how to get f2 visa

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 long does it take to get 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 does a F2 visa work?

Employment. The F-2 spouse and children of an F-1 student may not accept employment in the U.S. However, they may do volunteer work as long as there is no compensation of any kind and the F-2 dependent is doing a job usually done by volunteers.

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.

How long can you stay in the US with a F2 visa?

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.

Who can sponsor 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.

Can F2 visa apply for work permit in USA?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 ...

Can f2 change to h1b?

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.

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 ...

Can I work remotely on F2 visa?

A F2 visa holder in the US cannot legally perform remote work with a company in her home country.

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 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.

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...

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.

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 the F2 Visa ?

The F2 visa is meant for the dependent spouses and children of F1 visa holders. Children have to be unmarried and below 21 years old. This visa enables the F2 visa holder to join the F1 visa holder in the US. This is for as long as the F1 visa remains valid.

Form I – 20

Once the F1 visa holder is accepted into a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) institution, the institution gives out a form I-20. The form I-20 gives the details of the purpose of the visa, an estimate of expenses, and the time the educational program lasts.

Filling Form DS-160 Online

The DS-160 form must be submitted online with all the necessary information. When you submit it, the page will generate a barcode and confirmation page which you need to retain for later on.

Visa fees

The F2 visa has an application fee of $160. You must pay this fee in order to proceed with the application. After the payment is made, you will get a receipt that proves it and you need to save it for later. There might also be other fees depending on the country or US Embassy you are applying from, such as visa issuance fees or reciprocity fees.

Schedule your Visa Interview

The F2 and F1 applicants can apply at the same time or at separate times. If applying at the same time, you can schedule the visa interview at the same time. This is recommended. If you are applying separately then you can schedule your own visa interview.

F2 Visa Interview Questions

You must prepare all your documents and arrive at your interview on time. The questions will be about your relationship with the F1 visa holder. You will also be questioned about your intentions for your time in the U.S.

Processing Time

Processing times are variable. You may get a response immediately after your interview informing you whether you got the visa or were denied. Typically, you will have to wait a few days or weeks for a response.

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.