94 number and passport details.
Can F2 visa attend college?
F-2 visa holders (the family dependents of F-1 students) are now able to study in the United States on a part-time basis. F-2 students may study in either non-degree or degree-seeking status.
1. What is F-2 dependent visa?
The F-2 dependent visa is a nonimmigrant visa which allows dependent spouses and children(unmarried, under 21 years old) of F-1 student visa holder...
2. What privileges do I enjoy on F2 visa?
On F2 visa, you may: Enter the U.S. along with your spouse or join him or her later Travel in and out of the U.S. or remain in the U.S. continuousl...
3. How long can I stay in the U.S. on F-2 visa?
You may stay in the U.S. as long as the principal F-1 visa holder maintains valid status. You lose your status once the principal applicant loses F...
4. Can I work on F-2 visa?
No, you may not take up paid employment while in the U.S. on F-2 visa.
5. Can I study on F-2 visa?
As an F-2 spouse you may not engage in full time study and F-2 child may only engage in full time elementary or secondary school (kindergarten thro...
6. How do I apply for F-2 visa?
To apply for F-2 visa, you must submit: 1. Completed Form I-20A-B, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, for dependents that...
7. Where do I apply for F-2 visa?
On F2 visa, you may: If you are in a lawful status in the U.S., submit the change of status application to a USCIS Service Center in the U.S. If yo...
8. What is the processing time for F-2 visa ?
If you are applying for a change of status at a USCIS Service Center the processing time will vary according to case load. check processing time ....
9. Can I extend my stay while on F-2 visa?
F-1 and F-2 are admitted for ‘duration of stay’. As long as the principal F-1 maintains status as a student the F-2 is not required to seek extens...
Can an F2 visa holder work?
F2 visa holders are not allowed to accept paid employment in the US. However, they may engage in volunteer work as long as there is no compensation...
Can an F2 visa holder study full-time?
As an F2 holder, you can only study at a part-time postsecondary level, and your course must not amount to what the regulations define as full-time...
Can a dependent child maintain their F2 status after turning 21?
If you turn 21, you will no longer be eligible for the F2 status. You will have to change to another status such as F1, especially if you wish to s...
What is the F2 visa grace period?
The grace period is the extra number of days given to F1 visa holders to leave the US after the completion of the F1 study program. F1 student and...
Are there travel restrictions on an F2 visa?
No, there are no travel restrictions attached to the F2 visa. You may travel in and out of the US as long as you maintain valid immigration status.
What is an F-2 visa?
The F-2 dependent visa is a nonimmigrant visa which allows dependent spouses and children (unmarried, under 21 years old) of F-1 student visa holders to enter into the U.S.
What is the form I-20A-B?
1. Completed Form I-20A-B, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, for dependents that is issued to the F-2 dependent.
How long does it take to get a visa back after an interview?
If you are applying for a visa at a U.S. Consulate, and your visa is approved passport will be returned to you by courier within a few days of the interview
Where to submit change of status application?
If you are in a lawful status in the U.S., submit the change of status application to a USCIS Service Center in the U.S.
Do I need to submit an I-20A-B?
Note: If you are joining the prospective student later, you will need to submit Form I-20 A-B, endorsed from the school that the F-1 student is attending.
Can you take up an activity until the change of status is approved?
However you can not take up the new activity/endeavor until the change of status is approved.
Can a F-2 spouse study?
As an F-2 spouse you may not engage in full time study and F-2 child may only engage in full time elementary or secondary school (kindergarten through twelfth grade) study. F-2 spouse or child may engage in a study that is avocational or recreational in nature.
How much does it cost to get a F2 visa?
The application fee for the USA F2 visa is $160. The application will not be evaluated until this fee is paid. Keep in mind, save the issued receipt after the payment, because you’ll need it later. Depending on the country and embassy you are applying for, additional costs may be required. The F-2 visa applicant is exempt from paying the SEVIS I-901 fee.
How long does it take to get a visa after an F-2 interview?
However, this process usually takes a few days or weeks. The US Embassy needs time to assess your documents. They will mainly focus on the financial situation to determine whether you can meet expenditures. So if your visa processing is taking too long, be patient.
What is the purpose of the I-20?
The form I-20 contains the purpose of the visa, an approximation of expenditures, and the period of the educational program . The F-1 visa holder should inform the institution that his/her dependents also intend to apply for the F-2 visa. The SEVP school releases a form I-20 for the dependents too. After getting this form, the application procedure for the F-2 visa is similar to other visas.
Can a F-1 visa holder get a masters degree?
They cannot also get a Bachelor’s or a Master’s Degree under this visa. They are only allowed to enroll in recreational or vocational courses for entertainment or fun. Dependents of an F-1 visa holder can not enroll in elementary schools in the US. They can only go to high school under the F-2 visa.
Can a F-2 visa be used to work in the US?
Since the visa process indicates whether the person will be financially funded in the US, the holder of the F-2 visa is not allowed to work in the United States. They can do unpaid works but are not allowed to work.
Can a dependent get a social security number?
A dependent visa helps families to remain together in the US, and it has some limitations. Since the F-2 visa holders are not authorized to work, they cannot get the Social Security Number. The holders of the F-2 visa are not permitted to register in academic courses. They cannot also get a Bachelor’s or a Master’s Degree under this visa. They are only allowed to enroll in recreational or vocational courses for entertainment or fun.
Can a F-1 visa holder get a green card?
If the F-1 visa holder can get a Green Card, his/her dependents will also receive a Green Card automatically. Also, you can change the status of the F-2 visa. There are two options for this aim:
What is the F2 Dependent Visa?
The F2 Visa is a nonimmigrant visa available to immediate relatives of F1 students. Only minor children (below 21 years of age) and the spouse of an F1 holder are qualified for this visa.
Eligibility Criteria for F2 Visa
To be eligible for the visa, you must meet the following requirements:
F2 Visa Application Process
The F2 visa has different stages of the application process, as shown below:
Can I Renew an F2 Visa?
The F2 visa is renewable as long as you meet the requirements for renewal. However, because it is tied to the F1 status, the eligibility to renew will depend on the F1 visa holder. In other words, you can only apply for a renewal if the F1 visa holder is also applying for a renewal.
Can an F2 Visa Holder Get a Green Card?
The F2 visa is not a dual intent status, meaning you cannot directly switch from an F2 visa to a green card holder. However, there are other ways you can become a green card holder.
Frequently Asked Questions
F2 visa holders are not allowed to accept paid employment in the US. However, they may engage in volunteer work as long as there is no compensation of any kind attached to it and the job is usually done by volunteers.
What Is an F2 Visa?
F2 is a nonimmigrant dependent visa that allows the immediate family members of an F1 student visa holder to relocate to the United States. The spouse and unmarried children (under 21 years of age) of F1 student visa holders are eligible for an F2 visa to enter and live in the U.S.
How much does it cost to get an F2 visa?
The third step is to make the proper payment. The F2 visa application fee is currently $160. There might be other types of fees, such as issuance fees or reciprocity fees, depending on your originating country. You must make the applicable payment and be sure to retain the receipt.
How long does it take to get a visa approval?
Usually, it takes around a week or two for the authorities to inform you of your visa approval/denial decision.
What is DS-160 form?
Form DS-160 is submitted electronically to the U.S. visa authority. It is the main visa application form which contains all the relevant details about the applicant. The consular officers use the information entered on DS-160 to process the visa application.
What form do I need to get an F1 visa?
F1 visa holders, after gaining acceptance into a SEVP institution, get a Form I-20 from the school. The form details the purpose of the visa, estimated expenses, and the duration of the education program.
Can everyone apply for an F2 visa?
Not everyone is entitled to apply under the F2 visa provision. An applicant must fulfill the following eligibility criteria to qualify for an F2 visa:
Is there a restriction on foreign travel?
There is no restriction on foreign travel if the travel documents are in order .
What is the procedure for an F2 visa?
After receiving a new I-20, the F2 application procedure becomes very similar to applying for an F-1 visa. Your dependent needs to make a visa appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate, and bring to the interview all documents mentioned above, plus additional information to support their request for a non-immigrant visa.
How old do you have to be to get an F-2?
The spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 of an F-1 student are eligible for F-2 status, and may stay in the US as long as the primary student remains in legal F1 status.
What happens if my spouse changes to F1?
If an F-2 spouse or child changes status to F1, he or she becomes eligible for certain employment benefits. F2 dependents may accept unpaid, volunteer positions if such positions have always been filled with volunteers in the past.
Can an F-2 dependent apply for a SSN?
Can F-2 dependents apply for a social security number (SSN)? No. F-2 dependents are not allowed to work, and therefore are not eligible for a social security number. However, an F-1 student may apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for his/her spouse and each child in F2 status, for tax filing purposes.
Can a F2 student go to college?
They may not enroll in a full course of study at a college or university (post-secondary level), except for taking recreational classes. F2 Children are eligible to apply for F1 or M1 status in order to attend college. After turning 21, a child will lose his or her derivative status and must change to another nonimmigrant status in order ...
Can a spouse change F2 status?
To study full-time at post-secondary level , the spouse must change his/her F-2 status to F1, and may not attend school until the change of status request is approved by the USCIS. A child in F2 status is allowed to attend K-12 schools (elementary, middle, or high school) as a full-time student.
Can my spouse and minor children apply for an F2 visa?
Your spouse and minor children can apply for F2 visas, and either accompany or follow to join you in the United States. To apply for an F-2 visa, you need to contact your school's international student office and request a new I-20 for your dependent.
Where to apply for a student visa?
After you receive the Form I-20 and register in SEVIS, you may apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a student (F or M) visa. You must present the Form I-20 to the consular officer when you attend your visa interview.
Where to schedule a visa interview?
You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live.
What happens after a visa interview?
After your visa interview, the consular officer may determine that your application requires further administrative processing. The consular officer will inform you if this is required.
How long does a passport need to be valid for a visa interview?
Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview: Passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements ).
What is a B visa?
After you are admitted to the United States by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials in visitor (B) visa status, you must separately apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for a change of status to student (For M) status prior to the start of your program.
How far in advance can you get a student visa?
New Students – Student (F and M) visas for new students can be issued up to 120 days in advance of the start date for a course of study. However, you will not be allowed to enter the United States on your student visa more than 30 days before the start date.
What is the purpose of a consular interview?
A consular officer will interview you to determine whether you are qualified to receive a student visa. You must establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive a visa.
If you've accompanied someone on a student visa to the U.S. and have been offered employment, you can apply for H-1B status and a visa
If you've accompanied someone on a student visa to the U.S. and have been offered employment, you can apply for H-1B status and a visa.
Changing Your Immigration Status While in the U.S
You should be able to change your immigration status without leaving the United States, so long as you have not violated the terms of your F-2 visa, for example by working without authorization or staying beyond the expiration date of your permitted stay.
How to Apply for a Change of Status to H-1B
The first step in the process of applying for H-1B status doesn't involve you at all. Your employer will need to file the LCA, which DOL will endorse. Next, your employer must file a petition on USCIS Form I-129. Because you're presumably already in the U.S.
