What is the F-2 visa?

The F-2 visa is a type of U.S. visa designed specifically for the spouse and unmarried children under 21 of an F-1 student visa holder. It allows immediate family members to join the F-1 visa holder in the United States while they pursue their studies at an accredited academic institution, such as a university or college.

If you're an F-1 visa holder, your spouse and children can apply for an F-2 visa to join you in the U.S. while you complete your studies.

F-2 Visa Requirements

For eligibility, you will need to meet the following F-2 visa requirements:

• Family Relationship: You must be the spouse or unmarried child under 21 of an F-1 visa holder. The F-2 visa is specifically for immediate family members of F-1 visa holders.
• Proof of Relationship: You’ll need to show documents that prove your relationship to the F-1 visa holder. For a spouse, this typically includes a marriage certificate. For children, you’ll need a birth certificate or adoption papers.
• Financial Support: You’ll need to show that your family can financially support themselves while living in the U.S. This can include bank statements, income details, or proof of funding from the F-1 visa holder’s school.
• Valid Passport: You’ll need to have a valid passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the U.S. This is crucial for your application.

Keep in mind that the eligibility of the F-2 visa is typically based on the status of the person holding the F-1 visa.

Benefits and Limitations of the F-2 Visa

The F-2 visa offers a way for the immediate family members of an F-1 student visa holder to live in the United States during the student's educational program. It can be a great option for families wishing to stay together in the US while one member pursues their education.

While the F-2 visa provides some valuable benefits, it also comes with certain limitations. It's important to understand these before applying so you can make an informed decision about applying for the F-2 visa.

Benefits of F-2 Visa

• Be With Your Family: The biggest benefit is that it allows you to be with your loved one while they study in the U.S.
• Stay Duration: You can stay in the U.S. for as long as the F-1 visa holder’s program lasts.
• Schooling for Children: If you’re a child on an F-2 visa, you’re allowed to attend elementary or high school in the U.S.
• Freedom to Travel: F-2 visa holders can travel in and out of the U.S. as long as the F-1 visa holder maintains their status. This allows you to visit family back home or explore other countries without jeopardizing your visa status.

Limitations of F-2 Visa

• No Employment: F-2 visa holders aren’t allowed to work while in the U.S. This includes both part-time and full-time jobs.
• Limited Education Opportunities: As an F-2 spouse, you can only take recreational or part-time courses. If you want to pursue a full-time academic program, you’ll need to switch to a different visa, like the F-1 visa.
• Dependence on F-1 Status: Your F-2 visa status is directly tied to the F-1 visa holder’s status. If the F-1 visa holder loses their status (for example, if they stop attending school), your visa may also become invalid.
• Limited Activities: F-2 visa holders are restricted in what they can do in the U.S., such as not being able to work or pursue full-time education.

Documents Needed for the F-2 Visa

To apply for the F-2 visa, you’ll need to gather a variety of documents to prove your eligibility and relationship to the F-1 visa holder. While the specific requirements may vary by U.S. embassy or consulate, here are the most common documents needed for the F-2 visa:

• Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the U.S.
• DS-160 Confirmation Page: After completing the DS-160 online nonimmigrant visa application, you’ll need the confirmation page with the barcode.
• Visa Application Fee Receipt: Proof that you paid the F-2 visa application fee.
• Passport-Sized Photo: A recent photo that meets U.S. visa photo requirements.
• Form I-20: A Form I-20 issued for each dependent by the F-1 student’s school (Designated School Official).
• Marriage Certificate (Spouse): To prove your relationship if you’re the spouse of the F-1 visa holder.
• Birth Certificate (Children): To prove your relationship if you’re a dependent child.
• Proof of Financial Support: Documentation showing you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses while in the U.S., such as bank statements or scholarship details.
• Copy of F-1 Visa Holder's Documents: This typically includes the F-1 visa holder’s passport, visa stamp, Form I-20, and proof of enrollment (like a transcript or enrollment verification).

How to Apply for the F-2 Visa

Applying for the F-2 visa involves several steps. The process typically starts with getting the necessary documentation from the F-1 visa holder’s school and then completing the application and attending a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Step 1: Request Form I-20 from the School

The F-1 visa holder must contact their school’s Designated School Official (DSO) to request a Form I-20 for each dependent. The DSO will then issue Form I-20 for you and each of your dependents.

Step 2: Complete the Online Form DS-160

Once you have the Form I-20, you need to fill out Form DS-160, which is the application for a nonimmigrant visa. This form must be completed and submitted online through the Consular Electronic Application Center of the U.S. Department of State.

Step 3: Pay the Visa Application Fee

After submitting the DS-160, you’ll need to pay the visa application fee. Keep the receipt as proof of payment.

Step 4: Schedule Your Visa Interview

You’ll need to schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country. Wait times and scheduling options can vary.

Step 5: Attend the Visa Interview

During the interview, you will present your documentation and answer questions about your relationship to the F-1 visa holder, your intent to return home after the F-1 program ends, and your financial support plan. If approved, your visa will be placed in your passport.

What are the chances of F-2 visa approval?

Check out the F-2 visa approval rates and F-2 visa rejection rates for the past few years below:

F-2 Visa Processing Time

F-2 visa processing time can vary depending on several factors, including the U.S. embassy or consulate handling your application, the time of year, and your individual case. In general, the process can take several weeks to a few months.

A key driver of timing is how quickly you can schedule an interview and how long it takes the consulate to process the application after the interview.

F-2 Visa Cost

The cost of the F-2 visa typically includes the DS-160 application fee and may include additional costs such as travel expenses to attend the interview, document translation, and obtaining required civil documents. Fees can change, so you should confirm current amounts with the U.S. Department of State or the local U.S. embassy/consulate.

How Keller Law Can Help

If you want support preparing and filing an F-2 visa application (or understanding strategy, documentation, and common pitfalls), Keller Law can help you approach the process with clarity and confidence.

We can help you review eligibility, organize supporting evidence, prepare for consular processing, and reduce avoidable issues that can lead to delays or denials.