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M-2 — Dependent of M-1 Vocational Student
United StatesUnited States•North America
Open

M-2 — Dependent of M-1 Vocational Student

Residency Pathway

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 weeks – 2 months

Estimated Cost

USD $185

Stay Duration

1 year

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

No dependents

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information
United States flag

Living in United States

Cost of Living
Baseline
Avg Salary$52,000
Quality of Life
185/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

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

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United States

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Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

F-1 — Student Visa
United States flagUnited 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

1

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

2

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

3

Pay the $185 MRV nonimmigrant visa application fee

4

Schedule a visa interview at the nearest US Embassy or Consulate

5

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

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