HOW TO MOVE WITH YOUR DEPENDENTS IN USA

 

F2 Visa/ Visa for Dependents                                    The F-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows dependents (spouse and unmarried children under 21) of F-1 student visa holders to accompany them to the United States. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand what F-2 dependents need to know, covering eligibility, application processes, travel requirements, work limitations, and more.

1. Eligibility for the F-2 Visa

• F-2 visas are available for the spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 of an F-1 student visa holder.
• Only immediate family members (spouse and children) are eligible; extended family members, such as parents or siblings, must apply for a different visa type.

2. Application Process

• Form DS-160: Each F-2 dependent must complete the DS-160 form, an online visa application required for all non-immigrant visas.
• Documentation: Each applicant will need a valid passport, recent photographs, marriage certificate (for spouses), and birth certificates (for children) to demonstrate their relationship to the F-1 visa holder.
• Form I-20: The F-1 visa holder’s educational institution must issue Form I-20, which is a Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status. Each dependent must have their own I-20, indicating they are an F-2 dependent.
• Visa Interview: While not all F-2 applicants may be required to attend a visa interview, this varies by U.S. Embassy or Consulate, so check specific requirements in your country.

3. Traveling to the United States

• F-2 visa holders can travel to the U.S. with or after the primary F-1 student but not before.
• Dependents should carry all their visa documentation (Form I-20, DS-160, passport, and proof of relationship to the F-1 holder) when traveling to the U.S.

4. Work Limitations

• F-2 dependents are not allowed to work or engage in any paid employment in the U.S. They may, however, pursue unpaid volunteer work.
• If an F-2 dependent wishes to work, they must change their visa status, such as to an F-1 (for students) or an H-1B (for skilled workers), if eligible.

5. Study Options for F-2 Dependents

• Children: Unmarried children under the age of 21 on an F-2 visa are allowed to enroll in elementary or secondary school.
• Spouse: Spouses on F-2 visas are limited in their study options. They can only take part-time courses or recreational courses that are not part of a degree or certificate program. If they want to pursue a full-time degree, they must change their status to an F-1 visa.

6. Health Insurance for F-2 Dependents

• Although health insurance is not a U.S. visa requirement, F-2 dependents are highly recommended to have health insurance due to the high cost of healthcare in the United States. Many universities offer insurance plans for both F-1 students and their dependents.

7. Maintaining F-2 Visa Status

• F-2 dependents must follow all U.S. laws and visa regulations to maintain their status.
• The F-1 student’s status is directly linked to the F-2 dependent’s visa status, so if the F-1 student falls out of status (e.g., by not maintaining full-time enrollment), the F-2 dependents may also lose their legal status in the U.S.

8. Extension and Renewal of F-2 Visas

• F-2 dependents’ visas are valid as long as the F-1 visa holder remains in status and their Form I-20 is valid.
• If the F-1 student extends their studies, the F-2 visa holders must also apply for an extension of their Form I-20. Renewal or reapplication may require them to leave the U.S. and apply again at a consulate if they need a new visa stamp.

9. Changing Status from F-2 to Another Visa

• F-2 dependents can apply to change their status if they are eligible for a different type of visa, such as F-1 for full-time students or H-1B for skilled workers.
• They must apply for a change of status through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) while in the U.S. or apply for a new visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad.

10. Social Security Numbers (SSN)

• F-2 visa holders are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN) unless they change their visa status to a category that allows them to work, like an F-1 or H-1B.

How to avoid F2 visa application rejection

A couple of things might cause the embassy to deny your visa. Therefore, you need to be cautious and transparent during this important application process.

During your interview, ensure you provide strong family ties. Convince your interviewer that you will surely return home after the end of the F1 visa date. Visas are mostly denied at this point because many people do not give strong reasons, and the interviewer will conclude that you will not return home when the visa expires.

More so, ensure you have enough funds and show the proof. The embassy wouldn’t want you to enter the US and become stranded.

Have a clean slate. You have not broken laws and other countries you have once traveled to. A criminal record can put an end to your travel plans.

Another thing to avoid is having any ban from a country you visited once. The embassy and immigration authorities are extremely sensitive to this information. This is why you must ensure complete obedience to the rules of any country you travel to.

Conclusion

The F-2 visa is a great option for families of international students in the U.S. to stay together while the F-1 holder completes their studies. However, it comes with strict regulations regarding work and study. Understanding these limitations and planning accordingly can help families make the most of their time in the U.S.