A Simple Guide to the F-2 Visa

If you are an international student in the United States on an F-1 visa, your spouse or children might be able to join you in the U.S. with the F-2 visa. This guide will explain the F-2 visa in simple terms, making it easy for you to understand the requirements, application process, and what family members can do with this visa.

What is the F-2 Visa?

The F-2 visa is a dependent visa for family members of F-1 visa holders. It allows:

• Spouses of F-1 visa holders to live in the U.S.

• Unmarried children under 21 to stay in the U.S. with their F-1 parent.

Why is the F-2 Visa Important?

If you’re an F-1 student, this visa makes it possible for your spouse and children to live with you in the U.S. while you study. It provides a way for families to stay together during the F-1 visa holder’s time in the United States.

Who Can Apply for the F-2 Visa?

To be eligible for an F-2 visa, the following conditions must be met:

• You must be the spouse of an F-1 student, or

• You must be the unmarried child (under 21) of an F-1 student.

F-2 Visa Restrictions:

• No work allowed: F-2 visa holders are not allowed to work in the United States.

• Limited study options: Spouses can only study part-time. However, children on F-2 visas can attend elementary, middle, or high school full-time.

How to Apply for the F-2 Visa: Step-by-Step

Here’s how to apply for the F-2 visa:

1. Get a Form I-20

The F-1 student must request a Form I-20 for each family member from their school. This document is crucial for the F-2 visa application.

2. Fill Out the DS-160 Visa Application Form

Each family member must fill out a DS-160 form online. This is the standard U.S. visa application form where you provide your details and the reason for your visit.

3. Pay the Visa Application Fee

You’ll need to pay a fee to apply for the F-2 visa. Keep the payment receipt, as you’ll need it for the next step.

4. Schedule and Attend a Visa Interview

Once you’ve completed the DS-160 form and paid the fee, you’ll schedule an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. During the interview, a U.S. official will ask you questions about your relationship with the F-1 student and your plans for staying in the U.S.

5. Prepare the Required Documents

For your visa interview, you’ll need to bring:

• A valid passport for each applicant.

• A photo that meets U.S. visa requirements.

• Form I-20 (signed by the F-1 student’s school).

• Proof of relationship (such as marriage certificates for spouses or birth certificates for children).

• The DS-160 confirmation page and visa fee receipt.

What You Can Do with an F-2 Visa

1. Living in the U.S.

As an F-2 visa holder, you can live in the U.S. with the F-1 student for the entire duration of their studies. Your stay in the U.S. depends on the validity of the F-1 visa.

2. Study

• Spouses can study part-time at U.S. institutions while on an F-2 visa. If a spouse wants to study full-time, they must apply for their own F-1 visa.

• Children can attend full-time education at public or private schools (K-12) while on an F-2 visa.

Limitations of the F-2 Visa

While the F-2 visa is great for keeping families together, it does come with some limitations:

• No Work Permits: Unlike some other dependent visas, F-2 visa holders are not allowed to work while in the U.S.

• Limited Study Options for Spouses: F-2 visa holders who are spouses can only study part-time. If they want to pursue a full-time degree, they must switch to an F-1 visa.

• No Change to Green Card: The F-2 visa is not a direct path to U.S. permanent residency (green card).

Common Questions About the F-2 Visa

Can I work in the U.S. with an F-2 visa?
No, F-2 visa holders cannot work in the U.S. However, if you want to work, you can apply for a different visa category, such as an H-1B or F-1, if eligible.

Can my children attend school in the U.S.?
Yes, children under the F-2 visa can attend public or private schools full-time (K-12).

How long can I stay in the U.S. on an F-2 visa?
You can stay in the U.S. as long as the F-1 visa holder (your spouse or parent) is maintaining their student status.

Can I travel internationally on an F-2 visa?
Yes, you can travel internationally, but you must have a valid F-2 visa stamp in your passport to re-enter the U.S.

Conclusion

The F-2 visa allows families of international students to stay together in the United States while the F-1 student completes their studies. Whether you're a spouse wanting to be with your partner or a child looking to attend school in the U.S., the F-2 visa can help make that possible. While the visa comes with some restrictions, such as no work permits, it’s still a valuable way for families to remain united during their time in the U.S.

If you’re thinking of applying for an F-2 visa, remember to gather all the required documents, follow the correct steps, and prepare for your interview. Good luck!