U.S. Visas: F-2

An F-2 visa is issued to the spouse and/or minor child of an F-1 visa holder.

What are the Requirements for an F-2 Visa?

CHANGE OF STATUS IN THE U.S.:

If the applicant is presently in the United States, in valid status, VISANOW can file an application for a change of status to F-2 with the USCIS.

F-2 APPLICATION AT A U.S. CONSULATE:

If the applicant is residing outside of the United States, the applicant will submit Form DS-156 and possibly the DS-157 to the Consular office in the country where he/she resides. VISANOW can prepare this application on your behalf.

An interview at the local U.S. embassy is required for almost all applicants for F-2 visas. The waiting times for the interviews will vary. If the F-2 visa is approved, the embassy will issue a visa stamp in the applicant’s passport within a week of the interview. The officer may request that some applicants provide additional information.

Applicants for F-2 visas must show:

• That their spouse or parent has been granted F-1 status
• That sufficient funds are available to cover their expenses in the United States; and,
• That they intend to leave the United States upon the termination of the status of the F-1 student.

The consular officer may require additional documents to verify the purpose for obtaining the visa. The visa may be issued on the same day that the application is made and is in the form of a stamp in the applicant’s passport.

A spouse and/or child of an F-1 applicant is eligible for an F-2 visa is they can show:

• Proof of the relationship;
• That sufficient funds are available to cover their expenses in the United States; and,
• That they intend to leave the United States upon the termination of the status of the F-1 student.

Can F-2 Visa Holders be Employed?

The F-2 visa does not permit the holder to engage in productive employment.

Can F-2 Visa Holders Attend School?

The F-2 visa does not permit the holder to attend school; in order to attend school, the individual would have to file a change of status to F-1 with the USCIS.

An exception to the above is made for children. Children in F-2 status may attend elementary school in the U.S. up to twelfth grade without having to change status to F-1.

How Long Is The F-2 Visa Valid?

An F-2 visa is valid for as long as the F-1 student’s visa is valid.