The F2 visa, specifically created for the immediate family of F1 visa holders, can be a great option for anyone wanting to accompany their parent or spouse to the US as they embark on their academic adventure.
The F2 is designed to keep families together, which we at Remitly know can be extremely important. It allows the spouses—and unmarried children under the age of 21—of F1 visa holders to stay in the US with them while they study. Here’s our 2025 F2 visa guide, exploring its benefits, specific requirements, and who can apply.
What is an F2 visa?
An F2 visa allows the immediate family of an F1 visa holder to accompany them into the US while they complete their studies. Classed as a non-immigrant visa, the F2 only allows temporary relocation to the country, usually covering the period of the F1 visa holder’s study.
There are restrictions on both working and studying if you’re in the US on the F2 visa. However, what the F2 visa does is provide a way for the immediate family of foreign students to remain together, temporarily relocating to the US as one unit. However, that means when the F1 visa holder’s visa expires, so do any F2 visas connected with it.
Key benefits of the F2 visa
- Families can stay together. The biggest advantage of the F2 visa is that it allows families to stay together while the F1 visa holder is undertaking their studies
- Legal status in the US. F2 visa holders are legally allowed to remain in the US for the duration of their visa. This is not a visa for anybody looking for permanent relocation to the country—in fact F2 holders have to show they have plans to return to their home nation. But for some people it might mark the start of the route towards living in the US permanently—it depends on other regulations and requirements, and often requires the F1 visa holder to get permanent residency first.
- Children can continue their education. The F2 visa allows children of F1 visa holders to go to school in the US while their parent is in the country studying
Eligibility for the F2 visa
So, who’s eligible for the F2 visa? Well, the requirements are quite tight, and the F1 holders may also need to meet certain criteria.
The main one for F2 visa holders is that they must have a strong, proven relationship to the F1 visa holder. In most cases that means:
- Their spouse
- Their children, who must be under the age of 21 and unmarried
Requirements for the principal F1 visa holder
The F1 visa holder must meet for their own visa status and some other requirements before their family will be considered for F2 visas:
- A valid F1 visa is needed for an F2 visa to also be valid
- The F1 visa holder must be enrolled to undertake recognized and appropriate study
- The F2 and F1 visa holders must be able to prove that they can financially support themselves for the duration of the visa period
Who is ineligible for the F2 visa?
As the F2 is only for family members who can be classed as dependents, in most cases you wouldn’t get an F2 visa for:
- Parents
- Siblings
- Children over the age of 21
- Children under the age of 21 who are legally married
- Unmarried partners
- Cousins, aunts, or uncles
- Nephews or nieces (unless you have an F1 visa and you’re the legal guardian, and your niece/nephew is unmarried and under the age of 21).
We did say the requirements were tight!
How to apply for an F2 visa in 2025
When I was first looking at immigrating from my home country, what I found particularly helpful was breaking the visa application requirements down into steps. Getting this clear in my mind not only helped to make it a more relaxed process but also meant I didn’t miss any critical elements that might have jeopardized my application.
Step-by-step guide to the application process
Complete form DS-160
If you’re applying for an F2, the DS-160 form helps to create a clear picture of you, your history, and why you want the visa. It asks about your personal details, travel history, criminal history and where and for how long you plan to stay in the US When you’re done, print out and keep the DS-160 barcode page because you’ll need this later in the process.
You’ll need certain documents when completing your DS-160 form. This usually includes:
- Passport
- Travel itinerary
- Dates of your last five visits or trips to the United States
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Proof of your relationship to the F1 visa holder (marriage, birth or adoption certificate).
Pay the application fee
Very little comes for free, and relocating internationally is no exception. While it’s a good idea to check the specific fees when logging your application in your region, be prepared to pay $185 USD.
Schedule a visa interview
The next step in the process is to book your interview, which will happen in your home country at the US embassy or consulate. Planning ahead is an important step here as interview slots can fill up quickly. Remember also to print out and keep your interview confirmation email as you’ll need to bring this to your appointment.
Prepare required documents
Having all your documentation in place is key when you apply for the F2 visa. Check the US immigration website at the time you’re applying. However, you’ll generally need:
- Birth and marriage certificates
- DS-160 confirmation
- Proof of F1 holder’s status
- Passport (which should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended visit)
- Fee receipts
- I-20 form
Attend the interview
During your interview, you’ll probably be asked questions regarding your relationship with the F1 visa holder. You’ll also be asked about any activities you plan to undertake while in the US and questions about your background and relevant history.
Wait for approval or denial
Next is simply to wait for the approval or denial of your visa. The F2 visa processing time does vary, but between one and three months is a good guide.
Application tips to avoid delays or rejections
The more prepared you are for your visa application process, the better chance there is to avoid delay or potential rejection. When applying for the F2 visa make sure:
- You have all required documents ready and up to the correct standard. In many cases, this means original documents, and/or having documents translated or certified.
- Make sure you have a valid I-20 form. This can be issued by the educational institution of the F1 holder.
- Show clear evidence of a strong financial position. As you’re not allowed to work while in the US on the F2 visa, you must be able to show that you can support yourself for the duration of your stay.
- Make sure all the information you give is accurate. Inaccuracies in your forms or interview answers can flag and result in delays or visa rejections.
Rights and restrictions of the F2 visa
While living in the US, F2 visa holders are bound by the US legal system like everybody else. But there are also some specific conditions that apply to F2 visa holders:
- Work: F2 visa holders are not permitted to work in any capacity while in the US. This includes paid and unpaid work, for US or foreign countries.
- Study options for dependents: Children are allowed to attend elementary, middle, and high school while holding F2 status
- Further studying in the US on an F2 visa: Once a child has finished high school, further study in the US on the F2 visa is not allowed—this means you can’t enroll in any sort of post-secondary education for credits
- Travel: You can travel internationally to and from the US, provided you maintain a valid F2 status and a valid and up-to-date passport
Renewal or extension processes if F1 visa is extended
If the F1 visa holder’s immigration status is extended, a dependent F2 visa holder can extend their visa too. To do this, the F2 holder will need to get a new I-20 form reflecting the new dates. If traveling out of the US on an extended F2 visa, you’ll also need to renew your visa at the US consulate to be granted re-entry.
Preparing for your F2 journey
Applying for an F2 visa is an exciting, and sometimes nerve-wracking, time. Ensuring you have all the right information and know all the ins and outs of the application process helps to make it as stress free as possible. Whether you are just starting your visa journey or are looking for clarification further along the way, our F2 visa guide is here to help.
Ensuring that you have all your documents organized as early as possible and filled out completely is always recommended, especially right now when things are changing fast. Making sure you’re familiar with the current rules for F2 visa holders, and the relevant US immigration laws, can help to avoid any accidental breaches that could compromise your visa.
FAQs
Can I work in the US on an F2 visa?
No. Working while on an F2 visa is strictly prohibited. In fact, working while on an F2 visa can even result in deportation or being barred from re-entry to the US. These restrictions include paid work, voluntary work, and even working remotely for a foreign company.
Can children on F2 visas attend public school in the US?
Yes. Children can attend elementary, middle or high school while on an F2 visa. This includes both public and private schools.
What happens if my F1 visa-holding family member changes their visa status?
As F2 visas are bound tightly to F1 visa holders, if your F1 visa holder changes their visa status, then your F2 visa will no longer be valid. This means that you will also need to change your visa status or you’ll need to leave the US
How long does F2 visa processing usually take?
The processing time can vary for an F2 visa, but in general, you can expect between one and three months for processing time.
What happens if I turn 21 while on an F1 visa?
If you’re on an F2 visa as a dependent of an F1 visa holder and you turn 21, you’ll need to get a different visa.