Every foreigner who wants to enter the United States temporarily has to obtain a visa matching the purpose of the visit or stay. If you’re moving to the country for full-time study at a vocational, technical, or other non-academic program, an M1 visa is the best fit. However, this visa doesn’t cover your family. In their case, each dependent must apply for an M2 visa to live legally in the US.
At Remitly, we value family ties. So, we’ve prepared this M2 visa guide for 2025 to help clear any confusion about the eligibility criteria and application process. We’ll offer straightforward guidance on required documents and timelines, address concerns about potential restrictions, and share up-to-date information on changes you should know about. Let’s dive in.
What is the M2 visa?
The M2 visa is a non-immigrant visa reserved for the immediate family members of an M1 visa holder. Under its provisions, M2 visa holders can reside in the US for the duration of the M1 student’s vocational or non-academic program.
If you have an M1 visa, the M2 visa allows you to bring your dependents along. However, the M2 authorization isn’t one of the types of student visas in the US, nor is it a separate visa in itself. Its status is firmly tied to that of an M1 visa.
Who qualifies as a dependent?
If you plan to apply for an M2 visa, keep in mind that only two categories of people qualify as dependents of an M1 visa holder. They include:
- the spouse of a valid M1 visa holder
- unmarried children under the age of 21 years
Unfortunately, family members outside these two groups do not qualify for an M2 visa.
M2 visa validity period
The M1 visa is valid for one year, with a possible extension of up to three years. However, it cannot be extended beyond three years after your program start date.
The validity period for an M2 visa for dependents is tied to the status of the principal M1 visa holder. As long as the M1 student maintains a valid status, the M2 visa holder can stay in the US. Additionally, both will get a 30-day grace period after the M1 student’s program ends.
Eligibility criteria for M2 visa applicants
Although the M2 visa is reserved only for an M1 student’s closest family members, applicants must still meet the set eligibility criteria. The requirements are as follows:
- Applicants must show they intend to stay in the US only to accompany an M1 student
- They must return to their country of origin after the M1 student’s vocational or non-academic program ends
- Have no authorization to work in the US
- Each applicant should file a separate M2 visa application form
- Must also possess a valid passport
M2 visa benefits
While limited in its scope, this visa gives holders some unique benefits:
- M2 visa holders can live legally in the US for the duration of the M1 visa holder’s studies
- Children can study in the US from kindergarten to grade 12
- Spouses and children may also take post-secondary recreational or avocational studies on a part-time basis at SEVP-certified schools
M2 visa restrictions
Although an M2 visa allows you to accompany an M1 student in the US for their studies, holders aren’t allowed to study full-time, like undertaking a degree course.
Holders also can’t work in the US without getting the appropriate visa.
How to apply for an M2 visa
Obtaining a US visa can be challenging if you don’t follow the set procedures. In fact, this is usually the most stressful part of the trip for many travelers. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed by the process and documentation requirements, or worry about receiving approval on time. Being informed will help you understand your responsibilities and prepare for the process ahead.
Requirements for M2 visa
Wondering about how to apply for an M2 visa? The first step is getting your documentation in order. Generally, the requirements for M2 visas are as follows:
- A valid passport
- Proof of your relationship to the M1 visa holder, such as a birth certificate or marriage license
- Proof of financial support throughout your stay in the US
- The M1 student’s Form I-20
- Fully filled application form for each applicant
- Visa application fee payment receipt
- Visa interview booking
- Passport photos following the US visa photo requirements
Step-by-step guide to the M2 visa application process
To complete the M2 visa application process successfully, just follow these steps:
Step 1: The M1 visa holder receives their own signed Form I-20 from their school, as well as one for each M2 visa applicant.
Also known as the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, Form I-20 details the M1 visa holder’s program details, such as start date. This information proves that the M1 visa holder is legally in the US and helps establish the validity of the M2 visa.
Step 2: Each M2 applicant must complete Form DS-160, the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, and ensure the details provided are factual and clear.
Filling out this application takes about 90 minutes. Don’t worry if you can’t spare the time: start as soon as possible and save your progress to continue later. Then, print the DS-160 confirmation page to present at your visa interview.
Step 3: Pay the nonrefundable visa application fee of $185 USD. You can confirm the current fees and exchange rate with your local US Embassy or Consulate.
Step 4: Schedule a visa interview at the embassy or consulate near you. Typically, the US exempts visa applicants aged 13 and below or 80 and above from visa interviews. Applicants between 14 and 79 years old are always interviewed. However, a consular officer may decide to interview all applicants, regardless of age.
Step 5: Attend the visa interview at the embassy or consulate with the supporting documents outlined above. Ensure that all attached documents are accurate and error-free to reduce the risk of delays or refusal.
During the interview, you’ll be asked some questions to assess your intention to travel to the US, your relationship with the M1 visa holder, and your knowledge of the visa limitations. Being accurate, concise, and honest is key. While it’s impossible to know all the questions in advance, here are a few common ones:
- Why are you applying for an M2 visa?
- What is your relationship to the M1 visa holder?
- What school is the M1 visa holder attending?
- What vocational program or course are they enrolled in?
- What is the course duration?
- Do you have proof of your relationship?
- When did you get married?
- Describe the proposal and wedding ceremony.
- What will you do while in the US?
- Will you be studying or working in the US? This is a trick question, as the M2 visa restricts these activities.
- Who is going to support you financially while in the US?
Step 6: Track the status of your application online to stay updated on the final decision.
Common challenges in the M2 visa application process
The M2 visa application is simple. However, some applicants face challenges leading to refusals or delays.
The US Department of State lists some common reasons for visa refusals, such as being found ineligible or having two or more criminal convictions.
You might also make some common mistakes that hinder the process. Take a look at some of these common challenges and their potential solutions:
| Common challenge or mistake | Possible solutions |
| Inaccurate or incomplete documents | Ensure details like names, dates of birth, and passport numbers are similar across all documents.
Avoid spelling inconsistencies and verify your financial documents, such as bank statements and sponsor letters. |
| Assuming you can work or study in the US | Understand your visa limitations and adhere to them.. |
| Inability to prove legitimate family relationships | Submit official documents like marriage and birth certificates, and support your case with family and wedding photos. |
| Lack of convincing intent to return to your country of origin | Show strong ties to your home country, like title deeds, school enrollment, evidence of a job or unpaid leave, and clear post-study plans. |
| Lack of sufficient evidence of financial support | Provide certified bank statements, sponsor affidavits, or prepaid tuition and accommodation in the US. |
| Poor interview performance | Don’t panic. Clearly explain your relationship to the M1 visa holder, provide evidence, and outline why the M1 visa holder is going to the US. Also, focus on explaining your intention to return home and your understanding of M2 visa benefits and restrictions. |
M2 visa regulations updates for 2025
As of May 27, 2025, the US Department of State instituted an immediate pause on scheduling new M2 visa appointments. This break was to implement enhanced social media screening for foreign student visa applicants to align with new government policy and for national security purposes.
Keep monitoring official channels and reputable news sources to stay updated on any further changes and the resumption of US visa services worldwide.
Studying in the US is a dream for many, and the M2 visa makes it possible to be with your closest family for the duration of your studies. To reduce the chances of refusals or delays, understand the benefits, limitations, and requirements for M2 visas. Also, keenly follow updates from your local consulate or embassy to know how and when to make your next move.
FAQs
Who is eligible for an M2 visa?
The M2 visa is reserved for only the closest dependents of an M1 visa holder, including spouses and unmarried children below the age of 21.
Can M2 visa holders work and study in the US?
No. The M2 visa doesn’t authorize you to work or study full-time in the US. However, holders can enroll in recreational or avocational studies.
What’s the validity period of an M2 visa?
The M2 is valid as long as the M1 visa holder’s status is valid. This is usually for one, but it can be extended up to three years.
What is the 2025 policy change on M2 visa applications?
The US Department of State has instituted an immediate pause on scheduling new M2 visa appointments as of 27 May 2025. This break is in place to implement enhanced social media screening and vetting for foreign student visa applicants. These changes could delay your travel plans to the US.