United States•North America

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F-2 — Dependent of F-1 Student

Residency Pathway

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 weeks – 6 months

Varies by processing route

Estimated Cost

$435 USD

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

60 days

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

No dependents

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 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.

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Cost Breakdown

MRV nonimmigrant visa application fee$185 USD

Visa issuance fee—

SEVIS I-901 fee$0 USD

Visa Integrity Fee$250 USD

Total$435 USD

Processing Time

Standard (low-volume post)	2 weeks – 1 month
Standard (high-volume post)	1–3 months
Administrative processing	2–6 months

Stay & Extensions

Status type

Tied to program duration

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

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

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

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)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

No SEVIS I-901 fee required for F-2 dependents
Visa can be issued up to 365 days before the F-1 program start date
Entry permitted up to 30 days before the F-1 program begins
F-2 children may attend K-12 public or private school

Worth Knowing

F-2 holders are NOT authorized to work in any capacity
F-2 children may not enroll in a full course of study at a college or university without changing to F-1 status
Status is entirely dependent on the F-1 student maintaining valid status
Must depart within 60 days after the F-1 student's program ends
Each family member requires their own separate Form I-20

Application Process

F-1 student's SEVP-approved school issues a separate Form I-20 for each dependent

Complete the DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application online

Pay the $185 MRV application fee

Schedule and attend a visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate

Provide required documents including proof of relationship to F-1 student

Pay the $250 Visa Integrity Fee upon visa approval/issuance

Application Forms

DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application	Fill online
I-20 Certificate of qualification for Nonimmigrant Student Status	Fill online

Verified Claims (37)

Last verified Jul 2, 2026

Application Steps

F-1 student's SEVP-approved school issues a separate Form I-20 for each dependent; Complete the DS-1…

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Living in United States

Cost of Living

Baseline

Avg Salary$51,000

Quality of Life

186/200

Full Country Guide

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Overview

Spouse or unmarried child (under 21) of an F-1 student. Cannot work; limited study 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.

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

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

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

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)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

No SEVIS I-901 fee required for F-2 dependents
Visa can be issued up to 365 days before the F-1 program start date
Entry permitted up to 30 days before the F-1 program begins
F-2 children may attend K-12 public or private school

Worth Knowing

F-2 holders are NOT authorized to work in any capacity
F-2 children may not enroll in a full course of study at a college or university without changing to F-1 status
Status is entirely dependent on the F-1 student maintaining valid status
Must depart within 60 days after the F-1 student's program ends
Each family member requires their own separate Form I-20

Application Process