Find out all the information about What is f-2 student visa? how to apply for an F2 dependent visa, obtain a work permit, interview, and find out if you can work in the United States. Attending an American college or university is an ambition for many overseas students, but leaving behind a loved one can be difficult. You can bring your dependents with you if you are on an F-1 student visa. You may now be wondering what the f-2 student visa is.
Dependents of F-1 student visa holders are permitted to enter the country and reside with the F-1 student. At the same time, the latter pursue their degree at recognized American schools or universities under the terms of the F-2 visa.
This comprehensive guide will cover all the information required to determine whether an F-2 visa suits your situation.
What is F-2 Student Visa | An Overview of the F-2 Visa (Dependent Visa)
One nonimmigrant visa the U.S. grants is the F-2 visa, which permits the spouse or unmarried child of an F-1 student visa holder to reside in the country. The student may bring their spouse or unmarried kid to the United States to reside with them as a dependent until the completion of their study.
Before receiving the F-2 visa, the applicant has to fulfil a few eligibility and financial conditions. If the family member still has F-1 status, the dependent with an F-2 visa can travel inside and outside the country, study part-time, and remain in the country.
The total number of F-2 visas the USCIS approves yearly is uncapped. If the applicant fulfils the requirements, his or her application will be considered.
A Detailed Guide For Applying for an F-2 Visa Application (F-2 Dependent Visa Application)
The application procedure for an F-2 visa is simple. The application procedure is broken down into simple steps below to assist you in getting ready for what needs to be done.
1. Acquire Form i-20 From the Authorized Institution
The DSO typically distributes form I-20s for you and your dependents at an authorized university or educational institution.
Once you notify the DSO that you want to bring your spouse and minor children with you on nonimmigrant dependent F-2 visas, Form I-20 will be sent to you and your dependents to complete.
2. Finish filling out Form DS-160 online
The next step is to file Form DS-160, the nonimmigrant visa application after you obtain Form I-20. Remember that you need the Form I-20 from your SEVP-approved institution to complete Form DS-160.
For Form DS-160, only online submissions via the Consular Electronic Application Center of the U.S. Department of State (DOS) are accepted.
After completing and submitting this application, you will be sent to a confirmation page that creates a special barcode for it. Bring this printed barcode to your scheduled visa interview. Your visa application will be processed using the data you submit.
3. Cover the Cost of the Visa Status Application
A $160 application fee must be paid for each dependent for whom you are applying for an F-2 visa. You can also be required to pay a charge for issuing your visa, depending on your home country. Save the receipts once you’ve made the applicable payments; you’ll need them for your interview at the American consulate or embassy.
4. Schedule an Interview for a Visa
The next step is to make an appointment for a visa interview at the American embassy or consulate in your home country once your application has been completed and your costs have been paid. Interviews for visas are often conducted on a first-come, first-served basis and might be booked months in advance. You must plan an early appointment because of this.
You will receive an email confirmation as soon as your interview is scheduled. You must print this interview appointment page to present this confirmation to the officials when you attend your visa interview.
5. Compile all Necessary Paperwork
Consider consulting the suggested papers above to help you prepare for the interview. Sort the documents and receipts into groups based on who they are intended for you, your spouse, or your kids. Your application may be denied or cause delays if you forget to provide the appropriate paperwork.
6. Attend the interview
It is a good idea to arrive early on the day of your interview. Possess all of your paperwork, including your evidence of financial stability. Your interviewer will ask you about your desire to study in the United States and if you want to bring your spouse or children. You will show them to them.
How to obtain your spouse and minor children’s F-2 visas
Ask the DSO at your school or institution to issue Form I-20s for each family member who plans to travel with you if you are an F-1 visa holder and wish to bring your spouse or minor children to the United States for your educational program.
Each dependant must complete the DS-160 visa application and the $160 application fee. After that, they must arrange interviews with the American embassy or consulate.
Applicants for F-2 visas must provide sufficient proof of their identity and connection to the F-1 international student. Upon attending your F-2 visa interview, please remember to bring the following documentation:
- A legitimate original passport and duplicates of it
- DS-160 form
- passport picture
- For offspring of holders of F-1 visas, their birth certificates
- spouses of those in possession of F-1 visas, their marriage certificates
- Receipt of payment for the visa application
- Form I-20
- A photocopy of the I-20 paperwork for the F-1 student
- Financial documentation such as paystubs, bank statements, and tax returns
Qualifications for F-2 Visas | Eligibility for F-2 Visa
- To qualify for an F-2 visa, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Be the spouse of a foreign national with an authorized F-1 visa.
- Be a foreign national with a granted F-1 visa who is an unmarried kid under 21.
- They possess the ability to sustain their stay in the United States financially.
- Normally, the status of the F-1 visa holder determines the eligibility for the F-2 visa.
Advantages of an F2 Visa, What Can an F-2 Visa Holder Do?
Because of their direct relationship, the F2 visa will be valid for the same time as the F1 visa. Your F2 visa will also be valid for two years if your spouse with an F1 visa can stay in the country for two years. 3.
1. Stay longer (More Time)
As their dependent, you will also receive a renewal if the bearer of the F1 visa decides to prolong their stay and obtains a new Form I-20. You must submit Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, to have your F2 visa renewed. You should provide proof of your financial stability and documentation proving your link to the principal F1 visa holder.
2. Change of Status
It is also possible for you to seek a status change if you hold an F2 visa. You may be eligible for a change of status. You must apply for an F1 visa if you enrol in an academic program at an institution authorized by SEVP. Additionally, you and your employer can file a petition with USCIS and complete the necessary processes to alter your status if you locate a position that requires an H-type work visa, such as an H-1B visa.
Should you be the child of an F1 visa holder who is single and turns 21 while in the country, you must apply for a different visa to stay there. This is because, should you not obtain another type of U.S. visa, you will no longer be eligible to remain in the U.S. as the F1 visa holder is dependent and must return home.
3. Obtain a green card
As they depend on an F2 visa, you automatically receive a Green Card if the holder of the F1 visa applies and is granted one. You may also attempt to use yourself, though. You can apply for an Employment-Based Green Card if you locate a sponsoring employer. If you still need to, you can apply for a Green Card and switch to a different visa that permits dual purposes.
4. Healthcare Insurance
As an F2 visa holder, you can visit hospitals and medical institutions in the United States. But, given that U.S. healthcare expenses are the highest in the world, the cost of your therapy could be intolerable for you. They vary in price from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Over $3000 may be spent on a basic service like a hospital stay of the night.
Restrictions on F-2
There are several limits on what you can and cannot do in the U.S. because the F2 visa depends. The F2 visa is intended to allow families to stay together. In contrast, the F1 visa holder pursues their degree, which may take several years. These are the restrictions associated with possessing it since it serves no other use.
1. Using an F2 visa to work is prohibited
Work permits for F2 visas still need to be made available. You are not eligible to pursue paid jobs in the U.S. since your F1 spouse or parent has demonstrated their ability to support you while you live there. Volunteering and unpaid labour are OK, but entering into an employment contract is not.
2. Obtaining a Social Security Number (SSN) is prohibited for you
You are also unable to obtain an SSN since you are not permitted to work. An ITIN may only be obtained for taxation purposes.
3. You are not permitted to engage in a full-time course of study
You must enrol in a degree-granting program or take courses for credit with an F2 visa. Thus, using this visa to finish a bachelor’s or master’s degree is not possible. Only courses that are recreational, vocational, or don’t count for credit may be taken for enjoyment or as a hobby.
Additionally, if you are a dependent child of an F1 visa holder, you are limited to finishing elementary and middle school in the U.S. If you have an F2 visa, you cannot enroll in high school. You must apply for a change of status to do this.
- You are permitted to enter the U.S. after the F1 visa holder.
You must either go after the F1 visa holder or be accompanied by them if this is your first time visiting the U.S. You are not permitted to enter the U.S. before the F1 visa holder is granted entrance. - There are no more travel limitations after your initial entry into the U.S. You are not required to travel with the F1 visa holder when entering and exiting the nation.
Who is Eligible for the F2 Visa?
The F-2 visa is designed for dependents of F-1 international students, including spouses and unmarried children under 21. The F-2 dependents must be related to and accompanying the F-1 student to be eligible.
What is the Difference between F-1 and F2 Student Visa?
The F-1 visa is for international students studying in the U.S., while the F-2 visa is for their dependents. F-1 visa holders can pursue full-time academic studies, while F-2 visa holders are not allowed to engage in full-time studies. F-2 visa holders also cannot work, with some recent exceptions.
How Long Can You Stay in the U.S. with an F2 Visa?
F-2 visa holders can stay in the U.S. as long as the primary F-1 visa holder maintains their status. The duration is typically tied to the F-1 student’s program duration.
Can You Work in the U.S. on an F2 Visa?
F-2 visa holders are generally not allowed to work in the U.S. However, recent changes in regulations may provide certain opportunities. It is advisable to check the latest rules and guidelines.
How to Apply for an F2 Visa in the USA?
To apply for an F-2 visa, applicants need to complete Form DS-160 online, pay the visa application fee, schedule an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate, and provide supporting documents. The process may vary slightly depending on the specific consulate.
How Long Does it Take for an F2 Visa to be Approved?
The f2 visa processing time can vary depending on the U.S. embassy or consulate and other factors. It’s recommended to check with the specific consulate for their processing times.
How Much is the F2 Visa Fee?
The visa application fee for F-2 visa applicants can vary. For the most up-to-date fee information, check the U.S. Department of State website or the website of the specific U.S. embassy or consulate.
Can We Apply for F-1 and F-2 Visas Together?
F-1 and F-2 visa applications are typically submitted separately. The F-1 student should apply first, and upon approval, the F-2 dependents can apply based on the F-1 approval. Each individual must meet the specific eligibility criteria for their respective visa category.