Family Based Immigration

How to Secure an F2 Visa: A Complete Guide

This guide covers everything you need to know about the F2 visa, including what it is, F2 visa requirements, processing times, and answers to common questions such as whether an F2 visa holder can work in the USA.

By:

Chelsea Spinos

Chelsea Spinos is a contributing writer for Manifest Law. She covers all topics related to U.S. visas and green cards. She is passionate about helping people navigate their immigration journey with clarity and confidence.

Reviewer:

Simon Craven, Esq.

Simon Craven is an immigration attorney with 12+ years of experience working on thousands of successful immigration cases. Simon is passionate about US immigration and helping people.

7 min read • Aug 02, 2024

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Key takeaways

The F2 visa lets the spouse and unmarried children under 21 of an F1 student visa holder join them in the U.S. while they study.

To meet the F2 visa requirements, you must be the spouse or unmarried child (under 21) of an F1 visa holder, show evidence of ability to financially support, and have a valid U.S. passport.

F2 visa holders can’t work in the U.S. and have limited educational options. Spouses can only take part-time or recreational courses, not full-time academic programs.

In 2023, the F2 visa approval rate was 52.96% and the F2 visa rejection rate was 47.04%.

Our team of immigration lawyers at Manifest Law can ensure your F2 visa application is complete and that you meet all requirements for eligibility.

If you’re an F1 visa holder looking to bring your spouse or children to the U.S. while you study, the F2 visa is the key to keeping your family together. This guide covers everything you need to know about the F2 visa, from the application process and required documents to the benefits and limitations of this visa.

What is the F2 visa?

The F2 visa is a type of U.S. visa designed specifically for the immediate family members (spouse and unmarried children under 21) of individuals who hold an F1 visa. The F1 visa is for students who are coming to the United States to study at an accredited academic institution, such as a university or college. If you're an F1 visa holder, your spouse and children can apply for an F2 visa to join you in the U.S. while you complete your studies.

F2 Visa Requirements

For eligibility, you will need to meet the following F2 visa requirements:

Family Relationship: You must be the spouse or unmarried child (under 21 years old) of someone who has a valid F1 student visa. This visa is specifically for immediate family members of F1 visa holders.

Proof of Relationship: You’ll need to show documents that prove your relationship to the F1 visa holder. For a spouse, this means providing your 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 in the U.S. This could mean providing bank statements, scholarship details, or proof of funding from the F1 visa holder’s school.

Valid Passport: You’ll need to have a valid passport that is up to date and won’t expire while you’re in the U.S. This is crucial for your application.

Keep in mind that the eligibility of the F2 visa is typically based on the status of the person holding the F1 visa.

Benefits and Limitations of the F2 Visa

The F2 visa offers a way for the immediate family members of F1 visa holders to stay together in the US while one member pursues their education.

While the F2 visa provides some valuable benefits, it also comes with certain limitations. Understanding both sides can help you make an informed decision about applying for the F2 visa.

The F2 visa offers a way for the immediate family members of F1 visa holders to stay together in the US while one member pursues their education.

While the F2 visa provides some valuable benefits, it also comes with certain limitations. Understanding both sides can help you make an informed decision about applying for the F2 visa.

Benefits of F2 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 F1 visa holder’s program lasts.

Schooling for Children: If you’re a child on an F2 visa, you’re allowed to attend elementary or high school in the U.S.

Freedom to Travel: F2 visa holders can travel in and out of the U.S. as needed, which means you can visit home or explore other countries without jeopardizing your visa status.

Limitations of F2 Visa

No Employment: F2 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 F2 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 F1 visa.

Dependent on F1 Visa: Your stay in the U.S. is entirely dependent on the F1 visa holder. If their visa status changes or their program ends, your F2 visa will also be affected.

No Social Security Number (SSN): F2 visa holders aren’t eligible for a Social Security Number, which can limit your ability to access certain services or build credit in the U.S.

Healthcare and Insurance: You’ll need to arrange for your own health insurance, as F2 visa holders aren’t automatically covered by the F1 visa holder’s student insurance plan.

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Not sure if the F2 visa is the right fit for you?

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Documents Needed for the F2 Visa

When applying for an F2 visa, you'll need to gather and prepare several key documents to ensure a smooth application process. Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need:

Valid Passport:

Make sure your passport is up to date and will be valid for at least six months after your planned stay in the U.S.

DS-160 Form Confirmation:

This is the online visa application form. Once you fill it out, print the confirmation page with the barcode—you’ll need this for your interview.

Visa Application Fee Receipt:

You’ll have to pay a non-refundable visa application fee. Keep the receipt as proof of payment for your interview.

Passport-Size Photo:

You’ll need a recent passport-style photo that meets U.S. visa requirements. You usually upload this when filling out the DS-160 form, but it’s a good idea to bring a physical copy to your interview as well.

Interview Appointment Confirmation:

After you schedule your visa interview, print out the confirmation page to bring with you.

Proof of Relationship to F1 Visa Holder:

For a spouse, you’ll need your marriage certificate.
For children, you’ll need a birth certificate or adoption papers.
If these documents aren’t in English, make sure to get a certified translation.

Copies of the F1 Visa Holder’s Documents:

Bring a copy of your family member’s valid passport and F1 visa.
Also, bring their I-20 form, which is issued by their school. This form should be signed by both your family member and a school official.

Proof of Financial Support:

You’ll need to show that your family has enough money to support themselves in the U.S. This can be bank statements, scholarship letters, or financial support letters from the F1 visa holder’s school.

Letter from the F1 Visa Holder’s School:

A letter from the school confirming your family member’s enrollment, and details about their study program, like how long it will last.

Copy of SEVIS Fee Receipt:

The F1 visa holder pays a SEVIS fee when they apply for their visa. Bring a copy of their SEVIS fee receipt to show that their status is active.

Travel History:

If you’ve traveled to the U.S. before, bring copies of any previous visas or entry/exit stamps in your passport.

When applying for an F2 visa, you'll need to gather and prepare several key documents to ensure a smooth application process. Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need:

Valid Passport:

Make sure your passport is up to date and will be valid for at least six months after your planned stay in the U.S.

DS-160 Form Confirmation:

This is the online visa application form. Once you fill it out, print the confirmation page with the barcode—you’ll need this for your interview.

Visa Application Fee Receipt:

You’ll have to pay a non-refundable visa application fee. Keep the receipt as proof of payment for your interview.

Passport-Size Photo:

You’ll need a recent passport-style photo that meets U.S. visa requirements. You usually upload this when filling out the DS-160 form, but it’s a good idea to bring a physical copy to your interview as well.

Interview Appointment Confirmation:

After you schedule your visa interview, print out the confirmation page to bring with you.

Proof of Relationship to F1 Visa Holder:

For a spouse, you’ll need your marriage certificate.
For children, you’ll need a birth certificate or adoption papers.
If these documents aren’t in English, make sure to get a certified translation.

Copies of the F1 Visa Holder’s Documents:

Bring a copy of your family member’s valid passport and F1 visa.
Also, bring their I-20 form, which is issued by their school. This form should be signed by both your family member and a school official.

Proof of Financial Support:

You’ll need to show that your family has enough money to support themselves in the U.S. This can be bank statements, scholarship letters, or financial support letters from the F1 visa holder’s school.

Letter from the F1 Visa Holder’s School:

A letter from the school confirming your family member’s enrollment, and details about their study program, like how long it will last.

Copy of SEVIS Fee Receipt:

The F1 visa holder pays a SEVIS fee when they apply for their visa. Bring a copy of their SEVIS fee receipt to show that their status is active.

Travel History:

If you’ve traveled to the U.S. before, bring copies of any previous visas or entry/exit stamps in your passport.

💡 Manifest Tip: If any of your documents are in another language, make sure to get a certified translation into English.

How to Apply for the F2 Visa

Applying for an F2 visa to bring your spouse or minor children to the U.S. while you study is a straightforward process. Here are the steps to apply for the F2 visa:

Step 1: Obtain a Form I-20

Start by contacting the Designated School Official (DSO) at the approved school or educational institution the F1 visa holder is attending. Inform them that you plan to bring your spouse and/or minor children with you on F-2 visas. 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 1: Obtain a Form I-20

Step 2: Complete the Online Form DS-160

Important: After submission, you’ll receive a confirmation page with a unique barcode. Print this barcode and bring it with you to your visa interview.

Step 3: Pay the Visa Application Fee

Each family member applying for an F-2 visa needs to pay the $160 application fee. Depending on your home country, there might be additional visa issuance fees.

Step 3: Pay the Visa Application Fee

Each family member applying for an F-2 visa needs to pay the $160 application fee. Depending on your home country, there might be additional visa issuance fees.

💡 Manifest Tip: Make sure to keep the receipts for all payments, as you’ll need to present them during your visa interview.

Step 4: Schedule Your Visa Interview

Next, book a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. Visa interview slots can fill up quickly, so it’s best to schedule your appointment as early as possible. Once you’ve scheduled the interview, you’ll receive a confirmation email—print this out, as you’ll need it for your interview.

Step 5: Gather All Important Documents

Collect and organize all required F2 documents for the interview. This includes your passport, the Form I-20 for each family member, proof of relationship (such as marriage or birth certificates), the DS-160 confirmation page, and visa fee receipts.

Step 6: Attend the Interview

During the interview, the consular officer will ask questions about your plans to study in the U.S. and your intentions for bringing your family. Be prepared to answer clearly and provide any additional information they may request.

Step 7: Receive your i797 notice

Once your petition is approved, you will receive an i797 approval notice. You can learn more about what happens after your receive an approval notice in our i797 guide.

Step 4: Schedule Your Visa Interview

Step 5: Gather All Important Documents

Step 6: Attend the Interview

Step 7: Receive your i797 notice

Once your petition is approved, you will receive an i797 approval notice. You can learn more about what happens after your receive an approval notice in our i797 guide.

What are the chances of F2 visa approval?

To boost your chances of getting an F2 visa, make sure you carefully prepare all your documents. This means providing clear proof that you can financially support yourself while in the U.S. and showing strong connections to your home country.

Check out the F2 visa approval rates and F2 visa rejection rates for the past few years below:

Fiscal Year

2023

2022

2021

Approval Rate

52.96%

55.40%

67.66%

Rejection Rate

47.04%

44.60%

32.34%

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Source: Visa Grader

F2 Visa Processing Time

The processing time for an F2 visa can vary depending on several factors, including the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply and the current demand for visas.

In total, from the time you start your application to when you receive your visa, it generally takes about 1 to 3 months. To avoid delays, make sure all your documents are complete and accurate and try to apply as early as possible before your planned travel date.

F2 Visa Cost

The main cost is the $160 application fee for each person applying for the visa. This fee is non-refundable, so be sure to keep the receipt as you’ll need it for your interview.

Depending on where you’re applying from, there might be extra fees for visa issuance or administrative processing. These fees can vary, so check with the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country for the latest information.

The main cost is the $160 application fee for each person applying for the visa. This fee is non-refundable, so be sure to keep the receipt as you’ll need it for your interview.

How Manifest Law Can Help

Navigating the F2 visa process can be overwhelming, but Manifest Law can help make the process smoother. Our experienced team of immigration lawyers will guide you through each step, from gathering and organizing your documents to preparing for your visa interview.

We ensure that your F2 visa application is complete and meets all requirements, including Form I-20 and proof of financial support. With our up-to-date knowledge of visa regulations, we help you avoid common pitfalls and address any issues that arise.

Book a free consultation to learn more.

Frequently asked questions

Can an F2 visa holder work in the USA?

No, F2 visa holders are not allowed to work in the U.S. The F2 visa is specifically for dependents of F1 student visa holders, and it only permits them to stay in the U.S. while the primary visa holder is studying. If you want to work, you would need to apply for a different visa that permits employment.

No, unfortunately Form I-751 cannot currently be filed online. The form must be completed and submitted by mail to the appropriate USCIS Lockbox or service center.

When filing by mail, make sure that you use the correct address based on your location and the specific instructions provided by USCIS.

Also, make sure to include all required supporting documents, the correct I-751 filing fee, and an accurately completed form I-751 to avoid delays in processing.

Can I convert my F2 visa to a work permit?

No, you cannot directly convert an F2 visa to a work permit. To work in the U.S., you would need to apply for a different type of visa, such as an H1B for specialty occupations. You would have to go through the application process for a new visa that allows employment.

You can take our free visa quiz to learn more about alternative visa options.

How much funds do I need to show for the F2 visa?

There isn’t a specific amount required universally, but you must show that you have enough funds to support yourself while in the U.S. without working. This usually means proving that you have sufficient financial resources to cover living expenses, which could include bank statements or letters from the F1 visa holder’s school confirming financial support.

Why does the F2 visa get rejected?

F2 visas can be rejected for several reasons, including incomplete or inaccurate documentation, insufficient financial proof, or doubts about the applicant’s intention to return to their home country after their stay. Ensuring all paperwork is complete and showing strong ties to your home country can help avoid rejection.

How long does an F2 visa last?

An F2 visa typically lasts as long as the primary F1 visa holder’s study program. The F2 visa is usually valid for the duration of the F1 visa holder’s studies plus any allowed grace periods. If the F1 visa holder’s status changes or they complete their program, the F2 visa will also end.

Take the First Step:

Request a free call!

Discuss the visa options of interest to you

General information about timelines, fees, requirements for various visa options

Information on Manifest fees, terms and process

Full clarity and transparency every step along the way

Request an evaluation

* Speak to a member of the Manifest team to discuss how we can help you achieve your immigration goals

Avi Goldenberg

Principal attorney at Manifest Law

Take the First Step:

Request a free call!

Discuss the visa options of interest to you

General information about timelines, fees, requirements for various visa options

Information on Manifest fees, terms and process

Full clarity and transparency every step along the way

Request an evaluation

* Speak to a member of the Manifest team to discuss how we can help you achieve your immigration goals

Avi Goldenberg

Principal attorney at Manifest Law

Take the First Step:

Request a free call!

Discuss the visa options of interest to you

General information about timelines, fees, requirements for various visa options

Information on Manifest fees, terms and process

Full clarity and transparency every step along the way

Request an evaluation

* Speak to a member of the Manifest team to discuss how we can help you achieve your immigration goals

Avi Goldenberg

Principal attorney at Manifest Law

In this blog article:

What is the F2 visa?

F2 Visa Requirements

Benefits and Limitations of the F2 Visa

Documents Needed for the F2 Visa

How to Apply for the F2 Visa

What are the chances of F2 visa approval?

F2 Visa Processing Time

F2 Visa Cost

How Manifest Law Can Help

Frequently Asked Questions

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