Nonimmigrant visas:
For temporary stay. For example, H-1B for speciality workers, B-1 for business visitors, B-2 for tourism, F for academic students, M for vocational students
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Kukatpally, Hyd.
Metro Pillar No: 828
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Office Timing
Mon - Sat: 10 AM - 7 PM
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USA F2 visa: Overview
The process of getting an F-2 visa for your dependents can be quite overwhelming. The steps to take and the documents to be gathered must be clearly understood to avoid any mistakes that might lead to visa rejection. Submitting a complete application is a way of ensuring that your loved ones may join you while you study abroad in the US.
What is a US visa?
Generally, a foreign national that intends to enter the US will have to first secure a specific visa, as per their purpose for entry. The US visa will be affixed in the passport issued by the country of residence of the traveler.
Some international travelers might be eligible to travel to the US without a visa if they meet the requirements for visa-free entry to the US.
A US visa permits you to travel to a US Port of Entry and request permission from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspector to enter the country.
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Immigrant visas:
For permanent stay. For example, K-1 for fiancé(e), F2A and F2B for certain family members of lawful US permanent residents.
What types of US visas are there?
The two broad US visa categories are
What is F-2 visa for the US?
- An F-2 visa is issued to the dependents - spouse, and children (below 21 years of age) - of an individual that holds a valid US student visa. You will have to apply for and secure a US student visa if you intend to study in the US as an international student.
- There are two kinds of US student visas available. Academic students that seek to enter the US to attend a university or college will need an F US visa. Vocational students will have to apply for the M visa instead.
- While the international students themselves are issued the F-1 and M-1 visas, their dependents can apply for a visa under the F-2 and M-2 categories respectively.
Who is eligible for F-2 visa?
Your spouse and children - minor, and unmarried - that intend to reside with you in the US while you study as an international student might apply for F-2 or M-2 visas.
What are the F-2 visa requirements?
- Passport, Photograph
- Confirmation of visa application - Form DS 160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
- Birth certificate, if child of F-1 visa holder
- Marriage certificate, if spouse of F-1 visa holder
- Visa fee payment receipt
- Form I-20
- Copy of the F-1 visa holder’s Form I-20
- Proof of financial stability - tax records, bank statements etc.
What are the benefits of an F-2 dependent visa ?
Benefits of an F-2 dependent visa include
- Extension of stay: If the primary F-1 visa holder extends their stay in the US as an international student, the F-2 dependents are automatically eligible for applying for an extension as well. Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status will have to be submitted.
- Access to healthcare: F-2 visa holders get access to hospitals and medical facilities in the US. Purchasing a health insurance plan in advance is recommended.
- Changing visa status: A change of status can be requested by a F-2 visa holder in the US. Situations that might require a change of status include - securing a job in the US, enrolling in a higher education program etc.
- Route to Green Card: If the primary F-1 visa holder acquires a US Green Card - such as an employment-based Green Card like Eb-2 or EB-3 - their F-2 dependents automatically become eligible to apply for a Green Card as well.