Holders of an F-1 student visa can use the F-2 visa to move their loved ones with them to the United States. Basically, the F-2 visa allows dependents to live and stay in the US while the F-1 student completes their degree programs at any approved U.S college or university.
Eligibility for F-2 Visa
Applicants need to fulfill the following requirements in order to be eligible for an F2 visa:
- Be a spouse of an approved F-1 visa student
- Be a child (not married and below 21 years) of an approved F-1 foreign citizen
- Have the financial capacity to stay in the US without public support
Take note that the eligibility criteria for the F-2 visa strongly lie on the status of the F-1 visa holder.
Documents Needed for the F-2 Visa Application
- A valid passport
- Recently taken passport-sized photographs
- The Form DS-160 confirmation page
- Evidence of financial capability to stay in the US
- F2 dependent SEVIS form 1-20
- Receipts of visa application fees
- Visa application forms
- Marriage certificate for applicants coming in as spouses to F1 student
- Birth certificate, if a child of an F1 student
F-2 Visa Application Procedure
The steps for applying for an F-2 visa are rather straightforward. Below is the step-by-step process for applying for an F1 visa.
Step 1: Obtain a form I-20
The first step of the application process is for the F-1 student to obtain the form I-20 from their college or university. Equally important, the form contains all information about the student’s course, with the estimated fees and duration of the study.
Step 2: Complete the Form DS-160
The DS-160 form is the form you will need to apply for an online nonimmigrant visa to travel to the US. In addition, you will be required to provide all necessary information and upload supporting documents while completing this online form.
To complete Form DS-160, simply visit the U.S Department of State Consular Electronic Application Center. Furthermore, you will need to print the barcode that is generated on the confirmation page when you hit the submit button.
In addition, you will be required to pay the necessary application fees in this step.
Step 3: Attend Your Visa Interview
This is a very important stage in the F2 visa application process. Before you go for this interview, make sure you gather all the required supporting documents.
Also, make sure you arrive at the venue of the interview on time and attempt all questions by arriving at them to the best of your ability.
Please do not be overwhelmed as most of the questions you will be asked have to do with your relationship with the F1 visa holder. Consequently, your performance in this interview would determine the fate of your application.
If your application passes all requirements, then start planning to travel to the U.S to meet your spouse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an F2 visa?
The F-2 visa is a temporary nonimmigrant visa granted to the immediate family of an F1 student visa holder. Additionally, as an international student studying in any U.S college or university, your spouse and children can use the F-2 visa to join you in the United States.
Who is eligible for F2?
Spouses and unmarried children of an F1 student visa holder are eligible for the F-2 visa. In addition, the children must be under the age of 21.
How can a F2 visa holder work?
F-2 visa holders may not be accepted for any employment in the U.S. However, they can work as volunteers as long as they don’t receive any kind of compensation for the volunteer work.
Is F-1 and F-2 same type of visa?
F-1 visa is for students who are undergoing an Academic or Language training course in the USA. On the flip side, an F-2 visa is issued to dependents of F-1 visa holders such as spouses and children under the age of 21.
