United States•North America14-30 days
185 USD
60 days
Yes
Not Required
Not Specified
No
Not Required
Spouse or unmarried child (under 21) of an F-1 student. Cannot work; limited study permitted.
The F-2 visa allows the spouse and unmarried children under 21 of an F-1 student to accompany or join them in the US for the duration of the student's program. Holders cannot work in any capacity and may not pursue a full course of college-level study without changing to F-1 status.
Status lasts for the duration of the F-1's program (D/S); dependents must depart within 60 days of program completion. F-2 children may attend K-12 full-time; spouses may study part-time or recreationally. No SEVIS I-901 fee applies — only the $185 MRV fee. No PR pathway; dual intent not permitted.
This visa is ideal for spouses and minor children of international students who want to live together in the US without a separate work or study agenda.
MRV nonimmigrant visa application fee | 185 USD |
Visa issuance fee | — |
SEVIS I-901 fee | 0 USD |
| Standard (low-volume post) | 2 weeks – 1 month |
| Standard (high-volume post) | 1 month – 3 months |
| Administrative processing | 2 months – 6 months |
| Status type | Tied to program duration |
Must be spouse or unmarried child (under 21) of a valid F-1 student
F-1 student must be enrolled full-time at a SEVP-approved school
Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond the period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements)
Form I-20 issued by the F-1 student's SEVP-approved school
Education
none or higher
Valid passport (6+ months validity beyond the period of stay in the United States, unless exempt by country-specific agreements)
DS-160 confirmation page
Form I-20 issued for the dependent (signed by F-1 student and school official)
MRV fee payment receipt
Passport photo
Proof of relationship to F-1 student (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate)
| DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application | Fill online |
| I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status | Fill online |
| Application Steps | F-1 student's SEVP-approved school issues a separate Form I-20 for each dependent; Complete the DS-1… | travel.state.gov |
| Blockers | — | travel.state.gov |
| Can Convert To | — | travel.state.gov |
| Categories | family | travel.state.gov |
| Code | us-f-2 | travel.state.gov |
| Criminal Policy | Standard INA §212(a)(2) inadmissibility grounds apply. Conviction for a crime involving moral turpit… | travel.state.gov |
| Dual Intent | false | uscis.gov |
| Fee Breakdown | MRV nonimmigrant visa application fee: 185 USD; {"label":"Visa issuance fee","amount":null,"currency… | travel.state.gov |
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