USA F2/M2 Student Family Visa

If you hold an F1 Student Visa or M1 Vocational Student Visa, you can apply for the F2/M2 family visa to bring your family to the USA.

These visas open doors for the families of students studying in the USA, but passing through this door is not always easy. For those curious about the details behind visa applications and how the process works, this blog post will guide you and help you find answers to your questions.

Don't forget to check the subheadings for details!

What is the F2/M2 Family Visa and How to Obtain It?

As the name suggests, it covers the families of students studying in the USA. These visa types are non-immigrant visas that allow the spouses and unmarried children under 21 of those studying in the USA with an F1/M1 visa to stay together during the student's educational period.

You can apply for the F2/M2 visa after the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services approves the F1/M1 visa application.

Following the application, you must fill out the DS-160 Form (Non-Immigrant Visa Application) and apply to the US consulate, schedule an appointment, and prepare the necessary documents listed below before the appointment.

What Documents Are Required for the USA F2/M2 Student Family Visa?

In addition to the DS-160 visa application form used for tourist visa applications, additional documents are required for the student family visa.

Here are the required documents for the USA F2/M2 visas:

• DS-160 Visa Application Form; must be filled out completely and in English through online channels. The content of the form consists of a summary based on travel and the applicant's personal information.
• I-20 Form; is part of the visa procedures defined for student families in the USA. This form must be obtained from the school where the student is studying in the USA and must be based on approval.
• Visa Request Letter; is a document addressed to the consulate stating that the applicant will cover all their needs with their own income and explaining the purpose of the visit. In your F2/M2 student family visa application, you should include details about your spouse's or parent's school or university and explain why you want to visit them.
• Copy of the Student's F1/M1 Visa; a copy of the visa previously obtained by the student must also be included in the file.
• Passport; must be presented with at least 6 months of validity remaining after the end of the trip.
• 2 Biometric Photos
• Copy of Your Marriage Certificate
• Full Birth Certificate
• Copy of ID Card
• Proof of sufficient financial resources to support your family during your stay in the USA.
• Proof that you will return home when the F1 student completes their education. This could be a plane ticket to a destination not included in US territory or any evidence of strong ties to your home country.

Our Warnings Regarding the F2/M2 Visa

Having an approved USA student family visa does not mean that parents can easily enter the USA. Because upon entry into the country, relevant customs officials must also conduct an inspection and grant approval. Below are important points to pay attention to.

• Parents can also bring their unmarried children under 21 years old to the USA with the Student Family Visa.
   
• Families of students who entered with an F1 student visa must apply for the F2 visa; families of students who entered with an M1 vocational training visa must apply for the M2 visa.
• Remember that the information of your relatives must be included in your I-20 Form. Since your school is responsible for your status in the USA, both you and your family must be registered in SEVIS. The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a database used by the Department of Homeland Security to record information about foreign students.

Can I Study in the USA with an F2/M2 Visa?

Your spouse may not be allowed to pursue full-time education, but your children can only attend full-time elementary or middle school. On the other hand, your spouse can apply to participate in a vocational or recreational training course.

Can I Renew My F2/M2 Visa?

Both F1 and F2 visas are non-immigrant permits. This means that the visa holder must leave the USA when the period of study ends.

The applicant can renew their F1 Visa status as long as they meet the specified requirements. As a general rule, F2 Visa holders can stay in the USA until the expiration date written on the F1 permit. The same situation applies to family visas for those studying with M2 in the USA.

We wish you easy travels.

References

• ais.usvisa-info.com/tr
• mfa.gov.tr
• tr.usembassy.gov