M-2 — Dependent of M-1 Vocational Student

United States•North America

Open

M-2 — Dependent of M-1 Vocational Student

Residency Pathway Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 weeks – 2 months

Estimated Cost

$185 USD

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

1 year

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Living in United States

Cost of Living

Baseline

Avg Salary$51,000

Quality of Life

186/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Spouse or unmarried child (under 21) of an M-1 visa holder. Cannot work or study.

691 chars — 3 tight paragraphs: P1=256, P2=286, P3=145

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Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

United States

F-1 — Student Visa

ValidityAdmitted for 'Duration of Status' (D/S), which covers the length of the academic program plus a 60-day grace period.

Processing2 weeks – 2 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be the spouse or unmarried child under 21 of a valid M-1 nonimmigrant student

M-1 principal must be maintaining valid student status with an active I-20

Proof of qualifying relationship to M-1 holder

Sufficient financial support must be demonstrated by the M-1 principal

Intent to depart the US when M-1 principal's status ends

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport (must remain valid at least 6 months beyond intended US stay)

DS-160 application confirmation page

US visa-compliant photo

MRV fee payment receipt

Copy of M-1 principal's valid I-20 and M-1 visa

Proof of relationship: marriage certificate (for spouse) or birth certificate (for children)

Evidence of M-1 principal's financial ability to support dependents during stay

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Allows immediate family to accompany or join M-1 vocational student in the US
Unmarried children under 21 may attend US public or private K–12 school
Status duration is straightforward — mirrors the M-1 principal's authorized period
Can travel in and out of the US while M-1 principal remains in valid status

Worth Knowing

M-2 holders are NOT authorized to work in the United States under any circumstances
Adult M-2 dependents (spouses) may not engage in full-time postsecondary study; a separate F or M visa is required for that
Status is wholly dependent on M-1 principal maintaining valid student status
If M-1 principal's program ends, is terminated, or lapses, M-2 status is simultaneously affected
Must depart within 30 days of the M-1 principal's program end date
Failure to depart timely voids the visa under INA Section 222(g), impacting future US visa qualification

Application Process

Confirm M-1 principal is enrolled and holds a valid I-20 issued by a SEVP-certified vocational institution

Complete Form DS-160 online at ceac.state.gov

Pay the $185 MRV nonimmigrant visa application fee

Schedule a visa interview at the nearest US Embassy or Consulate

Attend the interview with all required supporting documents

Application Forms

DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application	Fill online
I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	Fill online

Verified Claims (37)

Last verified Jul 2, 2026

Application Steps

Confirm M-1 principal is enrolled and holds a valid I-20 issued by a SEVP-certified vocational insti…

travel.state.gov

Blockers

—

travel.state.gov

Can Convert To

us-f-1

travel.state.gov

Living in United States

Cost of Living

Baseline

Avg Salary$51,000

Quality of Life

186/200

Full Country Guide

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Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be the spouse or unmarried child under 21 of a valid M-1 nonimmigrant student

M-1 principal must be maintaining valid student status with an active I-20

Proof of qualifying relationship to M-1 holder

Sufficient financial support must be demonstrated by the M-1 principal

Intent to depart the US when M-1 principal's status ends

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport (must remain valid at least 6 months beyond intended US stay)

DS-160 application confirmation page

US visa-compliant photo

MRV fee payment receipt

Copy of M-1 principal's valid I-20 and M-1 visa

Proof of relationship: marriage certificate (for spouse) or birth certificate (for children)

Evidence of M-1 principal's financial ability to support dependents during stay

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Allows immediate family to accompany or join M-1 vocational student in the US
Unmarried children under 21 may attend US public or private K–12 school
Status duration is straightforward — mirrors the M-1 principal's authorized period
Can travel in and out of the US while M-1 principal remains in valid status

Worth Knowing

M-2 holders are NOT authorized to work in the United States under any circumstances
Adult M-2 dependents (spouses) may not engage in full-time postsecondary study; a separate F or M visa is required for that
Status is wholly dependent on M-1 principal maintaining valid student status
If M-1 principal's program ends, is terminated, or lapses, M-2 status is simultaneously affected
Must depart within 30 days of the M-1 principal's program end date
Failure to depart timely voids the visa under INA Section 222(g), impacting future US visa qualification

Application Process