The F-2 visa is a dependent visa for the family members of F-1 holders. F-2 holders are allowed to study in the U.S. but not to work.
The F-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued by the United States to the family members of F-1 international students. F-2 visa holders are typically the spouses and children under 21 years old of F-1 students.
Study Permit
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F-2 visa holders who are children of F-1 students can attend elementary and secondary school in the U.S. However, to enroll in a full-time university program, they must change to F-1 visa.
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F-2 visa holders who are spouses of F-1 students are allowed to study part-time or take courses for recreational purposes. To pursue a full-time university program, they must also change to an F-1 visa.
Work Permit
- F-2 visa holders are not permitted to work in the U.S.
- Unpaid volunteer work is allowed, as long as it does not involve any form of monetary compensation.
Duration
- The validity of the F-2 status depends on the F-1 visa holder's status. If the F-1 holder loses their status due to factors such as completion of studies, withdrawal, and expiration of OPT, the F-2 holder's status will also become invalid.
- If the F-1 visa holder's status becomes invalid, they must leave the U.S. within the 60-day grace period. In this case, their F-2 dependents are also required to depart within the same period.