Acceptable Length of Stay for F2 Applicants in the US

For F-2 visa applicants (spouse and children) of an F-1 visa holder, the length of stay in the United States is tied to the F-1 visa holder’s status. The F-2 visa allows the spouse and children to stay in the U.S. for as long as the primary F-1 visa holder maintains valid F-1 status.

Key Points:

1. Dependence on F-1 Status: The F-2 visa duration is dependent on the F-1 visa holder’s status. As long as the F-1 student is maintaining their status and has a valid Form I-20, the F-2 dependents can remain in the U.S.

2. Validity of Form I-20: The F-2 dependents must also have their own valid Form I-20, which is issued by the educational institution and should reflect their relationship to the F-1 visa holder.

3. Extension of Stay: If the F-1 student extends their stay by obtaining a program extension, Optional Practical Training (OPT), or any other valid means, the F-2 dependents can also apply to extend their stay accordingly.

4. Restrictions on Activities: F-2 dependents are not allowed to work in the U.S. They can study part-time (in the case of spouses) or full-time (in the case of children, as long as they are in elementary or secondary school).

5. Departure Requirement: F-2 dependents are required to depart the U.S. if the F-1 student completes their program, changes their status, or otherwise loses their F-1 status.

Application Process for F-2 Visa:

1. Obtain Form I-20 for Dependents: The F-1 visa holder’s educational institution must issue a separate Form I-20 for each dependent.

2. Visa Application: F-2 dependents must apply for their visas at a U.S. embassy or consulate, providing the necessary documentation, including their Form I-20, proof of relationship to the F-1 visa holder, and evidence of financial support.

3. Interview: Dependents may need to attend a visa interview, where they should demonstrate their intent to return to their home country after the F-1 visa holder’s program is completed.

Conclusion:

The length of stay for F-2 visa holders is directly linked to the F-1 visa holder’s status and their duration of stay in the U.S. As long as the F-1 visa holder maintains their status and the dependents have valid Form I-20s, the F-2 visa holders can remain in the U.S. If the F-1 visa holder extends their stay, the F-2 dependents must ensure their status is similarly extended.

For more detailed and current information, it's advisable to refer to the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) websites.