TABLE OF CONTENTS

• What is an F2 visa?
• Eligibility Requirements for F2 Visa
• Required Documents for F2 Visa Application
• Step-by-step guide to applying for an F2 visa
• What to expect during the F2 visa interview?
• After F2 Visa Approval
• What can an F2 visa holder do?
• Limitations of the F2 Visa Holder

What is an F2 visa?

If you are planning to accompany your spouse or parent with an F1 visa to the United States, then you will need to apply for an F2 visa. The F2 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows the spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 of an F1 visa holder to accompany or join them in the United States during the period of their education. The F1 visa is an non-immigrant visa that allows international students to study full-time at a US educational institution.Therefore, the F2 visa is dependent on the F1 visa and is only available to immediate family members of the F1 visa holder.

Eligibility Requirements for F2 Visa

The eligibility requirements for F2 Visa are given below:

• Be a spouse of an approved F1 visa holder
• Be an unmarried child under the age of 21 of an approved F1 visa holder
• Have the financial capacity to support their stay in the US
• Have an intent to return to their home country after the completion of an approved F1 visa holder study

Required Documents for F2 Visa Application

Here is a list of required documents for F2 visa application:

• An original valid passport
• DS-160 Confirmation Page
• Passport size photo
• For children of F1 visa holders, their birth certificates
• For spouse of F1 visa holders, their marriage certificates
• For spouse of F1 visa holders, a photo album of their marriage
• Visa Interview Fee Payment Receipt
• F2 Dependent’s I-20 Form from F1 holder university/college
• F1 student’s I-20 Form
• Evidence of your sufficient financial resources such as bank statements and salary statements (NOT REQUIRED FOR NEPALI F-2 APPLICANTS)

Step-by-step guide to applying for an F2 visa

F2 visa application process can be a daunting process, if you are unfamilier with the application procedures. The F2 visa application process is similar to the visa application process of F1 visa. The step-by-step guide is listed below:

1. Receive an I-20 form from the F1 holder school

The initial step of the F2 visa application process is to obtain an I-20 form from the F1 holder university. To obtain the I-20 form, F1 holders must show to the university that they have enough funds to sustain them and their dependents by showing financial sources such as Bank Statements.

2. Complete an online DS-160 Form

The F2 visa applicant must fill out an online DS-160 form, which is a non-immigrant visa application form. You need to input personal information, relation to the F1 visa holder and details about the F2 visa holder.

3. Pay and Schedule the visa interview fee

F2 visa applicants have to pay the visa interview fee of $160. This fee must be paid prior to scheduling an interview at the US embassy in your home country. Keep in mind that this fee is non-refundable, so it's crucial to schedule the interview when you have all the necessary documents and are well-prepared.

4. Gather all important documents

Before going to the visa interview, F2 visa application must gather all necessary documents such as a passport, I-20 form, DS-160 Confirmation Page, Visa Application Fee Receipt, and any other documents required by the US Embassy.

5. Go to your interview

Finally, the F2 visa applicant appears for the interview on the scheduled date. They need to bring the necessary documents and answer the questions from the visa consular officer. If the visa is approved, the F2 applicant can make their travel plans to the US.

What to expect during the F2 visa interview?

During the F2 visa interview process, you will typically go through a security check before being allowed to enter the embassy or consulate. Once inside, you will typically wait in a waiting room before being called for your interview. During the interview, the consular officer will ask you a series of questions, and you will need to provide clear and concise answers to these questions.

Here is a list of most common questions asked:

• What is the name of your spouse's university and his major?
• What is the date of your marriage?
• What is your relationship with the F1 visa holder?
• Why do you want to come to the United States?
• What are your plans once you arrive in the United States?
• How do you plan to support yourself while you are in the United States?
• What is your plan after your spouse graduates?

After the interview, the consular officer will inform you of their decision regarding your visa application.

What to Do if Your F2 Visa is Denied?

Unfortunately, if your F2 visa application is denied, you will be provided with a written explanation for the reason for the denial. You should be able to reapply for the visa at a later time following the same steps used to apply for the F2 visa.

What to Do if Your F2 Visa is Granted?

If your F2 visa interview is successful, then the consular officer will provide you a green slip confirming your visa. The officer will hold on to your passport to issue the visa and return all other relevant documents to you. Typically, you will receive a notification to pick up your passport with the F2 visa stamp in 3-7 days. You will be able to collect your passport at the location you specified during the visa interview application.

After F2 Visa Approval

Obtaining an F2 visa approval is a significant achievement, as it allows you to accompany your F1 visa holder spouse or parent to the United States. However, it is important to understand what steps to take after the approval to ensure a smooth and successful entry into the US. Below are some recommended actions you can consider taking after your visa approval.

1. Confirm your travel plans

It is necessary to confirm your travel plans. This includes booking your flight tickets, arranging for accommodation, and making other necessary arrangements for your stay in the U.S.

2. Be prepared for customs and immigration

You will need to pass through U.S. customs and immigration on your arrival at the airport. Therefore, it is important to be prepared for this process by carrying all the required documents, such as your passport, visa, and I-20 form.

3. Familiarize yourself with the culture

Finally, it is important to familiarize yourself with the culture in the US. This will help to adapt to your new surroundings and make the most of your stay in the country. You can know the culture by reading books, watching Youtube videos, shows or movies.

What can an F2 visa holder do?

While F2 visa holders do not have the same authorization as F1 visa holders, there are still many opportunities available to them in the US. Here are some activities they can engage in:

- Engage in Part-time/ Volunteer Activities

F2 Visa holders can volunteer for any activity that does not require payment, such as a charitable or non-profit organization. If the F2 visa holder is a child, then they can enroll in the school in the US as long as the F1 visa holder’s program of study lasts.

- Extend their stay

If the F1 visa holder enrolls in another program of study after completing their current program, F2 visa holders have the option to extend their visa status to remain with the F1 visa holder during their new program. To extend their visa status, F2 visa holders will need to file an application with the USCIS if approved, they will be granted an extended period of stay in the US."

- Change of status

If the primary F1 visa holder obtains an H1-B visa or any other visa, the F2 visa holder may be eligible to change their visa status to an H4 visa or a similar visa that corresponds to the primary F1 visa holder's new status. Moreover, if the F2 visa holder wants to pursue full-time study in the US, they can apply to change their visa status to F1 while in US. Furthermore, if the F1 visa holder's employer applies for a Green Card on behalf of the F1 visa holder, the F2 visa holder may also be eligible to apply for a Green Card, and both the F1 visa holder and the F2 visa holder will receive their Green Cards at the same time.

Limitations of the F2 Visa Holder

Since, F2 visa’s objective is to be with their F1 visa holder and support them. F2 visa holder has following limitations:

• Cannot work in the U.S.
• Cannot engage in any business or commercial activities in the U.S.
• Cannot study full-time in the U.S. without obtaining a change of status to F1 visa

Wrapping up

The F2 visa is an excellent opportunity for students to bring their family members to the United States while they pursue their studies. Remember to provide accurate and complete information, prepare all necessary documents, and be ready for the interview. With a positive attitude and a well-prepared application, you can increase your chances of obtaining an F2 visa and reuniting with your loved ones in the United States. Good luck!