Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
- 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 holders ...
- What privileges do I enjoy on F2 visa? On F2 visa, you may: Enter the U.S. ...
- How long can I stay in the U.S. ...
- Can I work on F-2 visa? ...
- Can I study on F-2 visa? ...
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.
How to apply for a F2 visa?
To apply for F-2 visa, you must submit:
- Completed Form I-20A-B, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, for dependents that is issued to the F-2 dependent. If Applying at a U.S. ...
- Filled in Form DS-160, Nonimmigrant Visa Application
- One recent color photograph (37 x 37mm) of each applicant, with the entire face visible. ...
- A passport, valid for travel to the U.S. ...
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?
Can a F2 visa holder work in the USA?
You Cannot Work: F-2 visa holders are not permitted to work in the United States. In order to qualify for an F-2 visa, the F-1 visa holder must demonstrate that he or she can cover the living expenses of his or her family when they come to the United States.
What can F2 visa do?
The F2 Dependent Visa grants your family the right to reside in the U.S. However, they cannot take up paid employment nor pursue education. Nevertheless, children may engage in full time elementary or secondary school. Adult dependents are only allowed to engage in non-vocational or recreative courses of study.
What is F-1 and F-2 visa?
The F visa is classified into F1 and F2 visas. F1 visas are used by non-immigrant students for Academic and Language training Courses. The F2 visas are used by the dependents of F1 visa holders. Spouse and unmarried, minor children are said to be the dependents of the F1 visa holder.
Can a person on 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.
What does F2 status mean?
Your F-2 lawful status is the official U.S. government designation and authorization of your stay in the U.S. as a non-immigrant dependent of an F-1 student. Your status is dependent upon and in effect for the duration of your F-1 principal visa holder.
Who is eligible for F2 visa?
Eligibility for F-2 visas 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 is F2 visa valid?
F-2 dependent I-20 with a valid travel signature from OIS on page 3 (signatures are valid for six months).
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.
How long can I stay outside US with F2 visa?
You can remain outside the US as long as you wish.
Can F2 visa enter US alone?
F-2 dependents are able to remain in the US without the F-1 as long as the F-1 maintains status and will return to the U.S. after a temporary absence using the same SEVIS ID number. F-2 dependents who need a travel signature on their I-20 should submit the I-20 Request Form along with the original I-20.
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 kids go to school?
6 An F-2 child may engage in full-time study in any elementary or secondary school (K-12). 7 An F-2 child may engage in study at an SEVP-certified school in the United States as long as they are enrolled in less than a full course of study at the post-secondary level.
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.
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.
Can f2 visa holder apply for EAD?
F-2/J-2 Status Their enrollment must strictly engage in a course of study that does not amount to what regulations define as full-time for an F-1 student. F-2 dependents cannot obtain employment authorization in the United States.
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 Can I Do With an F2 Visa?
Since the F2 visa is directly related to the F1 visa, it will have the same validity. If your spouse on an F1 visa is allowed to stay in the U.S for 2 years, your F2 visa will also have a validity of 2 years.3
How much does it cost to get an F2 visa?
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. There might also be other fees depending on the country or U.S Embassy you are applying from, such as visa issuance fees or reciprocity fees.
What is the processing time for the F2 Visa?
However, it is more common that the wait will be a few days or weeks.
What is the form I-20 for F1?
When the F1 visa holder gets accepted into a SEVP institution, the school releases a Form I-20. The form I-20 details the purpose of the visa, an estimate of expenses, and the time the educational program lasts. For the dependents of the F1 visa holder to get an F2 visa, the F1 person should inform the SEVP institution that the dependents also intend to apply for the visa.
How to renew an F1 visa?
To get your F2 visa renewed, you should file Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. You should attach proof of your relationship with the primary F1 visa holder and financial evidence that you have enough funds to cover your stay.
What are the limitations of an F2 visa?
What are the Limitations of the F2 Visa? Those who have the F1 visa are allowed to study in the U.S in various education levels, starting from elementary to graduate school. They are also allowed to work in certain situations, but primarily they go to the U.S to study.
Why is my F2 visa taking so long?
This is because the U.S Embassy will take their time to look over your documents and responses. They will particularly focus on you and the F1 visa holder’s financial situation to determine whether you can cover your expenses while in the U.S. So if your F2 visa processing is taking too long, do not be alarmed as the U.S Embassy either has a heavy workload or is taking their time to analyze your case.
How to apply for a F-2 visa?
To qualify for an F-2 visa, you must meet the following requirements: 1 Be the spouse of an approved F-1 visa holder 2 Be the unmarried child under 21 years of age of an approved F-1 visa holder 3 Have the financial means to support your family during your stay in the United States
What Are the Limitations of an F-2 Visa?
Like other dependency visas, there are certain limitations to an F-2 visa. The F-2 visa is exclusively intended to keep families together while one family member is studying in the United States, which is why the abil ities of an F-2 visa holder are limited. Limitations include all of the following:
How Long Does It Take to Process an F-2 Visa?
Sometimes, an F-2 visa can be processed before your interview at the embassy. In this case, the interview is the final stage of the application process. The consular officer will tell you whether your F-2 visa has been approved or denied when you complete the interview.
What Happens If I Turn 21 While in the United States On an F-2 Visa?
You can apply for an F-2 visa as the unmarried child of the F-1 visa holder under age 21. But what happens if you turn 21 while in the United States?
Can I Get a Green Card with an F-2 Visa?
Generally, an F-2 visa is not a path to a green card. However, there are certain situations where an F-2 visa holder can turn into a lawful permanent resident (i.e. a green card holder).
How much does it cost to get an F-2 visa?
Step 3) Pay the Visa Application Fee: The F-2 visa comes with a fee of $160 USD, which is similar to most other U.S. visas. You must pay this fee to proceed with your application. Without this fee, you cannot schedule an interview with a U.S. embassy. The F-2 visa applicant only has to pay this visa application fee, although the F-1 visa applicant pays both the visa application fee and a $200 SEVIS I-901 fee (F-2 applicants do not receive a SEVIS number and are exempt from this fee).
How long is an F-2 visa valid?
If your spouse or parent’s F-1 visa is valid for two years, then your F-2 visa will be valid for two years (in most cases).
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 F2A Visa?
The F2A visa is a US immigrant visa for spouses or minor children of Green Card holders. This visa is designed to allow US Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) to bring these certain family members to the US permanently.
Who Can Obtain the F2A Visa?
To be able to apply for an F2A visa, you must fulfill the following conditions:
What Is the F2A Visa Processing Time?
The NVC processes visas in chronological order, so it depends on how many applications were before you. This means that it usually takes a year or more for your date to become current and thus the processing time is quite long.
What if the Petitioning LPR got a US Citizenship While the F2A Visa is Processing?
This means that the spouse and children qualify for a different type of visa, which is the Immediate Relative (IR) visa. This visa does not have a cap so the processing is much faster.
What is the F2A process?
The F2A application process is divided into two parts: The US Lawful Permanent Resident petitions for their spouse or minor children to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) When the petition is approved, the spouse or child must apply to a US Embassy or Consulate in their home country.
What is DS 260?
Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa Electronic Application is the form which all applicants for immigrant visas must submit. It is done online and it will inquire on your personal and background information, as well as reasons why you are immigrating to the US. It will also ask you to write your NVC case number and invoice ID number. You must fill in the appropriate sections and then submit it. After submission, you will receive a confirmation number page which you must submit to NVC as part of your documents file.
How many family preference visas are there?
The Family Preference visas have a limitation on their number. These visas have an allocated amount of 114,200 visas per year. This cap of visas is allocated in this way to the two categories:
What is an EAD for F-1?
Students who are authorized Optional Practical Training (OPT) must have a Form I-20 endorsed for OPT, and apply to USCIS for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). When authorized, OPT is temporary employment that is directly related to the eligible F-1 student's area of study.
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.
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 ).
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 documents do consular officers need to interview you for a student visa?
A consular officer will interview you to determine your qualifications for a student visa, and may request additional documents, such as evidence of: Your academic preparation, such as: Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended; and. Standardized test scores required by your U.S. school;
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.
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.